How to Fix Network Adapter Not Detected On Windows?

The network adapter not detected issue occurs when Windows is not able to detect the network adapter for multiple reasons, such as a disabled network adapter, disabled essential network services, problems with the Sockets API and corrupted network drivers. These might be some of the leading contributors preventing you from accessing the internet.

After understanding the causes, let’s look at the solutions that have worked for most affected users.

1. Re-enable Network Adapter

Sometimes, the device manager stops detecting the device due to several reasons. This can happen when the device gets disabled automatically or the driver for the particular device has been uninstalled. In both situations, you need to ensure what can cause this issue. To do this, you will need to enable the network adapter and If it does not fix this issue, try installing the driver by following the methods mentioned below.

1. Press the Win + R to open the Run Window
2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK
   

   

3. Select the Network Adapter and click Actions from the top, then click Scan For Hardware Changes. This will re-enable the network adapter if it is disabled.

   

2. Reset Network Settings

Windows allows us to reinstall all the network adapters and reset all the settings that the VPN client software or the users applied. So if this issue occurs due to the corrupted network adapter or misconfiguration in the network settings, resetting the network will aid in fixing this issue. The following steps will help to reset the network settings

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I on the keyboard
2. Navigate to the Network & Internet
   

   

3. Scroll down to the bottom and click Network Reset
   

   

4. Then, click Reset Now. This will restart your computer will the fresh Network Adapter

   

5. Once done, the issue should be fixed.

3. Use Commands to Reinstall Network Adapters & Reset Settings

If resetting the network settings does not fix your issue, it might be due to the problem with Sockets API, which you can fix by just executing the command to reset winsock. However, if that does not work, then you can use netcfg -d command, which will remove all the WAN Miniports, network adapters, IP address and among others.

Therefore, if you are using a custom WIFI card, make sure to download a driver using another device and transfer it to the causing device so that you will be able to install it on your computer. Once you execute both commands, you need to restart to reinstall network adapters and everything will return to its default. To do so, follow the steps:

1. Click Start Menu and search for Command Prompt
   

   

2. Right-click on the command prompt and then click Run As Administrator
3. Once the command prompt is opened, paste the following command to reset the winsock

   netsh winsock reset

   

4. After that, if the issue persists, type the following command

   netcfg -d

   

5. Once done, you need to restart your computer to get things back to normal
6. Once you have restarted, the issue should be solved.

4. Install the Network Adapter Manually

You can also install the network driver through the device manager even if Windows is not detecting it. But you need to know the specific hardware model of your network adapter to install the driver. To do so:

1. Right-click on the Start Menu icon and then click Device Manager
   

   

2. Once the device manager is launched, select the Device Name
3. Click on Actions from the top and then click Add Legacy Hardware
   

   

4. Click Next to proceed the select Install The Hardware That I Manually Select From A List
   

   

5. Then, click Next
6. Select the Network Adapters under Common Hardware Types and click Next
   

   

7. Select the Manufacturer from the left pane and then select the model of your network adapter
   You can check the model number from the manufacturer’s website if you are a laptop user and don’t know the model number.

   

8. Once you select the driver, click Next
9. Again, click Next to start the installation process
10. Once done, click Finish and check if your internet is working. If it is, then your problem is resolved.

    

5. Restart Network Services

Windows provide services that work in the background to operate the tasks. There are some important services that keep the internet connection stable and connected to the computer. You might face several issues like this if they are not running properly. Therefore,  ensure that the services are running properly.

6. Restart WLAN AutoConfig Service (WIFI Users)

1. To restart network services, press Win + R to open the Run Window
2. Type services.msc and click OK
   

   

3. Once you are in the services Window, find and right-click WLAN AutoConfig
   
4. Go to Properties
   

   

5. Change its Startup Type from Manual to Automatic
6. Then, click Apply and click on the Start button if the service is stopped
7. Click OK to save the changes

   

This WLAN AutoConfig service provides the logic required to connect, disconnect, configure and discover from a wireless local area network WLAN. It also helps communicate with other devices to connect wirelessly. Basically, it plays a strong role in providing a good internet experience to laptop or WIFI card users. If you have a laptop or WIFI card, you cannot connect to the internet if this service is disabled.

7. Restart WWAN AutoConfig Service ( Broadband Users)

1. if you are using the broadband device for the internet connection, then right-click the WWAN AutoConfig
2. Then, click on Properties
3. Change the startup type to Automatic
4. Then, click Apply and if the service is stopped, click Start and OK to save the changes.

   

8. Run Network Troubleshooter

Troubleshooters are designed to fix problems automatically. Windows includes a network troubleshooter, which diagnoses the problem in the network and if it finds the issue, it will provide you an option to apply the fix. To do that:

1. Right-click on the Ethernet or WIFI icon from the bottom right and then click Troubleshoot Problems
2. Once the troubleshoot open, select All Network Adapters
   

   

3. The troubleshooter will give you options, and you need to select the option as per the issue you are encountering.
4. In my case, the network adapter is disabled, so it gives me the option to enable the Network Adapter

   

5. So when I clicked on Try These Repairs As An Administrator, my issue was gone.

9. Download the Network Driver With The Help Of Another Device

If the issue is not fixed yet, you might have a corrupted network driver installed, causing this issue. and for that reason, the device manager might not be able to detect the network adapter.

You will need to download the network driver using another computer or a mobile device. If you have a laptop, download the driver provided by your manufacturer, as the driver will be more reliable and compatible with your device. You can follow the steps to download the compatible driver for your laptop but if you have a desktop, go to your manufactures website to download a network driver. In both cases, you can follow the steps below:

9.1 Laptop Users

1. First, press the Win + R to open the Run program
2. Type dxdiag and click OK
   
3. Note down the value of the System model, then go to your manufacturer’s website using another device

   

4. Search your laptop with the model number, then download the Network driver

   

5. Once you have downloaded it, transfer the driver to the laptop, install it and check if it fixes the issue.

9.2 Desktop Users

1. Go to your manufacturer’s website and download the driver from there.
2. Just google the manufacturer’s name and the network adapter. For Example Intel Network Driver
   

   

3. Download the Network Driver

   

4. Once the driver is downloaded, transfer it to your desktop using a USB or a Mobile phone
5. After that, install it on your computer and check if this resolves your issue.

10. Use System Restore

The final solution for this issue is to restore your computer to a state where Windows was working fine. Remember that this method requires a restore point created when you have not encountered the issue. In case you have not created a restore point, you can still check because some third-party driver installation applications create a restore point for safety, as the driver failure problem can arise during the installation process. Below are the steps:

1. Click Start Menu and type rstrui and hit Enter
   

   

2. Click Next to proceed

   

3. Select a restore point and click Next
   

   

4. Click Finish to start the process

   

5. After the restart, check if the device manager detects the network adapter.

If none of the methods have worked, it is most probably a hardware issue. You can take your computer to a repair shop, but before that, try another solution which is resetting the Windows. If the issue persists after resetting the Windows, it is highly recommended to take a laptop or a desktop to a repair shop.