Guide: Fix ‘Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing’ Issue
Nobody appreciates it when the internet stops working out of nowhere on their PC. Unfortunately, many of us have encountered the problem because of the naughty network adapter. The network adapter disappears from Device Manager or you get a message that the network adapter is missing. Because the adapter is missing, one cannot connect to the internet. The reasons for that can be many, but the most obvious is any recent software that fiddles with it. It’s very possible that a malware is interfering with your computer – that’s the worst scenario. Do not you worry. Once the network adapter is back, you can surf the web without any hassle. But before that, you need to fix the network adapter problem first. We help you with that. In this post, you will find 13 ways to solve the problem of missing network adapter driver on Windows 10. Let’s take a look at the solutions.
1. Restart your PC
If there is a magical cure in the world of technology, it is to restart the device. Restart your Windows 10 device to check if the adapter is active again.
2. Move Laptop in sleep mode
Some users have suggested that posting the laptop in sleep mode by closing the lid for some time also solves the network adapter problem.
3. Remove the power cable
Another way to fix the problem is to remain powerless for a while. That is, turn off your PC and unplug the power cord. Wait at least 10 seconds. Then plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and turn on the machine.
4. Remove the battery
Removing the battery will remove the motherboard from your laptop to soft reset the settings to fix any issues. If your laptop supports a removable battery, turn it off first. Then remove the battery cover and take the battery out for a few seconds. Place it again and turn your laptopHopefully the network adapter is back.
5. Solve the network problem
Windows 10 offers a proficient troubleshooter that is known to fix various issues. Here we will take the help of the dedicated network adapter troubleshooter. Follow these steps to start the troubleshooting process: Step 1: Open Settings from the Start menu or press Windows key + I.
Step 2: Click Update and Security.
Step 3: Select Troubleshoot in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click on Network adapter followed by the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the process. Pro Tip Type troubleshooting in the Windows search to directly access the Troubleshooting screen.
6. Update the network disk
If the network adapter is visible in Device Manager, you can also try updating it. Sometimes the problem is due to a bug in the driver version installed on your system. So updating it can fix the network adapter missing problem. Follow these steps to fix the problem: Step 1: Right-click on the Start Menu icon and select Device Manager. You can also press Windows key + R. Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
Step 2: Click the small down arrow next to Network adapters. Right click on your network adapter. It’s usually from Realtek / Broadcom or it says wireless next to it. Select Update Driver. Complete the process and restart your computer.
7. Remove or reinsert the adapter
If updating the driver did not fix the problem, try rolling back to a previous version or removing it. Start by rolling back. If you uninstall it, your system will automatically install the driver after it reboots. Follow the steps listed when enabling the driver to uninstall. After right-clicking on the driver, choose Uninstall device.
To return, click Properties after right-clicking the driver. Under Properties, go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver. Reboot your system.
8. Enable Driver
Sometimes the driver is disabled and therefore you cannot connect to the internet. To fix the problem, you need to enable the driver. To do that, open Device Manager as shown above. Then right-click on your network driver under Network adapters and select Enable driver.
9. Install the driver
If the driver is not visible under Network adapters, find it under Other devices or Unknown devices. Next to it is a yellow icon. Right-click on the driver and select Update Driver from the list. Restart your device.
10. Show hidden drivers in Device Manager
If the network adapter doesn’t show up even after following the above fixes, it might be hidden. Follow these steps to make it visible: Step 1: Open the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start Menu icon. Step 2: In Device Manager, click the View option in the top toolbar and select Show hidden devices.
Step 3: Click the Action option and select Scan for hardware changes.
Step 4: If the adapter is listed under Unknown devices, update it.
11. Check the physical network Buttons
Make sure airplane mode is turned off on your system. Also check for a physical button for Wi-Fi, use it to turn on Wi-Fi.
12. Turn off VPN and Antivirus
If you are using VPN on your computer, try turning it off or removing it for a while. Then restart your PC. Similarly, disable the antivirus or check if an update is available. Sometimes even the antivirus requires a restart.
13. Reset network settings
Finally, if nothing works, reset the network settings. Doing so will reset all network settings to their defaults. Don’t worry, it won’t interfere with your data. Follow these steps to reset the network: Step 1: Open Settings on your PC. Tip Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I to open Settings Step 2: Click on Network and Internet.
Step 3: Scroll down on the status screen and click Network reset.
Step 4: Confirm your decision by clicking Reset now.
Has your Windows been updated?
We hope the above solutions brought back the network adapter on your PC. If it persists, we recommend that you also check the Windows update service. Sometimes there is a difference between the network adapter and the current Windows version. Look for an available update under Settings> Update & security. The next up Once the internet connection is back, monitor the speed with a speed monitor in the taskbar. To learn how to use the tool by adding it to the Windows 10 status bar.
Fix ‘Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing’ Issue: benefits
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