Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter

When the operating system is unable to communicate with the networking hardware, the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error is displayed. The majority of times this error occurs when a network adapter is malfunctioning and the troubleshooter is being used to fix the problem.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of the various approaches you can take to fix this problem. Get started with the first one and work your way down.

Understanding the Error Message

When you see the error message “Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter,” it indicates that your operating system is unable to locate the necessary driver software for your network adapter. As a result, your computer cannot establish a network connection, rendering internet access impossible.

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Potential Causes of the Error

To address the “Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter” error, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes. Several factors can lead to this issue:

1. Missing or Corrupted Driver Files: One of the most common causes is missing or corrupted driver files for your network adapter. This can occur due to software conflicts, updates, or system errors.
2. Outdated Drivers: Using outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to driver-related issues, including the inability to find a suitable driver.
3. Hardware Changes: If you recently made changes to your computer’s hardware, such as replacing the network adapter, the new hardware may require specific drivers that are not yet installed.
4. Operating System Updates: Major Windows updates or upgrades may sometimes result in driver-related problems, including missing network adapter drivers.
5. Third-Party Software Conflicts: Third-party software or security applications can interfere with driver installation and cause issues.
6. Device Manager Errors: Errors or conflicts in the Device Manager can prevent the proper detection and installation of drivers.

Method 1: Driving Force Re-Installation

The driver installation package is the simplest solution to this problem notice. In order to download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website, you will need access to the internet and a second computer or laptop.

1. If you want to get your network up and running on a different machine, you can do so by visiting the manufacturer’s site and downloading the appropriate drivers. To get the appropriate network driver, simply enter the model number of your computer or laptop.
2. When the download is complete, transfer the files to a USB drive and insert it into the computer showing the error notice.
3. There are now two methods available for obtaining the latest driver versions. Both the device manager and running the installation file directly are demonstrated below.
4. To open the Device Manager, hit Windows + R and then type “devmgmt.msc.”
5. In order to access your Ethernet gear, open up network adapters in the device manager. Select “Uninstall device” from the context menu.
6. You may be prompted by Windows’ UAC to confirm some changes you make. Choose the yes button to continue. Select “Scan for hardware changes” from the context menu by right-clicking an empty area after removing the driver. You can now sit back and relax as Windows finds and instals the necessary drivers for your device on its own. Try restarting your machine to see if the issue persists.

If reverting driver versions doesn’t fix the issue, we can always attempt updating to newer drivers. Right now we’re going to put those drivers to use that you downloaded.

1. To update the drivers for your Ethernet hardware, open the device manager, then right-click on it.
2. Go with the second choice. “Search my hard drive for the appropriate driver.” Find the driver file you downloaded and proceed with the installation. Check that the adapters are functioning properly after restarting the computer.

Method 2: Using The System Restore Function

Reverting your Windows 10 installation to a time before the most recent updates was installed is worth a try if the aforementioned solution doesn’t work. A clean installation of Windows can be performed if you do not have access to a previous save point.

Using the programme “Belarc,” you may make a full backup of your data to an external drive, save all of your licences in one place, and then perform a clean instal.

Here’s how to roll back Windows to its most recent save file.

1. To use the search field in the Start menu, press Windows + S. In the dialogue box, type “restore,” and then click on the first application that appears.
2. To access the restore settings, click the System Restore button found at the top of the window, next to the System Protection tab.
3. Now, a restoration wizard will launch and walk you through the process. You can go with the suggested restore point, or pick a new one. Follow the on-screen prompts by pressing the Next button.
4. Now, from the list of available choices, choose the restore point. A list of backup restore points will appear if your system supports more than one.
5. Now, Windows will ask you to double-check your actions one last time before beginning the system restore. Proceed only after you have saved your work and backed up any files you deem essential.
6. If the restoration went well, you can log in and see if the problem has been resolved.

Do a clean instal of Windows from bootable media if you have no restore points or if system restore fails to perform.

Some Easy Methods To Resolve the Error:

Now that we’ve identified potential causes, let’s explore solutions to fix the “Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter” error:

1. Check Network Adapter Hardware:
   • Ensure that your network adapter is properly installed and connected to your computer.
2. Restart Your Computer:
   • Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve driver-related issues. Restart your computer and check if the problem persists.
3. Use Windows Troubleshooter:
   • Windows includes a built-in troubleshooting tool that can automatically detect and fix network adapter problems. To use it, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, and select Internet Connections.
4. Update Drivers:
   • Visit the website of your computer’s manufacturer or the network adapter manufacturer to download the latest drivers for your specific model.
   • Alternatively, you can use the “Device Manager” to update drivers:
     • Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
     • Locate and expand the Network adapters section.
     • Right-click on your network adapter and choose Update driver. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Roll Back Drivers:
   • If the issue occurred after a driver update, you can try rolling back to the previous driver version:
     • In the Device Manager, right-click on your network adapter and select Properties.
     • Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
6. Uninstall and Reinstall Network Adapter:
   • In the Device Manager, right-click on your network adapter and select Uninstall device.
   • After uninstalling, restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
7. Check for Windows Updates:
   • Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Sometimes, Microsoft releases updates that include driver fixes.
8. Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts:
   • Disable or uninstall third-party security software temporarily to check if it’s causing conflicts with driver installation.
9. Perform System Restore:
   • If the issue started after a significant system change or update, you can use System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state when the network adapter was working correctly.
10. Seek Professional Help:
    • If none of the above solutions work, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician or contacting your computer’s manufacturer for support.

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Conclusion

The “Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter” error can disrupt your online activities and productivity. By understanding the potential causes and applying the provided solutions, you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.

Ensuring that your network adapter drivers are up to date and properly installed is crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable internet connection.