How to Update Network Adapter Driver Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updating a network adapter driver in Windows 10 can resolve Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection problems, improve hardware compatibility, and restore network connectivity after a Windows update. Windows 10 can automatically search for drivers through Windows Update, but you can also install a driver manually from the computer or network adapter manufacturer.

This guide explains several ways to update a network adapter driver, including what to do when Windows reports that the best driver is already installed.

What Is a Network Adapter Driver?

A network adapter driver is software that allows Windows 10 to communicate with a physical or wireless network adapter.

Network adapters include:

• Wi-Fi adapters
• Ethernet adapters
• USB Wi-Fi adapters
• PCIe wireless cards
• PCIe Ethernet controllers
• Integrated motherboard network controllers
• USB-to-Ethernet adapters
• Virtual network adapters

Common manufacturers include Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, Qualcomm, MediaTek, Marvell, and Atheros.

If the driver is missing, corrupted, outdated, or incompatible, Windows may show symptoms such as:

• Wi-Fi not appearing
• Ethernet showing "No Internet"
• Network adapter missing from Device Manager
• Slow or unstable network connections
• Frequent Wi-Fi disconnects
• "Unknown device" in Device Manager
• Yellow warning icon beside the network adapter
• Network adapter disappearing after Windows updates
• Unable to connect to available wireless networks

Before Updating Your Network Adapter Driver

Before installing a new driver, identify the network adapter installed in your computer.

If your internet connection currently works, the easiest option is normally to use Windows Update.

If your computer has no internet connection, you may need to download the driver using another computer and transfer it with a USB flash drive.

Important

Do not download network drivers from random driver-download websites when the manufacturer provides an official driver. Whenever possible, obtain the driver from:

1. Your computer manufacturer's support website
2. The motherboard manufacturer's website
3. The network adapter manufacturer's website
4. Windows Update

Method 1: Update the Network Adapter Through Device Manager

Device Manager is one of the easiest ways to update a network adapter driver in Windows 10.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Right-click the Start button.

Select:

Device Manager

Alternatively, press:

Windows + X

and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Network Adapters

In Device Manager, locate:

Network adapters

Click the arrow next to it to expand the category.

You may see entries similar to:

• Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200
• Intel(R) Ethernet Connection
• Realtek PCIe GbE Family Controller
• Realtek 8822CE Wireless LAN
• Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Network Adapter
• Broadcom 802.11ac Network Adapter
• USB Wireless LAN Adapter

The exact name depends on the hardware installed in the computer.

Step 3: Right-Click the Adapter

Right-click the network adapter you want to update.

Select:

Update driver

Windows 10 will open the Update Drivers window.

Step 4: Search Automatically

Select:

Search automatically for updated driver software

Windows will search for an available driver.

If Windows finds a newer compatible driver, it will download and install it.

Restart the computer when prompted.

What If Windows Says the Best Driver Is Already Installed?

Windows may report:

The best drivers for your device are already installed.

This does not necessarily mean that the manufacturer's website does not have a newer driver.

Windows may simply be unable to find a newer driver through its normal driver search.

If this happens, download the appropriate driver manually from the computer, motherboard, or network adapter manufacturer's website.

Method 2: Update Network Drivers Through Windows Update

Windows Update can provide network adapter drivers in addition to operating-system updates.

Step 1: Open Windows Settings

Click:

Start → Settings

or press:

Windows + I

Step 2: Open Update & Security

Select:

Update & Security

Then select:

Windows Update

Step 3: Check for Updates

Click:

Check for updates

Allow Windows 10 to search for available updates.

If a network adapter driver is available through Windows Update, Windows may download and install it automatically.

Check Optional Driver Updates

Some Windows 10 installations place hardware drivers under optional updates.

Go to:

Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View optional updates

If available, expand:

Driver updates

Look for a network adapter driver.

Examples may include:

• Intel network driver
• Realtek network driver
• Broadcom network driver
• Qualcomm network driver
• Wireless LAN driver
• Ethernet controller driver

Select the appropriate update and install it.

Restart Windows after installation.

Method 3: Download the Network Driver Manually

Manual installation is useful when:

• Windows Update cannot find the driver
• Device Manager cannot update the driver
• The network adapter is not working
• You need a newer manufacturer driver
• Windows was reinstalled
• The computer was upgraded or repaired
• The adapter appears as an unknown device

Step 1: Identify Your Computer

For a laptop or prebuilt desktop, identify the exact computer model.

For example:

• Dell Latitude
• HP Pavilion
• Lenovo ThinkPad
• Acer Aspire
• ASUS VivoBook

Go to the manufacturer's support website and search for the exact model.

Look for the Network, LAN, or Wireless driver section.

Step 2: Choose the Correct Driver

Pay attention to:

• Windows version
• 32-bit or 64-bit architecture
• Network adapter model
• Wi-Fi versus Ethernet
• Driver version
• Release date

Most Windows 10 installations on modern PCs use 64-bit Windows.

You can check by opening:

Settings → System → About

Look under:

System type

Method 4: Install a Downloaded Driver

Network drivers are commonly distributed as:

• .exe
• .zip
• .cab

The installation process depends on the file type.

Installing an EXE Driver

If the manufacturer provides an executable installer:

1. Download the driver.
2. Open the downloaded .exe file.
3. Follow the installation instructions.
4. Allow Windows to install the driver.
5. Restart the computer.

Some installers automatically remove the previous driver before installing the new version.

Installing a ZIP Driver

Some manufacturers provide the driver as a ZIP archive.

Step 1

Right-click the ZIP file.

Select:

Extract All

Step 2

Choose a folder and extract the files.

Step 3

Open the extracted folder.

Look for:

• Setup.exe
• Install.exe
• .inf files

If a setup program is included, run it as instructed by the manufacturer.

Installing an INF Network Driver Through Device Manager

If the extracted driver does not contain an installer, you can install the driver through Device Manager.

Step 1

Open:

Device Manager

Step 2

Expand:

Network adapters

Right-click the affected adapter.

Select:

Update driver

Step 3

Select:

Browse my computer for drivers

Step 4

Click:

Browse

Navigate to the folder containing the extracted driver.

Make sure:

Include subfolders

is selected.

Click:

Next

Windows will search the folder for a compatible .inf driver and install it.

Restart the computer after installation.

What If the Network Adapter Is Missing From Device Manager?

If the adapter does not appear under Network adapters, do not immediately assume the hardware has failed.

First, click:

View → Show hidden devices

Then check Network adapters again.

You should also look under:

Other devices

An adapter without a properly installed driver may appear as:

• Network Controller
• Ethernet Controller
• Unknown Device
• PCI Device

A yellow warning icon usually indicates a driver or hardware configuration problem.

Find the Network Adapter Using the Hardware ID

If Windows shows Network Controller or Unknown Device, the Hardware ID can help identify the device.

Step 1

Open Device Manager.

Step 2

Right-click the unknown device.

Select:

Properties

Step 3

Open the:

Details

tab.

Step 4

Select:

Hardware Ids

from the Property dropdown menu.

You may see something similar to:

PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2723

The important information is usually the:

VEN

and

DEV

values.

For example:

VEN_8086

identifies Intel hardware.

The device ID can then be used to determine the exact network adapter model and locate the appropriate driver.

How to Check the Current Network Driver Version

You can check which driver Windows 10 is currently using.

Step 1

Open:

Device Manager

Step 2

Expand:

Network adapters

Step 3

Right-click your network adapter.

Select:

Properties

Step 4

Open the:

Driver

tab.

You will see information including:

• Driver Provider
• Driver Date
• Driver Version
• Digital Signer

Record the existing driver version before installing a replacement.

This makes it easier to determine whether the update was successful.

How to Roll Back a Network Driver

Sometimes a new driver can introduce compatibility problems.

If Wi-Fi or Ethernet stops working after a driver update, Windows 10 may allow you to return to the previous driver.

Step 1

Open:

Device Manager

Step 2

Expand:

Network adapters

Step 3

Right-click the affected adapter.

Select:

Properties

Step 4

Open the:

Driver

tab.

Step 5

Select:

Roll Back Driver

if the option is available.

Follow the instructions and restart the computer.

Why Is Roll Back Driver Disabled?

The rollback option may be unavailable when Windows does not have a previous driver stored on the system.

In that situation, download and reinstall the previous driver version from the computer or adapter manufacturer's support page.

How to Uninstall and Reinstall a Network Driver

If the network adapter driver is corrupted, reinstalling it can sometimes resolve the problem.

Step 1

Open:

Device Manager

Step 2

Expand:

Network adapters

Step 3

Right-click the affected adapter.

Select:

Uninstall device

Step 4

If Windows displays an option to remove the driver software for the device, carefully review it before selecting the option.

Step 5

Click:

Uninstall

Restart Windows.

Windows may automatically reinstall the network adapter driver.

If it does not, install the manufacturer's driver manually.

Reset the Network After Updating the Driver

If the driver installed successfully but Windows still cannot connect to the network, resetting Windows networking components may help.

Open:

Settings → Network & Internet → Status

Select:

Network reset

Then select:

Reset now

Windows will restart the computer.

Important

Network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets network settings. VPN software, virtual network adapters, and other networking configurations may need to be configured again afterward.

Use Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes network troubleshooting tools that can identify some common connection problems.

Open:

Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot

Select the available network troubleshooting option.

Depending on the Windows 10 version, the troubleshooting interface may differ.

You can also right-click the network icon in the taskbar and select the available troubleshooting option.

Check Whether Wi-Fi Is Disabled

If you are updating a wireless adapter and Wi-Fi is still unavailable, check whether wireless networking has been disabled.

Look for:

• Wi-Fi toggle in Windows
• Physical wireless switch
• Laptop function key
• Airplane mode
• Hardware switch
• BIOS/UEFI wireless settings

Some laptops use a function key such as Fn + F2, although the exact key varies by manufacturer.

Check the Network Adapter Status

Open:

Device Manager → Network adapters

Right-click the adapter and select:

Properties

Look at the:

Device status

section.

A properly functioning adapter should normally report:

This device is working properly.

If Windows reports an error, note the error code.

Common Device Manager errors include:

• Code 10
• Code 12
• Code 22
• Code 28
• Code 31
• Code 39
• Code 43

The error code can help determine whether the problem involves a missing driver, hardware configuration, or another Windows issue.

Common Network Driver Problems

Code 28 — Drivers for This Device Are Not Installed

This usually indicates that Windows does not have an appropriate driver installed.

Download the correct network adapter driver and install it manually.

Code 10 — Device Cannot Start

A Code 10 error can be caused by:

• Incorrect driver
• Corrupted driver
• Driver incompatibility
• Hardware problems
• Windows configuration problems

Try installing the latest manufacturer driver.

If the problem started after an update, try rolling back the driver.

Code 43 — Windows Has Stopped the Device

Code 43 indicates that Windows has stopped the device because it reported a problem.

Try:

1. Restarting the computer.
2. Reinstalling the driver.
3. Installing the manufacturer's driver.
4. Checking for Windows updates.
5. Testing the adapter on another computer if possible.

Network Adapter Driver Installation Without Internet

If the computer cannot connect to the internet, you can still install a network driver.

You will need:

• Another computer with internet access
• USB flash drive
• Correct network adapter driver

Step 1

Use another computer to download the appropriate driver.

Step 2

Copy the driver to a USB flash drive.

Step 3

Connect the USB drive to the affected Windows 10 computer.

Step 4

Copy the driver to the computer.

Step 5

Install the driver.

Once the network adapter is working, connect the computer to the internet and check Windows Update for additional updates.

Should You Update the Network Driver If Everything Works?

Not necessarily.

A newer driver is not automatically better for every computer.

Consider updating the driver when:

• The manufacturer recommends an update.
• Windows reports a driver problem.
• Wi-Fi frequently disconnects.
• Ethernet is unstable.
• A new Windows update introduced compatibility problems.
• The manufacturer lists a security or compatibility fix.
• You are installing Windows on a previously unsupported configuration.

If the current driver works reliably and there is no reason to change it, updating solely because a newer version exists may not be necessary.

How to Verify the Driver Was Updated

After installing the new driver:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click the adapter.
4. Select Properties.
5. Open the Driver tab.
6. Check the Driver Date and Driver Version.

You can also test the network connection by:

• Opening a website.
• Connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
• Testing Ethernet.
• Running Windows Network Troubleshooter.
• Checking whether the adapter disconnects.

Fix: Network Adapter Disappears After Restart

If the adapter works temporarily and then disappears after restarting Windows, try the following:

1. Reinstall the manufacturer's driver.
2. Check Device Manager for errors.
3. Install available Windows updates.
4. Check BIOS/UEFI for disabled network hardware.
5. Disable unnecessary power-saving options for the adapter.
6. Check the manufacturer's support page for a BIOS or firmware update.
7. Test the adapter on another computer if possible.

For USB network adapters, also try a different USB port.

Fix: Wi-Fi Driver Installed but Wi-Fi Does Not Work

If the wireless adapter appears correctly in Device Manager but Wi-Fi remains unavailable:

1. Confirm Airplane mode is disabled.
2. Confirm Wi-Fi is enabled.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Restart the wireless router.
5. Forget and reconnect to the wireless network.
6. Check the adapter's Device Manager status.
7. Reinstall the manufacturer's Wi-Fi driver.
8. Check Windows services and network configuration.
9. Perform a Windows network reset if necessary.

If other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network, the problem is more likely to be specific to the Windows computer or its network configuration.

Fix: Ethernet Driver Installed but Wired Internet Does Not Work

For an Ethernet adapter:

1. Make sure the Ethernet cable is connected securely.
2. Try another Ethernet cable.
3. Try another router or switch port.
4. Check the link lights on the network adapter.
5. Check Device Manager for errors.
6. Reinstall the Ethernet driver.
7. Check the adapter's Properties in Device Manager.
8. Restart the router and computer.

If the Ethernet adapter does not appear in Device Manager at all, investigate the hardware, BIOS/UEFI settings, and motherboard drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my network adapter driver in Windows 10?

Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the adapter, select Update driver, and choose Search automatically for updated driver software. You can also install a newer driver manually from the computer or network adapter manufacturer's website.

How do I know if my network driver needs updating?

Check Device Manager for errors, connection problems, missing adapters, or outdated driver information. You can compare the installed driver version with the current driver available from the hardware manufacturer's support website.

Can Windows 10 automatically update network drivers?

Yes. Windows Update can automatically download and install many hardware drivers, including network adapter drivers. Optional driver updates may also be available through Windows Update.

What if Windows says my driver is already up to date?

Windows may not have found the latest manufacturer driver. Check the computer, motherboard, or network adapter manufacturer's support website and compare the available driver version with the one installed on your computer.

How do I install a network driver without internet?

Download the correct driver using another computer, copy it to a USB flash drive, transfer it to the Windows 10 computer, and install it manually.

Can I reinstall a network adapter driver?

Yes. You can uninstall the adapter through Device Manager and then install the manufacturer's driver manually. Windows may also reinstall the adapter automatically after restarting.

Should I uninstall the old network driver before installing a new one?

Usually, no. A manufacturer's installer can normally update the existing driver. Uninstalling the driver first is more useful when troubleshooting a corrupted or problematic installation.

Final Checklist

If you need to update a Windows 10 network adapter driver, use this checklist:

•  Identify the network adapter.
•  Check the current driver version.
•  Check Windows Update.
•  Check optional driver updates.
•  Download the latest compatible manufacturer driver if necessary.
•  Confirm Windows 10 compatibility.
•  Confirm 32-bit or 64-bit compatibility.
•  Install the driver.
•  Restart Windows.
•  Check Device Manager for errors.
•  Verify the new driver version.
•  Test Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
•  Roll back the driver if the update causes problems.
•  Use Network Reset if Windows networking remains broken.

Conclusion

Updating a network adapter driver in Windows 10 is usually straightforward, but the best installation method depends on whether Windows can identify the hardware and whether the computer currently has internet access. Device Manager and Windows Update are good starting points, while manually installing the manufacturer's driver is often the better option when Windows cannot locate a suitable driver. If the adapter is missing entirely, use Device Manager's Hardware IDs to identify the hardware before downloading a driver.