If your network connection suddenly stops working because Windows 10 can’t load or use the adapter, the most likely culprits are driver problems — missing, outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers. This article explains why the Network driver doesn’t work in Windows 10 and gives step-by-step fixes so you can restore connectivity quickly.
You’ll learn 13 common reasons this happens and clear, actionable steps to resolve each one — from simple Device Manager fixes to resetting the TCP/IP stack and checking BIOS settings.
Key Takeaway
The fastest, most reliable fix is to identify your network adapter model, uninstall its current driver (with the option to remove driver software), then download and install the latest Windows 10–compatible driver from the device or PC manufacturer — combined with a TCP/IP/Winsock reset if needed.
Quick Fix Guide
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| Outdated or missing driver | Update or install the latest driver from the manufacturer. |
| Corrupted driver files | Uninstall the adapter (delete driver software) and reinstall fresh drivers. |
| Incorrect driver version (wrong model) | Download and install the exact driver matching your adapter model/ID. |
| Windows Update caused a conflict | Roll back the driver or uninstall the recent Windows update. |
| Driver signature enforcement blocks unsigned driver | Use advanced startup to temporarily disable driver signature enforcement, then install a signed driver. |
| Network adapter disabled in Device Manager | Re-enable the adapter in Device Manager → Network adapters. |
| Adapter disabled in BIOS/UEFI | Enable the onboard LAN/Wi‑Fi in BIOS/UEFI settings. |
| Power management turning off adapter | Uncheck power-saving option in adapter Properties → Power Management. |
| Corrupted TCP/IP/Winsock stack | Run netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset, then reboot. |
| Third-party antivirus or firewall blocking | Temporarily disable/uninstall security software and test connectivity. |
| Conflicting VPN or virtual adapters | Disable/uninstall virtual adapters or VPN software and reboot. |
| Incompatible Windows 10 build | Check manufacturer support and install a compatible driver or update Windows. |
| Physical hardware failure or loose cable | Inspect/replace cable, test on another PC or replace adapter. |
Detailed Fixes for “Network driver doesn’t work in Windows 10”
Below are 13 detailed reasons and step-by-step solutions. Perform steps with an administrator account. Create a System Restore point before major changes.
1. Outdated or missing driver
Why it causes the problem:
Manufacturers update drivers to fix bugs and support new Windows builds; an outdated or missing driver may not work with your current Windows 10 version.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager (press Windows + X → Device Manager).
- Expand Network adapters and find your adapter.
- Right-click → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
- If Windows finds none, go to the adapter or PC manufacturer’s website, locate drivers/support, download the latest Windows 10 driver for your model, and run the installer.
- Reboot after installation.
Tip: If driver installers are packaged with a utility, prefer the manufacturer’s driver over generic Windows drivers.
2. Corrupted driver files
Why it causes the problem:
Driver files can become corrupted by failed updates, disk errors, or system changes, causing the adapter to fail.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager → Network adapters.
- Right-click the adapter → Uninstall device.
- Check Delete the driver software for this device if present, then click Uninstall.
- Reboot the PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall a driver; if it doesn’t or fails, install the driver you downloaded from the manufacturer.
- Verify connectivity.
Note: Deleting the driver ensures you don’t reuse corrupted files.
3. Incorrect driver version (wrong model)
Why it causes the problem:
Installing a driver for the wrong model (or chipset) may appear to install but will not function correctly.
Step-by-step solution:
- In Device Manager, right-click the adapter → Properties → Details tab.
- From the Property dropdown, choose Hardware Ids and note VEN and DEV values (vendor/device).
- Use those IDs on sites like PCI Database or the manufacturer’s support page to find the exact driver.
- Download and install the correct driver for that hardware ID and Windows build.
- Reboot and test.
Tip: Use the adapter’s model printed on the adapter/PC if available.
4. Windows Update conflict
Why it causes the problem:
A recent Windows update can replace or break drivers; rollback of driver or update may restore functionality.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager, open adapter → Properties → Driver tab → click Roll Back Driver if available.
- If roll back is not available, open Settings → Update & Security → View update history → Uninstall updates to remove recent updates (careful with critical updates).
- After uninstalling or rolling back, reboot and reinstall a stable driver from the manufacturer.
Tip: Use Windows Update → View optional updates → Driver updates to see driver options provided by Microsoft.
5. Driver signature enforcement blocks unsigned driver
Why it causes the problem:
Windows 10 enforces driver signing; unsigned drivers won’t load unless enforcement is disabled temporarily.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now.
- On the blue options screen: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
- Press 7 or F7 to Disable driver signature enforcement.
- Install the unsigned driver package, then reboot normally.
- Prefer signed drivers — contact vendor for a signed package.
Warning: Disabling enforcement reduces security; only use for trusted drivers.
6. Network adapter disabled in Device Manager
Why it causes the problem:
Adapters can be manually disabled or disabled by software.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Device Manager → Network adapters.
- Right-click the adapter and choose Enable device if it shows as disabled.
- In Network Connections (open ncpa.cpl), right-click the adapter and select Enable.
- Test connectivity.
Tip: Disabled adapters show a small down arrow icon.
7. Adapter disabled in BIOS/UEFI
Why it causes the problem:
Onboard LAN or Wi‑Fi can be turned off in firmware, making it invisible to Windows.
Step-by-step solution:
- Reboot and enter BIOS/UEFI (commonly F2, Del, Esc).
- Look under Advanced, Integrated Peripherals, or similar for Onboard LAN, Wireless, or Network Controller.
- Set it to Enabled, save changes, and exit.
- Boot to Windows and check Device Manager.
Note: Refer to your PC or motherboard manual for exact BIOS options.
8. Power management turning off adapter
Why it causes the problem:
Windows power-saving can turn off devices to save battery, which may prevent reconnection.
Step-by-step solution:
- In Device Manager, right-click the adapter → Properties → Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Apply, then reboot.
Tip: Also check Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings → Wireless Adapter Settings and set to Maximum Performance.
9. Corrupted TCP/IP/Winsock stack
Why it causes the problem:
Networking components can become corrupted, resulting in inability to obtain IP or communicate.
Step-by-step solution (use elevated Command Prompt):
- Open Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run these commands one by one:
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart the PC.
- Test connectivity.
Tip: If issues persist, run sfc /scannow to check system file integrity.
10. Third-party antivirus or firewall blocking
Why it causes the problem:
Security software can block network drivers or network traffic, seeming like a driver failure.
Step-by-step solution:
- Temporarily disable the antivirus/firewall using its system tray icon or open its interface and use the disable option.
- Test network functionality.
- If disabling helps, update/reinstall security software or add network driver/process exceptions.
- If necessary, uninstall the security product and test again.
Caution: Only disable for short tests; avoid leaving system unprotected.
11. Conflicting VPN or virtual adapters
Why it causes the problem:
VPN clients and virtualization tools create virtual adapters that may interfere with the main adapter or routing.
Step-by-step solution:
- Open Network Connections (ncpa.cpl) and look for adapters from VPNs (e.g., TAP-Windows Adapter) or virtual machines.
- Right-click and Disable any nonessential virtual adapters.
- Alternatively uninstall the VPN or virtualization software temporarily.
- Reboot and test.
Tip: Reinstall updated VPN clients if they cause recurring conflicts.
12. Incompatible Windows 10 build
Why it causes the problem:
A driver may not be updated for a new Windows 10 build, or a new build may add compatibility issues.
Step-by-step solution:
- Check your Windows build: Settings → System → About → OS Build.
- Check the manufacturer’s website for driver support for your specific Windows build.
- If no compatible driver exists, consider:
- Installing a driver marked compatible with your major build,
- Rolling back to an earlier Windows build (if recently upgraded), or
- Waiting for an updated driver from the vendor.
- As a temporary measure, use a USB Wi‑Fi or Ethernet adapter with supported drivers.
Note: For enterprise systems, check vendor compatibility before major Windows feature updates.
13. Physical hardware failure or loose connection
Why it causes the problem:
Damaged adapters, bad cables, or faulty ports prevent network connectivity regardless of drivers.
Step-by-step solution:
- If using Ethernet, check the cable for damage and replace it; test another port on the router/switch.
- Try the adapter in another PC to confirm failure.
- For laptops with Wi‑Fi, ensure the wireless switch (if present) is on, and reseat any removable Wi‑Fi modules.
- If faulty, replace the adapter (USB Wi‑Fi dongle or PCIe network card) and install drivers for the new hardware.
Tip: LEDs on Ethernet ports usually indicate link — no LED often means cable/port/hardware fault.
Preventive maintenance and best practices
- Keep a backup copy of drivers for your network adapter on a USB stick so you can reinstall offline.
- Use Windows Update → View optional updates → Driver updates to get vendor-supplied drivers through Windows when available.
- Create a System Restore point before installing major drivers or Windows updates.
- Keep your system firmware (BIOS/UEFI) and chipset drivers current to avoid adapter-level conflicts.
- Avoid random “driver updater” utilities from unknown publishers; prefer vendor sites or Windows Update.
FAQ
How do I identify my network adapter model quickly?
Open Device Manager → Network adapters, right-click the adapter → Properties → Details → Hardware Ids and use the VEN/DEV values or search the adapter name shown in Device Manager on the manufacturer’s website.
Can I use the generic driver Windows supplies instead of manufacturer drivers?
Yes for basic connectivity, but manufacturer drivers often include performance, power management, and stability fixes; use manufacturer drivers for full functionality.
Will reinstalling Windows fix network driver issues?
It can, because reinstalling restores system drivers and settings, but first try targeted driver fixes; reinstalling Windows is a last resort and requires backups.
Is it safe to download drivers from third-party sites?
Prefer the device or PC maker’s official support page. Third-party driver archives can be risky — verify checksums and vendor sources before downloading.
When should I contact professional support or warranty service?
If hardware tests fail (adapter doesn’t work in another PC) or BIOS/firmware issues persist, contact the PC/vendor support or consider a repair/replacement under warranty.
In short: start by updating or reinstalling the network driver and resetting the network stack; if that fails, check BIOS settings, power management, security software, and finally test hardware. Following these steps should resolve most cases where the Network driver doesn’t work in Windows 10.
