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Fix: Windows Could not Find a Driver for your Network Adapter

Surefire fixes to restore your internet connection quickly

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Some users have stated in forums that theycan’t connect to the webwhen Windows can’t find a network adapterdriver.

The Network Adapter troubleshooter they try to fix the issue displays this error message:Windows could not find adriverfor your network adapter.

Consequently, thattroubleshooterdoesn’t fix the issue, and the users can’t connect to the Internet. These are some resolutions that might fix this network adapter error, so be sure to check them out below.

Why is my PC not detecting my network adapter?

The Windows cannot find a network adapter driver issue can be caused by various factors. Below are some of them:

What to do if Windows can’t find a network adapter driver?

1. Reset the router

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. Enable the adapter

In some cases, Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter issue can be because the adapter is disabled. The quickest way to fix this is to enable the adapter and restart your PC.

If the adapter is enabled, you can disable and re-enable it again.

3. Open alternative Windows Troubleshooters

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, theInternet Connectionstroubleshooter is closely linked with the network adapter. The Hardware and Devices troubleshooter might also come in handy for fixing connected device errors.

4. Update network driver

An outdated network driver could be the reason you are getting the Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter option. Hence, you need to check if updates are available for your PC by following the steps above.

If the Windows driver updater cannot find the latest drivers, you can check the manufacturer’s website for them.

Updating your drivers manually can be a tedious task. For a rapid, safe, and well-done driver installation, we recommend you use specialized software to do all the hard work for you in seconds.

However, a program like Outbyte Driver Updater 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!

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

5. Reinstall the driver for the network adapter

TheWindows could not find adrivererror message highlights that the issue might be due to the corrupted network adapterdriver.

Alas, users can’t attempt to fix this issue by updating thedriverwithout a connection.

However, reinstalling the networkdrivermight be a potential remedy. Follow the guidelines above to reinstall the network adapterdriver.

6. Roll Windows back to a restore point

TheSystem Restoreutility might provide a resolution for theWindows could not find adrivererrorfor users who can select a restore point that predates the time the issue arose.

Users can usually roll backWin 10by a month. System Restore will undo system changes after the selected restore date.

7. Check the Power Management setting for the network adapter

TheWindows could not find a drivererror can also be due to a Power Management setting that turns devices off when selected.

We have come to the end of this detailed guide. All you need to do now is to follow the steps above carefully, and the Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter issue will be fixed for good.

Similarly, you can check out our detailed guide ifWindows 10 can’t find your WiFi adapterinstead.

Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

Fix: Windows Could not Find a Driver for your Network Adapter#

Why is my PC not detecting my network adapter?#

What to do if Windows can’t find a network adapter driver?#

1. Reset the router#

2. Enable the adapter#

3. Open alternative Windows Troubleshooters#

4. Update network driver#

5. Reinstall the driver for the network adapter#

6. Roll Windows back to a restore point#

7. Check the Power Management setting for the network adapter#