Network adapters provide the vital link between computers and the internet, so when they stop working, it can be very frustrating. Depending on the type of adapter, the cause of the issue and the operating system installed, there are a few different troubleshooting steps you can take to try to get the network adapter working again.
Step 1: Check the Status of the Network Adapter
The first step to take is to check the status of the network adapter in the Device Manager. In Windows, open the Control Panel and select “Device Manager” from the Hardware and Sound section. Expand the “Network Adapters” branch, and verify that the network adapter is present and enabled. If the device is disabled or not present, this likely indicates some other problem with the computer (e.g. driver issues) and should be addressed before continuing.
Step 2: Update the Drivers
For most adapters, you should also attempt to update the drivers associated with the device. To do this in Windows, right-click on the device in the Device Manager and select “Update Driver Software…”. If a newer driver is available, follow the prompts to install it. You can also go to the manufacturer website and download the latest version of the driver for your network adapter.
Step 3: Rescan for Hardware Changes
If the adapter still isn’t working, it’s possible that the hardware isn’t being correctly detected. To attempt to force a new detection, in Windows, open the Device Manager and click on “Scan for hardware changes”. This will attempt to detect any new or changed hardware on the system and may recognize the network adapter.
Step 4: Uninstall and Reinstall the Network Adapter
If the previous steps have failed to get the network adapter working, the next step is to uninstall and reinstall the device. To do this in Windows, open the Device Manager and right-click on the network adapter. Select “Uninstall” from the context menu, then restart the computer. When the computer has restarted, the hardware should automatically be detected and reinstalled.
Step 5: Physical Inspection of the Adapter
If all of these steps have been unsuccessful, it’s possible that there is a physical issue with the network adapter itself. If the adapter is an internal device, check the connections to ensure that everything is secure. Also make sure that the adapter is seated properly on the motherboard, as a loose connection can cause the device to malfunction. For external adapters, check the connections to the computer and make sure that the device is receiving power.
Step 6: Replace the Adapter
If the device still isn’t working after going through all of these steps, it’s likely that the adapter itself is defective and needs to be replaced. If the adapter is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a replacement or repair. If not, consider purchasing a new adapter, as this will likely be the most cost-effective solution.