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How to Fix Windows 10 Network Card Problem Without Reinstalling Windows

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on

Categories Troubleshooting

Learn how to troubleshoot and fix a Windows 10 network card problem without losing your apps or data. Follow these easy steps to resolve the issue.

If your Windows 10 network card stops working, you might think that the only solution is to reinstall Windows and lose all your apps and data. But that’s not true. There are other ways to fix a Windows 10 network card problem without reinstalling Windows. In this article, we’ll show you how to diagnose and repair your network card issue using some simple methods and tools.

Check Your Network Adapter Status

The first thing you should do is check if your network adapter is enabled and working properly. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK to open the Device Manager.
  3. Expand the Network adapters category and look for your network card device. It might be named something like Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller, Intel Wireless-AC 9560, or Broadcom NetLink Gigabit Ethernet.
  4. Right-click on your network card device and select Properties. Check the Device status section and see if it says “This device is working properly.” If it doesn’t, make a note of the error message as a clue to the problem. Right-click on your network card device and select Properties. Check the Device status section and see if it says “This device is working properly.” If it doesn’t, make a note of the error message as a clue to the problem.
  5. If your network card device is disabled, right-click on it and select Enable. If it is enabled, right-click on it and select Disable, then enable it again. This might help to reset the device and fix the issue.

If your network adapter is not visible in the Device Manager, you might need to scan for hardware changes or reveal hidden devices. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Select your computer name at the top of the device tree and then select Action > Scan for hardware changes. This will force Windows to detect any attached hardware again.
  2. If that doesn’t work, open the View menu and click Show hidden devices. This will display any devices that are hidden in the Device Manager. Look for your network adapter device and see if it is visible now.

Update or Reinstall Your Network Driver

Sometimes, the problem with your network card might be caused by an outdated or corrupted driver. A driver is a software that allows your device to communicate with your operating system. To update or reinstall your network driver, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on your network card device in the Device Manager and select Update driver. This will open a wizard that will help you search for the latest driver online or on your computer.
  2. If you have a driver file downloaded from the manufacturer’s website, choose Browse my computer for driver software and locate the file. If you don’t have a driver file, choose Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows find the best driver for you.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver and restart your computer if prompted.
  4. If updating the driver doesn’t work, you can try to uninstall and reinstall the driver. To do that, right-click on your network card device in the Device Manager and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device and click Uninstall. Then, restart your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver for you.

Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in tool that can help you diagnose and fix common network problems. The network troubleshooter can check your network settings, adapter, and connection and suggest possible solutions. To run the network troubleshooter, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Network & Internet and then click on Status.
  3. Under Change your network settings, click on Network troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and apply any recommended fixes.

Run the Network Troubleshooter

Reset Your Network Settings

If none of the above methods work, you can try to reset your network settings to their default values. This will reinstall all your network adapters, reset your network components, and clear your DNS cache. However, this will also remove any network-related settings and preferences you have customized, such as VPN connections, Wi-Fi networks, and passwords. To reset your network settings, follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Network & Internet and then scroll down to the bottom and click on Network reset. Click on Network & Internet and then scroll down to the bottom and click on Network reset.
  3. Click on Reset now and confirm your choice. This will restart your computer and reset your network settings. Click on Reset now and confirm your choice. This will restart your computer and reset your network settings.

Conclusion

A Windows 10 network card problem can be frustrating and prevent you from accessing the internet or your network resources. However, you don’t have to reinstall Windows and lose your apps and data to fix it. By following the steps in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix your network card issue without reinstalling Windows. If you still have problems with your network card, you might need to contact your device manufacturer or a professional technician for further assistance.]

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult your device manufacturer or a qualified technician before making any changes to your network settings or hardware. We are not responsible for any damage or loss that may result from following the instructions in this article.