1. Overview
Network cards allow computers to connect with each other or access the internet. They are critical for any computer that needs to connect to a network, but unfortunately, they are prone to malfunctioning. If your network card is not working properly on your Windows system, you may be facing issues like slow speeds, intermittent disconnects, or even complete failures. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix a malfunctioning network card on your Windows system.
2. Check the Network Card Drivers
The first step in troubleshooting a malfunctioning network card is to check the drivers. It is possible that the drivers are outdated or corrupted, which could cause the network card to malfunction. To check if this is the case, open the Device Manager and look for the network adapter. Right-click on the network adapter, then select “Update Driver.”
If the driver is out of date, the Update Driver wizard will provide the latest version. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and complete the process. If the driver is already up to date, try rolling back the driver. Click on the “Roll Back Driver” button and install an older version of the driver. This should restore the previous settings and hopefully fix the problem.
3. Reset the Network Card
Another common cause of a malfunctioning network card is an incorrect configuration. If the driver update didn’t help, try resetting the network adapter. Go back to the Network Adapter section in the Device Manager and right click on it. Select Properties and select the Power Management tab. Uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option and click OK.
This will reset the network card and should help fix the malfunction. If that doesn’t work, you can also try disabling and re-enabling the network card. Right click on the network adapter and select Disable. Then right click again and select Enable. This should help reset the card and hopefully fix any issues you are facing.
4. Install a New Network Card
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to install a new network card. First, you will need to determine the type of network card you need. There are several types available including Ethernet, USB, or wireless. Make sure to get a compatible card for your computer. Once you have the card, you can install it by plugging it into an open slot on your motherboard.
If you are using a wireless card, you will have to install the driver software as well. Make sure to get the correct version for your operating system. When the installation is complete, restart your computer and check if the network card is working properly.
Conclusion
Malfunctioning network cards can cause all kinds of problems, from slow speeds to complete failure. The good news is, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, check the drivers and make sure they are up to date. If that doesn’t help, try resetting the network card or disabling and re-enabling it. Finally, if all else fails, consider installing a new network card. With these steps, you should be able to diagnose and fix most network card problems on your Windows system.