A network adapter is an important part of your computer that allows it to connect to the Internet and local networks. Sometimes, after reinstalling Windows or due to malfunctions, the drivers for it may be missing or not working properly. As a result, you may encounter problems: the Internet does not work, and a yellow exclamation mark appears in Device Manager.
Fortunately, installing or updating network adapter software in Windows 10 is usually not difficult. There are several ways to do this: automatically through the system, manually from the manufacturer's official website, or using pre-saved files. In this article, we will walk you through all of these options step by step.
Even if you don't feel very confident about system settings, don't worry. The process is intuitive, and most often everything can be resolved in a few minutes. We will help you figure out which method is right for your situation and restore stable network access to your computer.
Method 1: Official website of the adapter manufacturer
Developers of various computer components that require drivers installed in the operating system for normal operation almost always post all files on the corresponding page of the official website. Therefore, this resource is considered the primary source from which we recommend downloading first. Let's look at this procedure using the example of the D-Link website, one of the largest manufacturers of discrete network adapters.
- Open the main page of the site and go to the section “Downloads”, “Support” or “Drivers and Utilities” — the names vary depending on the developer.
- Use the search function to find the model you are using, or select the appropriate options from the pop-up list.
- Go to the product page by left-clicking on the link.
- Find the appropriate driver version in the section “Downloads” button and start downloading it.
- Run the EXE file or downloaded archive.
- In the case of an executable file, the installation will be performed automatically. If you encounter an archive, you will need to go to the root of the folder.
- Find the Windows 10 directory there and extract it to any convenient location on your computer.
- Since such files are not installed automatically, you must add them yourself. To do this, click the “Start” Right-click and select “Device Manager”.
- Find the required network adapter or unknown device in the list. If it is not found, right-click and find the item “Update driver”.
- Click on “Search for drivers on this computer”.
- You will need to specify the location where the search will be performed.
- In the browser that opens, select the unzipped directory.
- After selecting, click on “Next” and wait for the installation to complete.
After installing the driver using any method, it is always recommended to restart your PC so that the changes take effect and the adapter is displayed correctly in the system.
“Task Manager”
Method 2: Auxiliary utility from the developer
Large companies such as ASUS and HP are also involved in the creation of network adapters. Such manufacturers usually have their own proprietary utility responsible for maintaining the operation of a unified system of devices. The functionality of such software includes searching for software updates, which usually occurs automatically, but can also be started manually.
This action.
And go to reading or listening in the mobile app.
Method 3: “Device Manager” in Windows
In this article, we will look at the simplest and most effective ways to monitor the temperature of your video card. You can choose the option that suits you best and always keep the situation under control, ensuring stable and long-term operation of your computer. Device Manager Windows 10 will only be useful for owners of older motherboards or network adapters that do not support Plug-and-Play technology. That is why we have put this method last, as it is not applicable to new devices. If you are using an old adapter, please refer to this guide:
- Open “Device Manager” and through the menu “Action” go to “Install older device”.
- In the Installation Wizard, click on “Next”.
- Mark with a marker “Installing hardware selected from the list manually” and proceed to the next step.
- Specify the device category.
- Wait for the device list to update, select the manufacturer and model.
- Make sure you have made the right choice and start the installation. When finished, restart your computer.
Method 4: Programs for installing drivers
If Method 2 this does not suit you due to the lack of proprietary software, check out specialized third-party solutions, the main task of which is focused precisely on the automatic search and installation of drivers. The choice is quite large, so everyone will find something for themselves, and our material, which you will find at the link below, will help with this.
More details: The best programs for installing drivers
The example below uses the book service app for Android OS. In the iOS/iPadOS version, you will need to perform similar actions, with the only difference being that only one payment method will be available: Apple Pay.
This option may be suitable for owners of Samsung or Xiaomi devices, which have a pre-installed application
Where you can select wallpapers for your desktop and lock screen. To access all the features of the software, you need to log in to your account, but even if you have already done so and used the program's features
If the Internet still does not work after all these steps, do not rush to get upset. Sometimes the problem may not be with the driver, but with the router settings or even the physical cable. Just go through all the steps again, paying close attention to the system messages.
Regularly updating drivers is a good habit. Not only does it solve connection problems, but it also helps your computer run more smoothly and securely. We hope your network connection is now working perfectly!
