Learn how to fix a missing network adapter on Windows 11 with our comprehensive guide. Stay connected with these troubleshooting tips!If Windows 11 does not detect the network adapter on your PC, in this guide I help you diagnose this problem and, above all, solve it.
When Windows 11 does not detect the network adapter , your computer cannot connect to the Internet. At least, not with the type of connection that this component provides. If the WLAN adapter has not been detected, you will not access any Wi-Fi network. And the same will happen with the Ethernet network adapter. What are the most common reasons that prevent the system from recognizing this basic component? What solutions should you consider in such a case? Below, I analyze this issue in detail and suggest some methods to diagnose the fault and solve it.
How To Fix Network Adapter Missing Windows 11
There are several reasons why Windows 11 does not detect the network adapter. At best, they will be software-related . Let’s learn about some possible reasons why the system cannot communicate with this component.
Specific problem
Sometimes, the failure can occur punctually. Before looking further into the problem, my recommendation is that you restart your computer. We have already explained in the past why restarting a computer system is so effective in solving errors. Windows will reload a multitude of files that are crucial for its operation , including the drivers for each hardware component. Restarting your computer will take you just under 1 minute, so you are doing well to try this method.
The driver is not installed
If you have just formatted your computer, the network adapter driver may not have been downloaded. This is also common when you have installed Windows without Internet , to avoid having to log in with a Microsoft account.
Either way, make sure that the network adapter driver is already installed. The quickest way is to download it from the manufacturer’s website using another computer. If you don’t have another PC at hand, use your mobile device and transfer the installer using a compatible cable.
As shown in the image, if the network adapter has been recognized but Windows 11 is unable to communicate with it, it will appear under Other devices in Windows Device Manager .
Controller failure
A driver failure is another reason that can cause Windows 11 to not detect the network card. If this is the problem, there are some solutions that you may be interested in knowing.
If you have tried restarting and found that the driver is installed, try doing the following:
- Update all drivers from Windows Update . In the Windows Update section of Windows Settings, go to Advanced > Optional updates > Driver updates . Select all the items in the list and click Download and install . You may need to restart your computer.
- Uninstall the device from Device Manager . If the update did not work, you should know that it is also possible to uninstall the device. Go to Device Manager , locate the network card, enter the properties and click on the Driver tab . Then, click on Uninstall the device . Restart the computer and wait for the system to recognize and install the drivers for the network adapter.
Windows 11 does not detect the adapter due to an erratic update
Have you noticed that your network adapter stopped working after updating your operating system? Then, most likely, your problems are related to the latest version of Windows installed on your computer.
In these cases, it is best to reverse the installation to check if the network adapter works again. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates .
- Select the latest Windows update that has been installed.
- Press Uninstall .
If the network adapter works again, my recommendation is to wait for a new Windows update to appear that fixes this error.
Windows 11 does not detect the network adapter because there is a hardware problem
Having analyzed the software-related errors, I will now discuss the possible hardware problems that prevent Windows 11 from detecting the network adapter. I can tell you in advance that these errors are more difficult to solve, especially if you have little experience handling computer components or your computer is a laptop.
enerally, these are the most common hardware failures:
- Badly connected card . When the network adapter is not integrated into the motherboard , there is always the possibility of a connection failure. If the PC can be disassembled and you have the appropriate knowledge, check that the adapter is properly inserted into the slot.
- Failure of the adapter itself or the motherboard . Another possibility is that the adapter has a broken part, a circuit has become unsoldered, or it has been impacted. If you have noticed that other components are not working properly either, and all of them are integrated into the motherboard, go to a specialist or the manufacturer’s technical service. It is possible that the hardware of the computer has severe damage.
What if Windows detects the adapter, but you don’t see any available Wi-Fi networks?
In this case, take a look at the guide where we explain the main reasons why the Internet does not work on your PC and the most effective solutions.