What you need to do before you start
A network adapter driver is the software that lets your computer talk to your internet connection — whether that's ethernet, WiFi, or a USB adapter. If your network adapter isn't working, Windows usually tells you in Device Manager (a built-in tool that shows all your hardware). Before you install anything, you need to know which adapter you have and whether Windows already has a driver for it.
Start by opening Device Manager. Press the Windows key and type "Device Manager" into the search box, then click the result. Look for "Network adapters" in the list. If you see a device with a yellow exclamation mark or a question mark, that's the one without a working driver. If there's no yellow mark but your internet isn't working, right-click the adapter and select "Properties" to see the driver status.
Write down the exact name of your adapter — you'll see it listed under Network adapters. This name matters because it tells you which driver to look for. If the name is cut off, click on it and look at the full name in the Properties window.
Key Takeaways
- Open Device Manager and find your network adapter under "Network adapters" — a yellow exclamation mark means the driver is missing or broken.
- Write down the exact adapter name and model number, which you'll need to find the correct driver from the manufacturer.
- read the driver directly from the manufacturer's website (Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, or whoever made your adapter), not from random driver sites.
- Run the installer file and restart your computer when prompted — most drivers install in under five minutes.
- If Windows Update has a driver available, let it install automatically rather than hunting for one yourself.
Finding the right driver for your adapter
The safest place to get a driver is the manufacturer's website. Your adapter was made by one of a few companies: Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, MediaTek, or Qualcomm are the most common. Go to their support page and search for your adapter model. You can also search online for "[your adapter name] driver read" — just avoid sites that ask you to read a "driver updater" tool first, because those often bundle unwanted software.
If you don't know the manufacturer, right-click the adapter in Device Manager and select "Properties." Click the "Details" tab, then change the dropdown to "Hardware IDs." You'll see a string of text that includes the manufacturer code. Search that code online and it will tell you who made it.
Windows Update can also find drivers automatically. Go to Settings, then "System," then "About," then scroll down and click "Advanced system settings." In the window that opens, click "Device Manager," right-click your adapter, and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will check its database and install a driver if one is available. This works for most common adapters and is often the fastest route.
Downloading and installing the driver file
Once you've found the driver on the manufacturer's website, read it to your computer. Most driver downloads are .exe files (executable installers) or .zip files (compressed folders). If it's a .zip file, right-click it and select "Extract all," then open the folder that appears.
Double-click the .exe file or the installer inside the extracted folder. A window will open asking you to confirm the installation. Click "Yes" or "Next" to proceed. The installer will copy files to your computer and may ask you to restart. Let it restart — the driver won't work until you do.
After the restart, open Device Manager again and check Network adapters. The yellow exclamation mark should be gone, and your adapter should show a normal icon. If it's still there, the driver didn't install correctly. Try downloading the driver again, or contact the manufacturer's support for that specific model.
What to do if you can't find a driver
If the adapter is very old or very new, the manufacturer might not have a driver for your version of Windows. Check the driver read page carefully — it will list which Windows versions the driver supports (Windows 10, Windows 11, etc.). If your version isn't listed, the manufacturer doesn't make a driver for your setup.
In that case, try Windows Update first. Go to Settings, "System," "About," and click "Check for updates." Windows regularly adds drivers for older hardware. If Windows Update finds one, install it and restart.
If neither the manufacturer nor Windows Update has a driver, your adapter may not be compatible with your current Windows version. You have two options: upgrade or downgrade Windows (if you have the installation media), or buy a new adapter. USB network adapters are inexpensive and usually come with drivers that work on current Windows versions.
Troubleshooting after installation
If the driver installed but your internet still isn't working, restart your computer first. Many network problems disappear after a restart. Then open Device Manager again and check that the adapter shows no warning icons.
If the adapter still shows a problem, right-click it and select "Uninstall device." Restart your computer, then let Windows automatically reinstall the driver. This often fixes conflicts between the old broken driver and the new one.
If you installed a driver from the manufacturer and it's not working, try the Windows Update driver instead. Right-click the adapter, select "Update driver," and choose "Search automatically." Windows may have a more stable version for your specific hardware.
When to use Device Manager versus Settings
Device Manager is the older, more detailed tool. It shows you exactly which driver is installed, lets you roll back to a previous driver, and lets you uninstall drivers completely. Use Device Manager when you need to troubleshoot or when you're installing a driver you downloaded yourself.
Settings (the newer Windows interface) is simpler and connects directly to Windows Update. Use Settings when you want Windows to find and install a driver automatically, or when you're checking whether updates are available.
Both tools reach the same drivers and the same hardware. The difference is just how much detail you see and how much control you have. For most people, letting Windows Update handle it through Settings is the easiest route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to uninstall the old driver before installing a new one?
Not always. If you're installing a newer version of the same driver from the manufacturer, the installer will usually replace the old one automatically. If you're switching to a different driver (like from the manufacturer to Windows Update's version), uninstall the old one first by right-clicking the adapter in Device Manager and selecting "Uninstall device," then restart before installing the new one.
Why does my adapter show in Device Manager but I have no internet?
The adapter might be disabled. Right-click it in Device Manager and look for an "Enable device" option. If that's not there, the adapter is already enabled. Check your router to make sure it's on and broadcasting. If the adapter is enabled and the router is working, the driver might be corrupted — try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
Can I use a driver from a different computer or a different version of Windows?
No. Drivers are built for specific hardware and specific Windows versions. Installing the wrong driver can cause your adapter to malfunction or your computer to become unstable. Always read the driver for your exact adapter model and your exact Windows version from the manufacturer's website.
What if the manufacturer's website doesn't have a driver for my adapter?
Check the support page one more time — sometimes drivers are listed under a different product name or category. If it's truly not there, try Windows Update. If Windows Update doesn't have it either, the adapter is likely too old or too new to be supported on your current Windows version. A USB network adapter is usually the cheapest solution.
How do I know if the driver installed successfully?
Open Device Manager, find your adapter under "Network adapters," and look for any yellow exclamation marks or question marks. If there are none, the driver is installed. You can also right-click the adapter and select "Properties" to see the driver version and date. If the date is recent and matches the driver you just installed, it worked.