How to Fix the “Windows Could Not Discover a Driver for Your Network adapter” Error

Windows Network’s troubleshooter may report “Windows couldn’t find a driver to your network adapter” as this indicates a disconnect between the operating system of your computer and its network driver. Windows is unable to communicate with the driver that powers your computer Ethernet adapter or Wi-Fi adapter for your computer.

This error may be displayed by the troubleshooter if the network device driver on your computer is outdated or corrupt. The error could also occur if the network adapter’s power management settings are incorrect. It is simple to correct the problem. We are confident that the following solutions will allow you to re-connect to the internet quickly.

Allow the Network Adapter to work

If your computer’s network adapter has been disabled or switched off, the Network Troubleshooter could malfunction. This is how you can check the status of your network adapter:

1. Type in the following: Press and hold the Windows Key, control panel Use the search box to select Open To launch the Control Panel.

2. Select Network and Internet.

3. Select Network and Sharing Center.

4. Select Change adapter settings You can find the sidebar.

5. Locate the adapter/network device that Windows could not detect. The network adapter may be disabled if it’s icon becomes greyed-out. Click the right mouse button to select an adapter Enable It can be turned back on.

You may need to upgrade your network driver in case you get an “Windows Could Not Find a Driver for Your Network Adapter” error.

Make sure to update your Network Driver

You should keep your device driver software up-to-date. The ability to update your PC’s Network Driver can help improve network performance, and even fix errors in network adapters.

You can update your network drivers for Windows 10 or Windows 11 by following the below steps.

1. Press Windows key + R To open Windows Run, type the following. Type devmgmt.msc Enter the following information and then press “OK” Enter Or select OK).

You can also right-click on the Windows icon or press Windows key + X() and choose Device Manager.

2. Expand the category “Network adapters”, click the Ethernet/wireless adapter you wish to select, then right-click it Update driver.

3. Select Search automatically for drivers. . Device Manager searches the Internet and Windows Update to find the most recent version of the adapter. This option should only be selected if you have an internet connection.

Select Browse my computer for drivers To manually install a driver. On the website of the manufacturer, you will find the current version for your PC’s networking adapter.

Note: Driver software updates can be unstable and not all are bug-free. It is important to immediately notify your IT department if a driver software update causes your PC’s connectivity problems Restore the driver to its previous stable version.

Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver

Reinstalling the network adapter driver and uninstalling it again might resolve issues that prevent Windows from correctly recognizing your device. If Windows is still unable to detect your network adapter driver, you can delete it and then reinstall the device from scratch.

Note: You can uninstall the driver of your network adapter and end all active connections. This will also remove any saved networks from your system. It is a good idea to save passwords for critical networks before you install your new network driver. Check out this tutorial Windows allows you to view saved Wi Fi passwords Click here for additional information.

1. Start Device Manager. Expand the “Network adapters” category. Right-click your network connector and choose Uninstall device.

2. Select Uninstall Follow the prompts to confirm and then proceed to the next stage when Device Manager will remove the network driver.

3. Select Action Select the option you want from the menu Scan for hardware changes.

Device Manager will automatically install the deleted network adapter drivers. Check if the problem is resolved by running the network adapter troubleshooter once more.

Configure the Network Adapter Driver Energy Management Settings

Windows can sometimes stop background processes or system devices in order to conserve energy, especially for battery-powered devices such as laptops.

1. Open Device Manager. Click on “Network adapters” and then right-click the relevant driver to select Properties.

2. Visit the Power Management Tab and Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. OK To save the current power setting.

Windows Updates

Windows updates include bug fixes and the most recent driver versions. Performance improvements are also included. Windows update could fix the network connection between your operating system (PC) and the adapter on your laptop.

• In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > and select Check for updates.
• Windows 11 can be installed on your Windows PC Settings > Windows Update Choose and Check for updates or Download & install.
• Type system restore into the search box and then click the Start button Create a restore point.
• Select System Restore.