If you are encountering the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error message, it means that your computer is unable to detect the necessary drivers required to connect to the internet.
This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you rely heavily on your internet connection for work or entertainment purposes. Fortunately, you can take a few troubleshooting actions to resolve this problem and restore your network adapter’s normal functionality.
In this guide, we will explore some of the most effective solutions for resolving this error and getting your computer back online. Whether you are a seasoned computer user or a beginner, these steps are easy to follow and can help you get back to browsing the internet in no time.
Solutions to Solve the Windows Could Not Find A Driver For Your Network Adapter Error
You may read the following sections in order to fix this Network Adapter driver error quickly and easily on your Windows PC. Apply each solution until you find the effective one.
Solution 1: Enable your Network Adapter
Sometimes the reason behind the “Windows could not find driver for network adapter” error is that the adapter is disabled. Restarting your computer and turning on the adapter are the quickest fixes for this. You can turn off and on again the adaptor if it’s already enabled.
Follow the instructions given below to do so.
- To open the Control Panel, press the Windows key + S and type control panel into the search box.
- Choose the Network and Internet option.
- Choose the Network and Sharing Centre option.
- On the sidebar, click Change adapter settings.
- Find the network adapter or device that Windows was unable to recognize the driver for. The network adapter is disabled if the device symbol is greyed out. To reactivate the adapter, perform a right-click and choose Enable.
Lastly, reboot your PC and check if the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error is resolved.
Also know: How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Issue on Windows 10/11
Solution 2: Update the Network Driver
It’s possible that your network drivers are out-of-date if Windows is unable to locate a driver for the network device. Updating your device drivers is usually a good idea. Network driver updates can enhance connection speed and resolve network adapter issues on your PC.
Therefore, you must use the procedures listed below to install the available updates and fix the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error.
- Open the Search bar on your taskbar and type Device Manager in it and press Enter. Then, choose the first relevant option from the results.
- A Device Manager window will open up. Scroll down, locate, and expand the Network Adapter option.
- Now, find your adapter driver, right-click on it, and select the Update Driver option from the menu.
- In the next menu that appears, choose the Search automatically for updated drivers option.
Finally, restart your computer to confirm the changes. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for the most recent drivers if the Windows updating system is unable to locate them.
However, manually updating your drivers might be a difficult task. So, we advise using specialized software to perform all of the tedious tasks for you in a matter of seconds for a quick, secure, and effective driver installation. Read the next section to learn more about the automatic method.
Automatic Method for Updating the Network Driver
Bit Driver Updater is one such incredible program that can automate all driver upgrades. Once installed on your computer, the utility can monitor your system requirements and provide real-time driver updates.
In addition, it can save all the driver information in its vast database. Also, each and every driver has received WHQL certification and verification. Another benefit is that you may schedule driver updates whenever it suits you.
With the Pro edition, you may have access to additional benefits like one-click downloads, 24/7 technical assistance, and other incredible features. If the Pro version doesn’t achieve its objectives, you can choose to get a 60-day full refund guarantee.
So, take a look at some easy steps below that can help you in setting up and using the Bit Driver Updater app.
- Click on the below link to get the latest version of the Bit Driver Updater application.
- Once the file is downloaded, install the tool on your computer by following all the steps displayed on the screen.
- Now, open the application and choose the Scan Driver option. This will start the scanning process and will display the drivers that need to be updated on your computer.
- Scroll through the driver list and tap on the Update Now option next to your network adapter driver. Additionally, if you are using the Pro version of the application, you may update all the drivers listed on the screen in one go using the Update All button.
Wait till the update process completes. Then, restart your PC. This should solve your “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” problem handily.
Solution 3: Reinstall the Network Driver
Even after updating the network adapter driver, if you are still facing the “Windows could not find driver for network adapter” issue, then you should try to uninstall and reinstall the driver.
However, when the network adapter driver is uninstalled, all the active network connections will stop. Additionally, your computer will delete all saved networks. So, prior to reinstalling your network driver, it is advisable to save the passwords for significant networks.
Follow the instructions given below to remove and reinstall the network driver.
- Open the Search bar on your taskbar and type Device Manager in it and press Enter. Then, choose the first relevant option from the results.
- A Device Manager window will open up. Scroll down, locate, and expand the Network Adapter option.
- Now, find your adapter driver, right-click on it, and select the Uninstall Device option from the menu.
- Next, a confirmation prompt will appear. Click on the Uninstall option to start the uninstallation process.
- Then, choose the Scan for hardware changes option under Action from the menu bar.
Now, restart your PC. After restarting, Windows Device Manager will reinstall the recently removed network adapter driver automatically. Then, check if the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” problem is solved.
Solution 4: Tweak the Power Management Settings
Windows may disable drivers and inactive devices if it is configured to save power. When that occurs, Windows won’t be able to connect with those drivers, and you’ll experience such issues.
By altering Windows’ power management settings, you can stop the network adapter driver from turning off. Follow the instructions given below to fix the Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error.
- Open the Search bar on your taskbar and type Device Manager in it and press Enter. Then, choose the first relevant option from the results.
- A Device Manager window will open up. Scroll down, locate, and expand the Network Adapter option.
- Now, find your adapter driver, right-click on it, and select the Properties option from the menu.
- In the Properties window, move to Power Management. There, make sure the checkbox next to the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option is unticked.
Finally, click on OK to confirm the changes and restart your computer.
Also know: How to Solve Driver Power State Failure Issue on Windows
Solution 5: Perform a System Restore
A helpful tool called System Restore makes regular system backups or backups of your complete system before making significant system changes. It is a common technique for troubleshooting and resolving problems. By running a system restore, you can return your computer’s modifications to a specific restore point.
So, if the aforementioned fixes didn’t work, you may utilize this method to restore Windows to its previous configuration. Follow the steps given below to solve the “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” error.
- Launch the search menu, enter “create a restore point,” and then pick the first result.
- Hit the System Restore button on the System Protection tab.
- Then, choose Next. Now, choose the restoration point that occurred just before the issue started.
- Before clicking Finish, go through each detail once again.
Wait for your computer to restart and restore to the chosen point.
Solved: Windows Could Not Find Driver For Network Adapter Error
Network adapter drivers enable communication between Windows and your network connections. You might experience issues utilizing Wi-Fi or an ethernet connection if Windows is unable to locate those drivers. Hence, if your Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter, then all the aforementioned methods should help you in fixing it quickly and efficiently. We hope you found our article helpful. Also, let us know your feedback or suggestions in the comments section below.
