How to Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Connectivity Errors

Network connectivity issues can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the internet for work or entertainment. One common cause of these problems is outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers. Reinstalling the drivers often resolves many connectivity errors in Windows 11.

This guide will walk you through the process of reinstalling your network adapter drivers step-by-step. Even if you are not very tech-savvy, the instructions are designed to be easy to follow and understand.

By the end of this article, you will know how to remove the existing drivers safely and install fresh ones to restore your network connection. Let’s get started and fix those connectivity errors.

Before diving into the steps, it is helpful to understand why reinstalling drivers can fix network problems. Drivers act as a communication bridge between your hardware and Windows. When they malfunction, your network adapter may stop working properly.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before reinstalling your network adapter drivers, make sure of the following:

Check your internet connection: If you are using Wi-Fi, try connecting to another network or use an Ethernet cable if possible.
Know your network adapter name: It helps to identify the right device during the process.
Have administrative access: You need administrator rights on your Windows 11 PC to uninstall and reinstall drivers.
Create a system restore point: This is a precautionary step in case something goes wrong.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

The Device Manager is a tool in Windows that allows you to view and manage hardware devices. To open it:

Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type Device Manager in the search bar.
Click on the Device Manager app from the search results.

This window lists all the hardware connected to your computer.

Step 2: Locate Your Network Adapter

Once Device Manager is open, follow these steps:

Scroll down and find the category named Network adapters.
Click the arrow next to Network adapters to expand the list.
Look for your network adapter in the list. It might have names like “Intel(R) Wireless” or “Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller.”

Identifying the correct adapter ensures you reinstall the right driver.

Step 3: Uninstall the Network Adapter Driver

Uninstalling the driver removes the current software that controls your network adapter. This step helps eliminate corrupted files that may be causing issues.

Right-click on your network adapter’s name.
Select Uninstall device from the context menu.
A confirmation window will appear. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if available.
Click Uninstall to proceed.

Wait a few moments while Windows removes the driver.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Restarting your PC allows Windows to detect the network adapter again and attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

To restart:

Click on the Start button.
Select the Power icon.
Click Restart.

After rebooting, Windows will usually reinstall the default drivers for your network adapter.

Step 5: Verify If the Driver Is Reinstalled

Once your PC has restarted, check if the network adapter driver is back:

Open Device Manager again (see Step 1).
Expand Network adapters.
Look for your network adapter in the list.
Right-click on it and select Properties.
Under the Driver tab, check the Driver Date and Driver Version.

If the adapter is present and enabled, your driver has been reinstalled successfully.

Alternative Method: Manually Download and Install Drivers

If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver automatically or the problem persists, you can manually download the latest driver:

Visit your network adapter manufacturer’s official website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, or your PC brand’s support page).
Locate the driver download section and find the correct driver for Windows 11.
Download the driver setup file to your PC.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer after installation.

This method ensures you have the most up-to-date driver version.

FAQs

Why do I need to uninstall the network adapter driver?

Uninstalling removes corrupted or outdated driver files that might be causing your network issues. It allows Windows to install a fresh copy.

Can I reinstall drivers without admin rights?

No, administrative privileges are required to uninstall and install drivers to protect your system from unauthorized changes.

What if my network adapter is missing in Device Manager?

Try clicking View > Show hidden devices in Device Manager. If it’s still not visible, your adapter might be disabled in BIOS or malfunctioning physically.

Will reinstalling the driver delete my internet settings?

No, reinstalling the driver affects only the driver software. Your Wi-Fi passwords and network settings remain unchanged.

How often should I update my network adapter drivers?

Only update when you encounter problems or as recommended by your device manufacturer. Frequent unnecessary updates can sometimes cause issues.

When Nothing Works

If reinstalling drivers does not fix your connectivity issues, consider these options:

Use the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the Internet Connections troubleshooter.
Reset Network Settings: This resets all network adapters, settings, and configurations. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
Consult your PC manufacturer’s support or Microsoft’s official help page for advanced guidance.
Consider hardware problems: Your network adapter might be faulty and require repair or replacement.

Conclusion

Reinstalling your network adapter drivers in Windows 11 is a straightforward and effective way to fix many connectivity errors. By carefully following the steps in this guide, you can remove corrupted drivers and let Windows install fresh ones, often restoring your internet connection.

Remember to start with simple checks and proceed step-by-step. If automatic reinstall fails, manually downloading drivers is a reliable alternative. And if all else fails, Windows built-in troubleshooters and network resets offer further help.

With patience and these easy instructions, you’ll be back online in no time.