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To fix a network adapter that is not working, first identify whether Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or both are affected. Test another device on the same network, then check Windows’ adapter status and driver before trying broader resets. These steps apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11; Microsoft recommends starting Windows 11 users with the Network and Internet troubleshooter in Get Help.
1. Find out whether the problem is Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or the network
Try connecting another device to the same Wi-Fi network or router. If that device also cannot connect, the problem may be with the router, network, or internet service rather than the Windows PC. If possible, test the affected PC using the other connection type: try Wi-Fi if Ethernet is failing, or Ethernet if Wi-Fi is failing.
If Ethernet is the problem
- Make sure the cable is firmly connected at both ends and plugged into a router LAN or Ethernet port, not the port used to connect the modem and router.
- Try another known-working Ethernet cable if one is available.
- If the PC has no Ethernet port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter can provide a wired connection. It can also help compare Ethernet connectivity on another PC, but it is not a general fix for a failed built-in Wi-Fi adapter. See Microsoft’s Ethernet troubleshooting guidance.
If Wi-Fi is the problem
Check whether other devices can join the same Wi-Fi network. If they can, focus on the Windows PC’s Wi-Fi adapter, its enabled state, and its driver. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance covers these checks.
2. Run Windows network diagnostics
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter. Microsoft says it performs diagnostics and attempts to fix many network problems. For Windows 10, use the manual checks below and Microsoft’s troubleshooting pages, which cover both Windows 10 and Windows 11. See Windows troubleshooters for information about the Get Help troubleshooting options.
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3. Check whether Windows detects and enables the adapter
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Find the adapter that matches the connection you are troubleshooting. If it is disabled, right-click it and choose Enable device, if that option appears.
- Right-click the adapter, select Properties, and check its status and any error code shown on the General tab. Also note the driver information if you need to update or reinstall it.
If the Wi-Fi adapter is not listed in Device Manager, Microsoft says Windows is not detecting it. Check the computer manufacturer’s support site for the appropriate driver for your exact PC model. If the adapter remains absent, the issue may require device-level diagnosis; the Windows troubleshooting guidance does not establish that a missing adapter can be repaired by a network reset. See Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance.
4. Update or reinstall the network adapter driver
Windows Update provides drivers for many hardware devices, including network adapters. You can also use Device Manager to update or reinstall an adapter driver. Microsoft’s instructions are in Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows.
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- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Before uninstalling a driver
Get the correct driver for your PC model from the computer manufacturer’s support site first, especially if the PC is offline. If you cannot download it on the affected PC, Microsoft suggests downloading it on another computer and transferring it with a USB flash drive.
After uninstalling
Restart the PC. Windows may reinstall the adapter driver automatically. If it does not install a working driver, run the saved manufacturer driver installer. Do not uninstall the driver without a way to retrieve it if the PC has no internet connection. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi and Ethernet guides describe the recovery steps: Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
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5. Reset network settings with Command Prompt
If the adapter is detected and the cable or Wi-Fi connection has been checked, Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooting guidance lists these commands for resetting Winsock and TCP/IP, renewing the IP address, and flushing DNS:
- Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run each command in this order, pressing Enter after each one:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsCheck the connection after the commands finish. They address Windows network configuration and name-resolution problems; they do not prove that the physical adapter is working or replace checking device detection, drivers, cable connections, or the router. Microsoft’s instructions are in its Ethernet and Wi-Fi troubleshooting guides.
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- Compatibility Systems: This Wi-Fi usb adapter is compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/8/7/XP,not supports Mac OS or Chromebook or Linux. Most Windows 11/10 systems will automatically detect and install the drivers. If the system does not detect the driver, you will need to download it from our website. For Windows 7, you will need to manually install the driver for this wifi card.or you go to the website online-setup support,we do online-setup for you.
6. Use Network reset only after other checks fail
Microsoft describes Network reset as a last step. It removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with default settings after the PC restarts. You may need to set up VPN software or Hyper-V virtual switches again. The reset can also change known network connections to a public profile, affecting whether your PC is discoverable to other devices.
To open the setting, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset in Windows 11. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. Review the effects before proceeding. Microsoft’s Wi-Fi and Ethernet guides explain what the reset changes.
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- Wifi 6 High-speed Transmission: The WiFi adapter supports the new generation of WiFi6 technology with transmission speeds of up to 600 Mbps on 5 GHz + 287 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, enabling lightning-fast transmission of video at ultra-high speed and low latency
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When the adapter still does not work
If another device connects to the network, the PC is using a known-working cable or connection where applicable, and Windows still does not detect the adapter or cannot use its manufacturer driver, the problem may need device-level diagnosis. A USB-to-Ethernet adapter is useful only when you need to add a wired connection or compare Ethernet on another PC; it does not repair a built-in adapter or a router problem.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 are covered by the Microsoft troubleshooting pages linked above. Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so Windows 10 users should account for its changed support status when deciding what to do next.
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