Having trouble with your Local Area Connection adapter in Windows 11? This is a common issue that can prevent your computer from connecting to the internet properly. Fortunately, fixing driver problems is usually straightforward.
In this guide, we will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions to get your network adapter working again. No technical jargon—just easy instructions you can follow.
By the end, you’ll understand how to identify the problem and apply fixes that often solve these driver-related issues. Let’s get started.
Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, these steps will help you restore your connection quickly.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes updates fix driver problems automatically.
- Have administrative access on your PC, as some steps require it.
- Check that your Ethernet cable is properly plugged in and not damaged.
- Restart your computer once before starting these steps, as this often fixes minor glitches.
Step 1: Check Device Manager for Driver Issues
The Device Manager shows all hardware connected to your PC and their status. It’s the first place to check for driver problems.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Look for Network adapters and click to expand the list.
- Find your Local Area Connection adapter (usually named after your network card).
- If you see a yellow triangle or exclamation mark on the device, this indicates a driver problem.
This icon means Windows has detected an issue with the driver and it needs attention.
Step 2: Update the Network Adapter Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause connection problems. Updating the driver can fix this.
- In Device Manager, right-click your Local Area Connection adapter.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look online for the latest driver and install it if found.
- After the update, restart your computer.
Updating drivers ensures your hardware works with the latest Windows features and bug fixes.
Step 3: Roll Back Driver (If Problem Started After Update)
If the issue began after a recent update, rolling back to the previous driver version can help.
- In Device Manager, right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver if available.
- Follow the prompts and restart your PC after rolling back.
This step restores the older driver version that was working properly before.
Step 4: Uninstall and Reinstall the Network Adapter
If updating or rolling back drivers doesn’t help, uninstalling the device forces Windows to reinstall it fresh.
- In Device Manager, right-click your Local Area Connection adapter.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Check the option to Delete the driver software for this device if available.
- Click Uninstall and then restart your computer.
- After reboot, Windows will detect the adapter and reinstall the driver automatically.
This step removes potentially corrupted drivers and installs a clean version.
Step 5: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to find and fix common network problems.
- Open Settings by pressing
Windows + I. - Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Network Adapter and click Run.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
This tool automates several checks and can solve issues without manual intervention.
Alternative Method: Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website
If Windows can’t find a suitable driver, you can manually download it from your network card manufacturer’s website.
- Identify your network adapter model via Device Manager.
- Visit the manufacturer’s official site (e.g., Intel, Realtek).
- Download the latest Windows 11 driver for your adapter.
- Install the driver by running the downloaded file and follow the prompts.
- Restart your computer after installation.
This method often provides the most up-to-date and reliable drivers.
FAQs
Why does my Local Area Connection adapter show “No Internet” even though the cable is plugged in?
This can happen due to driver corruption, incorrect settings, or a faulty Ethernet cable. Follow the steps above to check drivers and troubleshoot hardware.
Can Windows Update fix driver problems automatically?
Yes, Windows Update sometimes includes driver updates that fix issues. Always ensure your system is up to date.
Is it safe to uninstall and reinstall my network adapter?
Yes, it’s safe and often effective for resolving driver issues. Windows will reinstall the necessary drivers on reboot.
What if my driver roll-back option is greyed out?
This means there is no previous driver version stored. In this case, try updating or reinstalling the driver instead.
How do I find out the exact model of my network adapter?
In Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the adapter, and select Properties. Under the Details tab, choose Hardware Ids to get detailed info.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above solutions fix your Local Area Connection driver problem, consider the following options:
- Visit the official Microsoft Support page for network adapter troubleshooting: Microsoft Network Troubleshooting
- Contact your PC manufacturer for support or driver downloads.
- Use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter as a temporary workaround if your built-in adapter is faulty.
- Consider professional technical assistance if hardware failure is suspected.
Conclusion
Fixing a problem driver for your Local Area Connection adapter in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple checks like verifying cables and running the troubleshooter. Then move on to updating, rolling back, or reinstalling drivers as needed.
Manually downloading drivers from the manufacturer is an effective alternative if Windows can’t find the right driver. Remember to restart your PC after each major change to ensure settings take effect.
By following these clear and basic steps, you’ll likely restore your network connection and get back online quickly.