1. Check the Device Manager
One of the most common ways to troubleshoot a network card in Windows is by using the Device Manager. To access the Device Manager, open the Start Menu and select “Device Manager” under the Control Panel.
Once the Device Manager is open, you can view all of your devices listed in the left column. From here, you can double-click on your network card to open its properties. You should also see an icon next to the device that indicates whether or not it is working properly. If there is a yellow exclamation mark or a red X, then this means there is something wrong with the device.
2. Test the Network Card
Once you’ve ensured that the device is recognized by Windows, it’s important to check that the driver for the device is up to date. To do this, check the manufacturer’s website for updates. If there are any available, download and install them. Additionally, you may want to roll back the driver to a previous version if it is known to be stable.
Once the driver is up to date, it’s a good idea to test the network card. To do this, connect the device to a router or modem and run a speed test. This will allow you to ensure that the connection is running at the expected speeds. If the speeds are slower than normal, then there may be an issue with either the device or the network.
3. Use the System Diagnostics Tool
If you’re still having trouble with your network card, then you can use the System Diagnostics tool to help troubleshoot the issue. To open this tool, open the Start Menu and type “diagnostic” into the search box. Once the System Diagnostics tool is open, select “Network” from the list and then select “Diagnose”.
The tool will then run a series of tests on your network card and should be able to pinpoint any issues that may be causing problems. It’s a good idea to follow any instructions given by the tool as this should help to resolve any issues.
4. Disable and Re-enable the Device
If you’re still having trouble with your network card, then it’s a good idea to try disabling and re-enabling the device. To do this, open the Device Manager once again and right-click on the network card. Select “Disable” from the context menu and then wait a few moments before re-enabling the device.
This process should reset the device and hopefully get it working again. If it doesn’t work, then you may need to consider replacing the device.
5. Resetting the Network Settings
If none of the above methods have worked, then you may want to try resetting the network settings. To do this, open the Control Panel and select “Network and Sharing Center”. From here, select “Change Adapter Settings” and then select the network card from the list. Right-click the device and select “Properties”.
In the properties window, select the “Advanced” tab and then select “Reset”. This will reset all of the settings for the device and should hopefully get it working again.
6. Replacing the Network Card
If none of the above methods have worked, then it’s likely that the network card is faulty and needs to be replaced. You can purchase a new network card from the same manufacturer or from a different one. Be sure to check compatibility with your computer before purchasing the card.
Once you have the new network card, install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then test it with a speed test. If the speeds are good and the device is stable, then you should have a working network card.