FIX: Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter
- Some users said they could not connect to the web because Windows could not find a driver for the network adapter.
- Sometimes, resetting the router might solve the Internet connectivity issue in Windows.
- You should also make sure you reinstall the driver for your network adapter.
- Roll back Windows to a restore point that is prior to when the problem occurred.
Some users have stated in forums that they can’t connect to the web when Windows can’t find a network adapter driver.
The Network Adapter troubleshooter they try to fix the issue with displays this error message: Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter.
Consequently, that troubleshooter doesn’t fix the issue and the users can’t connect to Internet.
These are some resolutions that might fix this network adapter error, so be sure to check them out below.
What to do if Windows can’t find a network adapter driver?
1. Reset the router
- Turn off the router, unplug it a few minutes and then plug it again.
- Then turn the router back on. Thereafter, press the Reset button on the router with a paperclip for about 15-30 seconds.
You’ll be surprised how often resetting the router fixes internet connectivity in Windows. That will establish a new connection with the ISP and reset it to its default factory settings.
2. Open alternative Windows Troubleshooters
- Open Cortana by pressing the Windows key + Q keyboard shortcut.
- Input troubleshoot in the search box.
- Select Troubleshoot to open the Settings app as in the snapshot directly below.
- Choose Internet Connections, and click Run the troubleshooter to open the window shown in the snapshot below.
- Select the Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet option.
- To open the other troubleshooter, select Hardware and Devices.
- Then press the Run the troubleshooter button to open the window shown directly below.
- Thereafter, the troubleshooters might provide some resolutions that users can select an Apply This Fix option for.
Ok, the Network Adapter troubleshooter doesn’t provide a resolution for fixing the connection.
However, there are a couple of other Windows troubleshooters that might still fix the connection.
For example, the Internet Connections troubleshooter is one closely linked with the network adapter. The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter might also come in handy for fixing connected device errors.
3. Reinstall the driver for the network sdapter
- Press the Windows key + R to open Run.
- Enter devmgmt.msc, and click OK to open the window shown in the snapshot directly below.
- Double-click the Network adapters category to expand it as shown directly below.
- Then right-click your network adapter to select the Uninstall device option.
- Select an Uninstall option on the dialog box window that opens to confirm.
- Thereafter, select the Scan for hardware changes option shown below to reinstall the default driver.
The Windows could not find a driver error message highlights that the issue might be due to the corrupted network adapter driver.
Alas, users can’t attempt to fix this issue by updating the driver without a connection.
However, reinstalling the network driver might be a potential remedy. Follow the guidelines above to reinstall the network adapter driver.
Reinstalling drivers manually can be a tedious task. For a rapid, safe, and well-done driver installation, we recommend you use specialized software that can do all the hard work for you in seconds.
However, a program like DriverFix not only downloads and installs drivers, but also helps you manage them by troubleshooting, backing up, and restoring them. As an outcome, it is worthwhile to install it!
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4. Roll Windows back to a restore point
- Open Windows’ Run accessory.
- Enter rstrui in the Open text box, and select the OK option.
- Click Next to open the list of system restore points.
- To expand the list, select the Show more restore points option.
- Select a restore point.
- System Restore uninstalls software installed after a selected date.
- Users can click the Scan for affected programs option to check what software gets removed.
- Then click Next, and select the Finish option.
The System Restore utility might provide a resolution for the Windows could not find a driver error for users who can select a restore point that predates the time the issue arose.
Users can usually roll back Win 10 by a month. System Restore will undo system changes after the selected restore date.
5. Check the Power Management setting for the network adapter
- Open the Device Manager window., and expand the Network adapters category.
- Right-click the network adapter and select Properties to open the window in the shot directly below.
- Then select the Power Management tab on that window.
- Deselect the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option if it’s selected.
- Select the OK option to close the window.
The Windows could not find a driver error can also be due to a Power Management setting that turns devices off when selected.
Check out our detailed guide if you can’t connect to the Internet on Windows 10, and find more general troubleshooting tips to fix this issue.
Some of those fixes might resolve the Windows could not find a driver error to re-establish a net connection. For more suggestions, please access the comments section below.
