How do you fix a network adapter that is not showing in Device Manager?

Introduction

If you\’re experiencing a situation where your network adapter is not showing up in Device Manager, you\’re likely facing connectivity issues that can be both frustrating and disruptive. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue and get you back online effectively.

Common Causes

There are several reasons why a network adapter might not appear in Device Manager. Understanding these common causes will help you narrow down the troubleshooting steps:

• Driver Issues: Outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers.
• Hardware Problems: Faulty or improperly connected network card.
• BIOS Settings: Disabled network adapter in BIOS/UEFI.
• System Issues: Software conflicts or system errors.

Quick Overview of Common Causes

Cause	Description
Driver Issues	Outdated, missing, or corrupted drivers.
Hardware Problems	Faulty or improperly connected network card.
BIOS Settings	Disabled network adapter in BIOS/UEFI.
System Issues	Software conflicts or system errors.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Sometimes, your network adapter could be disabled in your system\’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Here\’s how to check:

1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the designated key (usually F2, DEL, or ESC).
2. Navigate to the \’Advanced\’ tab or \’Integrated Peripherals\’ section.
3. Look for \’Network Adapter\’ or similar and ensure it is enabled.
4. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

2. Scan for Hardware Changes

Device Manager can sometimes overlook hardware changes. To manually detect hardware changes:

1. Press Win + X and select \’Device Manager\’.
2. In the Device Manager window, click on \’Action\’ in the menu bar.
3. Select \’Scan for hardware changes\’.

The system will search for any new hardware, and your network adapter might appear.

3. Update or Reinstall Drivers

Driver issues are a common cause of network adapters not showing up. To fix driver-related issues:

Update Drivers

1. Open \’Device Manager\’.
2. Right-click on \’Network adapters\’ and select \’Update driver\’.
3. Choose \’Search automatically for updated driver software\’.

Reinstall Drivers

1. Open \’Device Manager\’.
2. Right-click on \’Network adapters\’ and select \’Uninstall device\’.
3. Restart your computer. Windows will attempt to reinstall the missing drivers automatically.

4. Check Physical Connections

Ensure the network adapter is properly connected to your motherboard:

1. Turn off your computer and disconnect all cables.
2. Open your computer\’s case.
3. Verify that the network adapter card is seated firmly in its slot.
4. Reconnect any cables and close the case.
5. Restart your computer.

5. Disable Energy-saving Settings

Energy-saving features can sometimes disable hardware devices:

1. Open \’Device Manager\’.
2. Right-click on your network adapter and select \’Properties\’.
3. Navigate to the \’Power Management\’ tab.
4. Uncheck \’Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power\’.
5. Click \’OK\’ to apply the changes.

6. Perform a System Restore

If the issue started after a recent update or software installation, performing a system restore might solve the problem:

1. Press Win + S and type \’System Restore\’.
2. Select \’Create a restore point\’ and then click on \’System Restore\’.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous state.

Advanced Troubleshooting

1. Check for Conflicting Devices

Conflicting devices can sometimes cause issues:

1. Open \’Device Manager\’ and expand \’Network adapters\’ and \’Other devices\’.
2. Look for devices with a yellow triangle or exclamation mark.
3. Right-click on the conflicting device and select \’Update driver\’ or \’Uninstall device\’.

2. Windows Networking Troubleshooter

Run the Windows Networking Troubleshooter to diagnose and fix network problems:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to \’Update & Security\’ and select \’Troubleshoot\’.
3. Click on \’Internet Connections\’ and run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

3. Windows Boot Configuration

Check if the network adapter is listed as an active device in the boot configuration:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the \’Boot\’ tab and click on \’Advanced options\’.
3. Ensure that no unnecessary boot settings are interfering with hardware detection.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting a network adapter that isn\’t showing in Device Manager can be a complex process, but following the steps outlined in this guide should help you identify and resolve the issue. From checking BIOS settings to performing a system restore, these techniques have been designed to cater to both basic and advanced troubleshooting needs.

By systematically going through these steps, you can effectively diagnose the problem, ensuring your network adapter is correctly detected and functional.