Encountering a missing network adapter in Windows 11 can be frustrating. However, the issue can usually be resolved easily through a series of troubleshooting steps. Follow this detailed guide carefully, and you should have your network connection running again in no time.
Table of Contents:
- Checking the Physical Connection and Computer Hardware
- Running the Network Troubleshooter
- Checking the Network Adapter in Device Manager
- Updating or Reinstalling Network Adapter Drivers
- Performing a Reset of Windows Network Settings
- Ensuring Network Adapter is Enabled in BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Performing Windows Updates
- Checking Windows Services Related to Networking
- Performing a System Restore (If needed)
1. Checking the Physical Connection and Computer Hardware
Before starting with software troubleshooting, ensure your hardware is functioning correctly:
- If using Ethernet, make sure your Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the computer and router/modem.
- If using Wi-Fi, ensure that the adapter or built-in Wi-Fi card is enabled. On laptops, physically check for Wi-Fi switches or shortcut keys (such as Fn + F2, Fn + F8, or similar depending on the manufacturer).
- Restart your router/modem to rule out connectivity issues.
2. Running the Network Troubleshooter:
Windows 11 has a built-in networking troubleshooter, useful for diagnosing basic issues:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Click on System, then select Troubleshoot, followed by Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Network Adapter troubleshooter from the list, then click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
This step may automatically fix your adapter issue or provide additional diagnostic info.
3. Checking the Network Adapter in Device Manager:
The next step is checking device management:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section to see if your adapter is listed.
- Check if the adapter is disabled (indicated by a downward arrow sign). If so, right-click and select Enable device.
- If the adapter is showing with a yellow exclamation mark, it represents a driver conflict or issue.
If no adapter shows, move to driver troubleshooting and BIOS checks.
4. Updating or Reinstalling Network Adapter Drivers:
Incorrect or corrupted drivers may cause network adapters to disappear:
To update your network adapter:
- Right-click Start, select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters, and then right-click your adapter and choose Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers and follow instructions if an update is available.
To uninstall and reinstall the adapter:
- Right-click your adapter in Device Manager and choose Uninstall device.
- In the window prompt, tick the box Delete the driver software for this device only if you know you have another copy ready or can download from the manufacturer afterward. Click Uninstall.
- After uninstalling, restart your computer.
- Upon restart, Windows will typically reinstall network adapters automatically.
Alternatively, manually download adapter drivers from your manufacturer’s website:
- Visit the official website of your motherboard or laptop maker.
- Find and download the latest Windows 11 network drivers.
- Run the installation.
5. Performing a Reset of Windows Network Settings
Windows 11 allows you to reset all networking settings and drivers to default:
- Open Settings (
Win + I) → Network & internet. - Select the Advanced network settings link.
- Under More settings, click on Network reset.
- Click Reset now and confirm by selecting Yes.
- Your computer will restart; confirm afterward if the adapter issue is resolved.
6. Ensuring Network Adapter is Enabled in BIOS/UEFI Settings:
Sometimes adapters could be disabled at the BIOS level:
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI by pressing the required key (commonly F1, F2, F10, DEL, depending on manufacturer).
- Locate the Peripherals, Network settings, or Advanced settings.
- Ensure that the network adapter or Wi-Fi feature is Enabled.
- Save changes (
F10usually) and allow your system to restart.
7. Performing Windows Updates:
Windows updates often include new or improved drivers, fixing compatibility:
- Go to Settings (
Win + I) → Windows Update. - Click Check for updates.
- If updates are available, proceed with downloading and installation.
- Restart your computer after all updates are applied.
8. Checking Windows Services Related to Networking:
Ensure that critical network-related services are running:
- Press
Win + R, typeservices.msc, and click OK. - In the Services window, confirm the following services are running or set to automatic:
- Network Connections
- Network List Service
- Network Location Awareness
- DHCP Client
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Right-click on any stopped crucial services, select Properties.
- Set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then Apply and OK.
- Restart your computer if you made changes.
9. Performing a System Restore (If Needed):
If the adapter recently disappeared after installing software or updates, system restore could help:
- Open search (
Win + S) and type Create a restore point then press Enter. - Click System Restore and select Next.
- Choose an earlier restore point when your adapter was functional and click Next then Finish.
- Note: System restore doesn’t affect personal files but restores earlier system settings.
Additional Recommendations:
- Check if faulty hardware could cause your network adapter problems. Try using a USB network adapter temporarily if available.
- If all fails, consider reaching out to a professional technician or contacting Microsoft support.
Final Thoughts:
Most cases where a network adapter suddenly disappears from Windows 11 are software or driver-related, making the solutions outlined above likely to resolve your problem. Work through the steps systematically and keep notes of any error messages you encounter.
Following this comprehensive guide, your network adapter should be visible and functional again shortly.
