Fix Windows 10 Missing Network Adapter

In this article, I will discuss how to fix a missing network adapter in Windows 10.

Utilize the Built-in Network Troubleshooter

1. Right-click on the network icon in the system tray and select ‘Troubleshoot problems.’

2. Follow the prompts provided by the Network Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix any network adapter issues.

3. If the Network Troubleshooter is unable to resolve the problem, you can also try updating the network adapter driver. To do this, open Device Manager by typing ‘Device Manager’ in the Windows search bar, locate the network adapter, right-click on it, and select ‘Update driver.’

By using the Network Troubleshooter and updating the network adapter driver, you can potentially fix the issue of a missing network adapter on your Windows 10 system.

Update or Reinstall Network Adapter Driver

If your Windows 10 is missing a network adapter, you may need to update or reinstall the network adapter driver. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”.

2. Locate the Network Adapter: Expand the “Network adapters” category to see the list of network adapters installed on your computer.

3. Update or Reinstall the Driver: Right-click on the network adapter that is missing or not working properly and select “Update driver” or “Uninstall device” followed by “Scan for hardware changes”. This will either update the driver or reinstall it.

If updating or reinstalling the driver does not solve the issue, you may need to download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it manually.

Modify the Driver’s Power Management Settings

– Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
– Locate the Network adapters section and expand it.
– Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties.
– Go to the Power Management tab.
– Check the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
– Uncheck the box that says “Allow this device to wake the computer.”
– Click OK to save the changes.

Reset Winsock Settings via Command Line

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for it in the Windows search bar, right-clicking on it, and selecting Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    netsh winsock reset
  3. Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.

Conduct a System Restore

1. Access System Restore: Press the Windows key + R, type “rstrui” in the Run dialog, and press Enter.

2. Choose a Restore Point: Select a restore point before the network adapter went missing and click Next.

3. Confirm Restore Point: Double-check the details of the selected restore point and click Finish.

4. Initiate System Restore: Click Yes to confirm and let the system restore process begin.

5. Restart Your Computer: Once the system restore is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

6. Check Network Adapter: After the restart, check if the missing network adapter issue has been resolved.

By performing a System Restore, you can potentially fix the missing network adapter problem on Windows 10 without needing to reinstall drivers or troubleshoot extensively. This method can help restore your network interface controller and get you back online quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix a missing network adapter in Windows 10?

To fix a missing network adapter in Windows 10, you can try restarting and checking your internet connections, showing hidden drivers, removing the battery from your laptop, turning off your antivirus and VPN, running the network adapter troubleshooter, using the network reset tool, and checking your power management settings.

How do I reinstall a network adapter in Windows 10?

To reinstall a network adapter in Windows 10, you can right click the Windows logo in the lower left corner, select Device Manager, double click Network Adapters, and then right click on the network adapter that needs to be reinstalled. The specific name of the network adapter may vary depending on the computer.

How to install network adapter Windows 10?

To install a network adapter on Windows 10, start by inserting the adapter into your computer. Then, download and extract the updated driver. Next, right click on the Computer Icon, click Manage, open Device Manager, select Browse my computer for driver software, choose Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer, and click Next.

How do I fix no network connection on Windows 10?

To fix no network connection on Windows 10, you can try resetting your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source for at least 30 seconds before plugging them back in. Then attempt to reconnect on your PC.

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