How to resolve failed network adapter driver installation?

Failed network adapter driver installation is a common issue for many computer users. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as outdated drivers, incompatible hardware, or incorrect settings. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue and get your network adapter running properly again.

1. Check Device Manager

The first step in troubleshooting failed network adapter driver installation is to check the status of the device in Windows Device Manager. To do this, press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Then, type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Device Manager. Look for your network adapter under the “Network Adapters” section and check its status. If it’s disabled or not working properly, right click on the device and select “Update Driver”.

2. Uninstall The Current Network Adapter Driver

If the device is enabled but still not working properly, you may need to uninstall the current driver and reinstall it. To do this, right click on the device in the Device Manager and select “Uninstall Device”. Then, follow the onscreen instructions to remove the driver software and reboot your computer.

3. Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver

After rebooting your computer, you’ll need to reinstall the network adapter driver. To do this, head to the website of your computer’s manufacturer and search for the latest available driver for your specific device. Once you’ve downloaded it, double click on the setup file and follow the onscreen instructions to install the driver. Reboot your computer once more after the installation has finished, and then check the device status in Device Manager again.

4. Install the Windows Network Troubleshooter

If the device is still not working properly, you can try using the Windows Network Troubleshooter to fix the problem. To do this, go to your System Tray and right click on the Network icon. Then, select “Troubleshoot” from the menu. The Network Troubleshooter should detect the problem and offer some advice on how to fix it. Follow the instructions given, and if necessary, reinstall the driver again using the steps above.

5. Try Resetting Your Network Connection

If all else fails, you can try resetting your network connection. To do this, press the Windows key + X to open the Power User Menu, and then select “Network Connections”. Right click on your active network connection and select “Disable”. Then, right click on it again and select “Enable”. This should reset your connection and hopefully fix any problems you’ve been experiencing with your network adapter.

Failed network adapter driver installation can be a frustrating issue, but thankfully there are several steps you can take to try and fix it. Always make sure you’re installing the correct driver for your device, as this will help ensure the best compatibility. If all else fails, you can always resort to resetting your network connection or using the Windows Network Troubleshooter to help pinpoint the problem.