Top 13 Ways to Fix Windows 10 Network Adapter Missing Issue
This may be due to many reasons, but the most obvious is that of any recent software that manipulates it. It is quite possible that a malicious software disrupts your computer – this is the worst case.
Do not worry. Once the network card is back, you can use the Internet without problems. But for that, you must first solve the problem of the network card.
That's what we're going to help you with. In this article, you will find 13 ways to solve the missing problem of the network adapter driver in Windows 10.
Let's see the solutions.
1. Restart your PC
If there is a magic cure in the world of technology, it restarts the device. Restart your Windows 10 device to check if the adapter is back up and running.
2. Put the laptop in sleep mode
Some users have suggested that putting the laptop into sleep mode by closing its lid for a while would also solve the problem of the lack of a network card.
3. Remove the power cable
Another way to solve the problem is to stay helpless for a moment. This is to turn off your PC and unplug the power cord. Wait at least 10 seconds. Then reconnect the power cord and turn on the unit.
4. Remove the battery
Removing the battery causes the motherboard of your laptop to reset its settings, which solves all problems. If your laptop supports a removable battery, shut it down first. Then remove the battery cover and remove it for a few seconds. Insert it again and turn on your laptop. Hopefully the network card will be back.
5. Solve network problems
Windows 10 provides a competent troubleshooting tool, known to solve various problems. Here we will take the help of the troubleshooting utility dedicated to network adapters.
Follow these steps to start the troubleshooting process:
Step 1: Open the settings from the Start menu or press the Windows + I key.
2nd step: Click Update & Security.
Step 3: Select Troubleshooting in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click Network Adapter, then Run Troubleshooter. Follow the instructions on the screen to start the process.
Professional advice: Type help in the Windows search to directly open the troubleshooting screen.
6. Update the network drive
If the network card is visible in Device Manager, you can also try to update it. Sometimes the problem is due to a bug in the version of the driver installed on your system. Thus, the update can solve the problem missing from the network card.
To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click the Start menu icon and select Device Manager from it. You can also press the Windows + R keys. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
2nd step: Click the little down arrow next to Network Cards. Right-click your network adapter. This is usually Realtek / Broadcom or a wireless network written next to it. Select Update Driver. Finish the process and restart your computer.
7. Uninstall or restore the adapter
If updating the driver does not solve the problem, try going back to a previous version or uninstalling it. Start by going back. If you uninstall it, your system will install the driver automatically after a reboot.
To uninstall, follow the steps mentioned in the driver activation. However, after right-clicking the driver, choose Uninstall Device.
To go back, click Properties after right clicking on the driver. Under Properties, go to the Driver tab and click Back to the previous version. Restart your system.
8. Activate the driver
Sometimes the driver is disabled and that's why you can not connect to the internet. To resolve this problem, you must enable the driver.
To do this, open the Device Manager as described above. Then, right-click your network driver under Network Adapters and select Enable Driver.
9. Install the driver
If the driver is not visible under Network Adapters, you will find it under Other Devices or Unknown Devices. There will be a yellow icon next to it. Right-click the driver and select Update Driver from the list. Restart your device.
10. Show hidden drivers in Device Manager
If the network adapter does not display even after following the fixes mentioned above, it may be hidden.
To make it visible, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu icon.
2nd stepNote: In Device Manager, click the Show option on the toolbar at the top and select Show hidden devices.
Step 3: Click the Action option and select Scan for Hardware Changes.
Step 4: If the adapter appears in the list under Unknown Devices, update it.
11. Check the physical network buttons
Make sure airplane mode is off on your system. Also, look for a physical button for Wi-Fi, use it to enable Wi-Fi.
12. Disable VPN and antivirus
If you are using a virtual private network on your computer, try disabling or uninstalling it for a while. Then restart your PC.
Likewise, disable the antivirus or check if an update is available. Sometimes even the antivirus requires a reboot.
13. Reset network settings
Finally, if nothing works, reset the network settings. This will return all network settings to their default values. Do not worry, it will not interfere with your data.
To reset the network, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the settings on your PC.
Point: Use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the settings
2nd step: Click Network and Internet.
Step 3: Scroll down the Status screen and click Network reset.
Step 4: Confirm your decision by clicking Reset Now.
Is your Windows updated?
We hope that the above solutions would have brought the network card back to your PC. If this persists, we also suggest that you check the Windows Update Service. Sometimes, there is an incompatibility between the network card and the current version of Windows. Look for an available update under Settings> Update and Security.
Then: Once Internet connectivity is restored, follow its speed with the help of a speed monitoring tool in the taskbar. Learn how to use the tool by adding it to the Windows 10 status bar.