Key takeaways:
- Missing network adapter drivers can prevent your computer from connecting to the internet
- Updating, reinstalling, or rolling back network adapter drivers can often resolve the issue
- Resetting network settings and checking for Windows updates may also help fix the problem
- Disabling antivirus software temporarily and showing hidden devices are additional troubleshooting steps
If you’re experiencing issues with your network adapter not being detected or working properly in Windows 10, it can be a frustrating problem that prevents you from connecting to the internet. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve missing network adapter drivers.
Table of Contents
Check for Windows Updates
One of the first things you should do when encountering network adapter issues is to ensure that your Windows 10 operating system is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and driver improvements.
To check for updates:
- Open the Settings app
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
If any updates are available, especially those related to network adapters, install them and restart your computer.
Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches and refresh your system, including network adapter drivers. Before proceeding with more advanced troubleshooting, try restarting your computer to see if it fixes the issue.
Uninstall or Roll Back Network Adapter Drivers
If your network adapter suddenly stopped working after a driver update or you suspect the current driver may be corrupted, you can try uninstalling or rolling back the driver.
To uninstall the network adapter driver:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager
- Expand the Network adapters category
- Right-click on your network adapter and select Uninstall device
- Check the box for Delete the driver software for this device (if available)
- Click Uninstall
After uninstalling, restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
To roll back the network adapter driver:
- Open Device Manager and locate your network adapter
- Right-click the adapter and select Properties
- Go to the Driver tab
- Click Roll Back Driver (if available)
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily
In some cases, antivirus software may interfere with network adapter drivers, causing them to malfunction or disappear. To rule this out, temporarily disable your antivirus program and check if the issue persists.
If disabling the antivirus resolves the problem, consider adding exceptions for your network adapter or switching to a different antivirus solution.
Show Hidden Devices
If your network adapter is not visible in Device Manager, it may be hidden. To show hidden devices:
- Open Device Manager
- Click on View in the top menu
- Select Show hidden devices
After enabling this option, check if your network adapter appears in the list. If it does, you can try updating or reinstalling the driver.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can help resolve various network-related issues, including missing network adapter drivers. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app
- Click on Network & Internet
- Scroll down and click on Network reset
- Click the Reset now button
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Keep in mind that resetting network settings will remove all your saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN connections, so you’ll need to set them up again afterward.
Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common issues. To run the Network Adapter troubleshooter:
- Open the Settings app
- Click on Update & Security
- Click on Troubleshoot
- Under “Find and fix other problems,” click on Network Adapter
- Click Run the troubleshooter
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes
Manually Install Network Adapter Drivers
If none of the above methods work, you can try manually installing the latest network adapter drivers from your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
- Visit your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s website
- Navigate to the support or downloads section
- Enter your computer or motherboard model number
- Download the latest network adapter drivers for your specific model
- Open Device Manager, right-click on your network adapter, and select Update driver
- Choose Browse my computer for driver software
- Select the downloaded driver file and follow the installation prompts
FAQ
What causes network adapter drivers to go missing?
Network adapter drivers can go missing due to various reasons, such as:
- Windows updates that introduce compatibility issues
- Corrupted or outdated drivers
- Interference from antivirus software
- Hardware malfunctions
Can I use a generic network adapter driver if I can’t find a specific one for my model?
While using a generic network adapter driver may work in some cases, it’s always best to use the driver specifically designed for your computer or motherboard model to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and your network adapter still isn’t working properly, consider contacting your computer manufacturer’s support or a professional technician for further assistance. In some cases, there may be a hardware issue that requires repair or replacement.
By following these troubleshooting steps and exploring the various solutions, you should be able to resolve most missing network adapter driver issues in Windows 10 and get your computer connected to the internet once again.
