Windows couldn’t locate a driver for your network adapter. This error is the most common error in network connectivity frequently reported by users. Below are the steps needed to fix this issue on Windows 10.
Windows cannot find a Driver for your Network Adapter
Network connectivity error message reading “Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” happens when Windows 10 cannot load, find or communicate using the software driver that is installed for your Network Adapter installed on your PC.
This could be due to a variety of reasons that range from incompatible or damaged driver software to other issues.
1. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Built-in Internet Adapter Troubleshooter on Windows 10 might help you in resolving this issue or identify the reason that caused this issue on your system.
Click Settings > Update and Security > click Troubleshoot in the left-hand pane. In the right-hand side you will see Additional Troubleshooters.
Next, choose Network Adapter and then click Run the Troubleshooter.
Follow the screen instructions in order to help the Troubleshooter identify and fix the issues with your PC.
2. To stop Computer from turning off Network Adapter
Click the Start button, and then click onto Device Manager. In the Device Manager screen look up Network Adapters entry, then right-click to select WiFi Adapter and then click Properties.
TIP: In case you have too many entries, search for something that is Network (or 802.11b or that has Wi-Fi on it.
On the Properties screen, click on from the Power Management tab and disable Turn the computer off this device in order to conserve the power option.
Click OK, to save the setting to your computer.
The computer will no longer be able turn off the Network Adapter. This is the solution to the issue in your PC.
3. Update Network Adapter Driver
It is generally believed that Windows 10 should automatically update on the Network Adapter, but this might not happen in all cases.
Right-click on the Start button and then click Device Manager. On the Device Manger Screen expand Network Adapters entry, then right-click on the WiFi adapter and then select update Driver Software option.
Tips: If you see many entries, you should look for one that says Network, 802.11b or has Wi-Fi included.
The next page, choose Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software option, and follow the instructions for installing the driver.
4. Reset Network Adapter (Winsock Reset)
The steps are below to reset the Network Adapter in your computer.
Start the Command Prompt (Admin) and type netsh winsock reset then hit on the Enter key.
Try restarting your system, attempt to connect to the Internet and check whether you still get Windows couldn’t locate a driver to fix your network adapter issue on your PC.
5. Uninstall Wireless Adapter Driver
Open Device Manager and then on the Device Manager screen expand Network Adapter entry > right-click on the Wireless Adapter and click on Uninstall option.
In the confirmation window Check for the option to delete driver software on this device, and then click Uninstall.
Restart your computer , and Windows will install the correct driver software.
Notice: In rare cases, Windows may fail to install the proper driver. If this happens, you can manually downloading the driver application from the manufacturer’s web site, and download it to your system.
