Windows network adapter problems—whether involving missing adapters, connection drops, or driver failures—can often be resolved through systematic troubleshooting. The most common solutions involve driver management, network resets, and Windows updates, with specific steps varying slightly between Windows 10 and 11. Issues frequently arise after system updates, particularly with Intel and Lenovo hardware, where error codes like 43 or 10 may appear. The solutions span from basic restarts to advanced command-line fixes, with manufacturer-specific drivers often being the key to persistent problems.

Key findings from the sources:

• Driver reinstallation is the most recommended fix, especially when issues start after Windows updates ^[1][3][6].
• Network resets and command-line tools (e.g., netsh winsock reset, ipconfig /flushdns) resolve hidden configuration corruption ^[2][4][9].
• Windows updates and BIOS updates frequently patch compatibility issues with network hardware ^[4][5].
• Hardware-specific steps, like power cycling laptops or checking hidden devices in Device Manager, address adapter detection failures ^[2][5].

Step-by-Step Solutions for Windows Network Adapter Problems

1. Driver Management: Reinstalling, Updating, or Rolling Back

Network adapter issues often stem from corrupted, outdated, or incompatible drivers, particularly after Windows updates. The most reliable fix involves manually reinstalling drivers from the manufacturer’s website rather than relying on Windows Update.

For Lenovo, Intel, or ASUS devices, users report that generic Windows drivers fail to restore functionality, while OEM-provided drivers resolve error codes like 43 or 10 ^[1][3]. To reinstall:

1. Uninstall the current driver: - Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager). - Expand Network adapters, right-click the problematic adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless AC-9560), and select Uninstall device. - Check "Delete the driver software for this device" if available, then confirm ^[1].
2. Download the correct driver: - Visit the laptop or adapter manufacturer’s support page (e.g., Lenovo Support, Intel Download Center). - Enter your exact model number (e.g., Lenovo V15-ADA or Intel AC-9560) to avoid compatibility issues ^[6]. - Download the latest Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver for your Windows version (10 or 11).
3. Install manually: - Run the downloaded executable and follow prompts. - If the installer fails, use Device Manager > Action > Scan for hardware changes to force detection ^[1].

Alternative steps if issues persist:

• Roll back the driver: In Device Manager, right-click the adapter > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver (if available) ^[4].
• Check for hidden devices: In Device Manager, click View > Show hidden devices, then look for grayed-out network adapters and enable them ^[2].
• Use Hardware IDs to find drivers: In Device Manager, right-click the adapter > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs. Copy the top value (e.g., PCI\VEN8086&DEV2526) and search online for the exact driver ^[6].

Common pitfalls:

• Windows may automatically reinstall a faulty driver after uninstallation. To prevent this, disable automatic driver updates via:
• Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Do not include drivers with Windows Update ^[4].
• Avoid third-party driver update tools, as they often install incorrect or malicious drivers ^[7].

2. Network Resets and Command-Line Fixes

When drivers are not the issue, corrupted network configurations or misconfigured services often cause adapters to fail. Windows 10 and 11 include built-in tools to reset these settings without affecting personal files.

Step 1: Run the Network Troubleshooter

• Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter ^[4][8].
• For Windows 10, alternatively use Control Panel > Troubleshooting > Network and Internet ^[7].
• The tool automatically detects issues like disabled adapters or IP conflicts and applies fixes.

Step 2: Reset Network Stack via Command Prompt Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands sequentially:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns

• netsh winsock reset repairs corrupted Winsock settings, which manage network requests ^[2][9].
• ipconfig commands renew your IP address and clear DNS cache, resolving connectivity drops ^[8].

Step 3: Perform a Full Network Reset

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset ^[5][10].
• Click Reset now to reinstall all network adapters and restore settings to default. Note: This removes saved Wi-Fi passwords.
• Restart your PC afterward.

Step 4: Restart Critical Network Services

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Ensure these services are Running and set to Automatic:
• WLAN AutoConfig (for Wi-Fi)
• DHCP Client
• DNS Client ^[2].
• If any service is stopped, right-click it > Start.

Step 5: Power Cycle Hardware (For Persistent Issues)

• Laptops: Shut down, remove the battery (if removable), unplug the power cable, and hold the power button for 30 seconds to discharge residual power ^[2].
• Desktops/Modems/Routers: Unplug all devices for 1–2 minutes, then reconnect and restart.
• This clears temporary hardware glitches affecting adapter detection.

When to use these steps:

• If the adapter appears in Device Manager but has no internet.
• If you encounter "Wi-Fi connected but no internet" or "Ethernet unidentified network" errors ^[8].
• If issues started after a Windows update or driver update ^[3].