What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

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  • Solved: Windows Could Not Find a Driver for Your Network Adapter

By Amy | Last Updated December 02, 2020

Have you ever encountered the Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter issue? Did you fix it successfully? If not, MiniTool will illustrate some methods to fix the issue in this post. You can pick one randomly to solve the error.

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Solution 1: Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter is a built-in feature in Windows, which can help you solve some issues related to hardware and devices. If Windows 10 could not find a driver for your network adapter, you can try running the troubleshooter to fix the issue. Here’s how to do.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Win and I keys.

Step 2: Go to Update & Security, and then click on Troubleshoot.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 3: Drop down the right side of the Troubleshoot page and click on Hardware and Devices.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 4: After that, click on Run as troubleshooter. Then, the program will detect problems on your hardware and devices automatically.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 5: After the troubleshooting process finishes, the troubleshooter will offer you two options (Apply this fix and Skip this fix). You can choose Apply this fix to solve the issue.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Solution 2: Reset the Router

You may be surprised at the times of resetting the router to fix Internet connectivity in Windows 10, but this operation can fix some issues indeed. By doing so, you can establish a new connection with the ISP and reset it to its default factory settings.

Step 1: Turn off the router and unplug it. Wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back.

Step 2: Turn on the router. Thereafter, press the Reset button on the router with a paperclip for approximate 15-30 seconds. Then, check if the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter issue is fixed.

Solution 3: Reinstall a Driver for the Network Adapter

The “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error message indicates that the issue could be caused by the corrupted network adapter driver. You cannot solve the issue by updating the driver without a connection. However, reinstalling the network driver works.

Here are specific steps to reinstall the driver.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog window by pressing Win and R keys.

Step 2: Type devmgmt.msc in the window and click OK to open the Device Manager.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 3: Double click Network adapters to expand it. Then right click your network adapter and click on the Uninstall device option from the elevated menu.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 4: In the pop-up window, click Uninstall to carry out the uninstallation operation.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 5: Right click on any empty space and select Scan for hardware changes. After that, Windows will detect your hardware and install the default drivers automatically. Finally, restart your PC and check if the issue is fixed.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Solution 4: Run System Restore

When the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter issue occurs, you can consider running system restore. This operation enables your computer back to a previous state that the PC runs normally.

Step 1: Open the Run window by pressing Win and R keys. Then type rstrui and hit Enter.

Step 2: Click on Next to open the system restore points list.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 3: If you want to see more system restore points, check the Show more restore points box. After selecting a system restore point, you can click Scan for affected programs box to check what software will be removed.

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Step 4: After confirming the after-effect, click Next and follow the on-screen instruction to finish the whole operation.

About The Author

What happens if Windows does not detect a network adapter?

Position: Columnist

Having writing articles about computer tech for a long time, I am rather experienced especially on the aspect of computer optimization, PC enhancement, as well as tech terms explanation. The habit of looking through tech forums makes me a great computer issues collector. And then, many articles related to these issues are released, which benefit plenty of users. Professional, effective, and innovative are always the pursuit of an editing worker.

Why is my PC not detecting my network adapter?

Right-click My Computer, click Properties, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager. Double-click Network adapters, and then verify that the correct network adapter name is selected. If you do not know the name of your network adapter, don't worry. For now, just make sure that an adapter is selected.

How do you fix Windows did not detect properly installed network adapter?

How to Fix Windows Did Not Detect Any Networking Hardware.
Perform a system restore..
Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter..
Update your network driver..
Reinstall the network driver..

Why can't Windows find a driver for my network adapter?

Simply put: Windows can't communicate with the driver powering your computer's Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter. The troubleshooter may display the error if your computer's network device driver is corrupt or outdated. Your network adapter's power management settings can also cause this error.