How to Fix “Windows Could Not Find a Driver for Your Network Adapter” Error (2024)

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Written by: Sodiq Olanrewaju
Posted on: July 28th, 2022 in: Help Desk

If the Windows Network troubleshooter reports that “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter,” there’s a disconnect between your PC’s operating system and network driver. 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The troubleshooter may display the error if your computer’s network device driver is corrupt or outdated.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. The problem is easy to fix, and we’re confident the solutions listed below should get you reconnected to the internet in no time.

Table of Contents

Enable the Network Adapter

The Network troubleshooter may malfunction if your PC’s network adapter is disabled or turned off. Here’s how to check your network adapter status:

Press the Windows key, type control panel in the search bar, and select Open to launch the Control Panel.

Update Your Network Driver

It’s always a good idea to have your device drivers up-to-date. Updating your PC’s network driver can improve connection performance and fix network adapter errors.

Follow the steps below to update the network drivers on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.

Press Windows key + R to open the Windows Run window. Type devmgmt.msc in the dialog box and press Enter (or select OK).

Alternatively, right-click the Windows icon (or press Windows key + X) and select Device Manager.

Expand the “Network adapters” category, right-click the Ethernet or wireless adapter, and select Update driver.

Select Search automatically for drivers. Device Manager will search the internet and Windows Update for the latest version of the adapter. So, it’s best to select this option only if your PC has an internet connection.

Select Browse my computer for drivers to manually install a driver. You’ll find the latest version of your PC’s network adapter on the manufacturer’s website.

Note: Not all driver software updates are stable and bug-free. If a network driver update worsens your PC’s connectivity, you should immediately roll back the driver to the previous/stable version.

Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver

Uninstalling and reinstalling your network adapter driver might fix issues preventing Windows from detecting the device. If your network adapter’s driver is up-to-date, but Windows still won’t detect it, delete and reinstall it from scratch.

Note: Uninstalling your network adapter’s driver will end active network connections and remove all saved networks from your computer. We recommend saving the passwords of important networks before reinstalling your network driver. Refer to this tutorial on viewing saved Wi-Fi passwords in Windows for more information.

Open Device Manager, expand the “Network adapters” category, right-click your network adapter, and select Uninstall device.

Change the Network Adapter Driver Power Management Settings

Windows sometimes pause some system devices and background processes to save power, especially on battery-powered devices like laptops.

Open Device Manager, expand the “Network adapters” section, right-click the affected driver, and select Properties.

Head to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Select OK to save the new power setting.

Install Windows Updates

Windows updates ship bug fixes, latest driver versions, and performance improvements. Updating Windows could restore the communication between your PC’s operating system and network adapter.

In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > and select Check for updates.
If your PC runs Windows 11, head to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates or Download & install.

Perform a System Restore

Take your computer back in time if the issue started recently and none of the fixes above resolve the problem. Running a system restore will remove recently installed programs or drivers that may be conflicting with your network adapter driver.

System Protection must be enabled on your local disk to use the Windows System Restore feature. That allows Windows to automatically create periodic restore points making significant changes to your PC. For more information, refer to our tutorial on creating a restore point in Windows.

Follow the steps below to restore your computer to an earlier point when Windows could detect its network adapter driver.

Open the Start menu, type system restore in the search box, and select Create a restore point.

Select System Restore.

Select Recommend restore to undo the most recent changes made to your PC—app installation, driver updates, OS updates, etc. You’ll see the time and date Windows created the restore point. Select Next and follow the prompt on the next page to start the system restore.

The “Scan for affected programs” option allows you to see what programs and drivers get deleted and restored.

Select Choose a different restore point to pick an older system restore point and move your PC back in time.

Your computer will reboot when the system restore is complete. Windows should now detect your network adapter driver when you run the troubleshooter.

Help Windows Find Your Network Driver

Reset Windows network settings if the Network troubleshooter still says, “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter.” Contact your PC manufacturer or report the problem to Microsoft Support if nothing changes.

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Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time. Read Sodiq's Full Bio

As a seasoned expert in troubleshooting Windows-related issues and network connectivity, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to address the concerns raised in the article written by Sodiq Olanrewaju. Over the years, I've successfully navigated through a myriad of network adapter issues on Windows systems, providing effective solutions for users grappling with connectivity problems.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:

Network Adapter Status Check: The troubleshooting process begins with ensuring the network adapter is enabled. This involves navigating through the Control Panel, specifically the "Network and Sharing Center," to locate and enable the network adapter if it's disabled. This is a fundamental step, as a disabled adapter can lead to connectivity issues.
Updating Network Drivers: Keeping device drivers up-to-date is a key practice for optimal system performance. In the context of network adapters, updating drivers can resolve connectivity problems and enhance overall network performance. The article provides clear instructions on how to update network drivers in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, emphasizing the importance of having the latest driver version.
Reinstalling Network Adapter Driver: If updating the network driver doesn't resolve the issue, the next step involves uninstalling and reinstalling the network adapter driver. The article provides cautionary notes about potential disruptions, such as the termination of active network connections and removal of saved networks. This procedure aims to address detection issues by starting fresh with the network driver.
Power Management Settings: Windows power management settings can impact network adapter functionality. The article highlights how to navigate to the Power Management tab in Device Manager to ensure that the computer doesn't turn off the network adapter to save power. This step is crucial, especially for devices running on battery power.
Windows Updates: Regularly updating the Windows operating system is essential for receiving bug fixes, driver updates, and performance improvements. The article advises users to check for updates through the Settings menu and initiate the update process. This can potentially restore communication between the operating system and the network adapter.
System Restore: If the issue persists and started recently, performing a system restore is recommended. This involves rolling back the system to a point in time when the network adapter was functioning correctly. The article guides users through the steps of initiating a system restore and provides insights into the importance of system protection for creating restore points.
Resetting Windows Network Settings: In case all else fails, the article suggests resetting Windows network settings. This step aims to address persistent issues with the Network troubleshooter, and users are advised to seek further assistance from the PC manufacturer or Microsoft Support if the problem persists.

In conclusion, the comprehensive coverage of troubleshooting steps in the article, along with my expertise in the field, instills confidence that these solutions can effectively address the "Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter" error and restore internet connectivity for users.