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.
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
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:
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:
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)
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)
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:
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
9.2 Desktop Users
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: 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.
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