Buzz
Multiple factors contribute to the computer not recognizing the network card. This article outlines several solutions for this problem.
Causes of Computer Not Recognizing Network Card
Common reasons for the computer's inability to recognize the network card include:
- Network card missing in Device Manager.
- No network card displayed in Device Manager.
- Network card not detected.
- Network card not found on Windows 10.
- Absence of network card in Device Manager.
Another cause could be outdated, incompatible, or faulty network card drivers. Recent upgrades to newer Windows versions may render old drivers non-functional or incompatible, leading to errors.
Continue reading below to explore solutions for fixing the computer's failure to recognize the network card.
Note: Ensure you have uninstalled any VPN software on your computer before proceeding.
Fixing the issue of the computer not recognizing the network card
Method 1: Update the network card driver
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run window, then enter 'devmgmt.msc' and hit Enter to launch Device Manager.
Step 2: In Device Manager, locate and expand 'Network adapters', right-click on your Wifi controller, and select 'Update Driver Software.'
Step 3: In the Update Driver Software window, opt for 'Browse my computer for driver software.'
Step 4: Choose 'Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.'
Step 5: Attempt to update to the newest driver versions available.
Step 6: If the above method fails, visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest driver version.
Step 7: Install the latest driver from the manufacturer's website, restart your computer, and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Uninstall the network card driver
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run window, type 'devmgmt.msc', and press Enter to open Device Manager.
Step 2: Locate and expand the Network Adapters section, then find your network card's name.
Step 3: Make a note of your network card's name to prevent any mishaps.
Step 4: Right-click on your network card and select 'Uninstall' to remove its installation.
Step 5: If prompted, click 'Yes' to confirm the uninstallation.
Step 6: Restart your computer and reconnect to the network to see if the issue persists.
Step 7: If you cannot connect to the network, it indicates that the driver software did not automatically reinstall.
Step 8: Go to the manufacturer's website, search for, and download the latest driver version.
Step 9: Install the downloaded driver and restart your computer.
Reinstalling the network card can resolve the computer not recognizing the network card issue.
Method 3: Ensure your Windows computer is updated to the latest version
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings, then navigate to and select 'Update & Security.'
Step 2: Click 'Check for updates' to install any available updates.
Step 3: Finally, restart your computer to see if it now recognizes the network card.
Method 4: Install the latest Intel PROSet wireless software
The computer may not recognize the network card due to outdated Intel PROSet software, thus updating to the latest version is recommended.
Intel PROSet, a third-party software, manages Wifi connections instead of Windows. Download the latest Intel PROSet version from their official site.
Method 5: Perform a system restore
System restore is an ideal solution for unresolved errors despite trying other methods. Attempt a system restore to check if the network card recognition issue is resolved.
Method 6: Use the Network Troubleshooter
Step 1: Right-click on the network icon in the system tray and select 'Troubleshoot Problems.'
Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions provided.
Step 3: Press Windows + W, type 'Troubleshooting', and press Enter.
Step 4: In the next window, locate and select 'Network and Internet'.
Step 5: Choose 'Network Adapter' in the following window.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot the network card detection issue.
Method 7: Operate Command Prompt as Administrator
Step 1: Press Windows + X, then select 'Command Prompt (Admin).'
Step 2: In the Command Prompt window with admin rights, execute the following command and hit Enter:
Execute 'netcfg -s n'
Step 3: This command displays a list of network protocols. Look for 'DNI_DNE' in this list.
Step 4: If 'DNI_DNE' is listed, enter the following command in the Command Prompt window:
Execute 'reg delete HKCR\CLSID\{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /va /f'
Execute 'netcfg -v -u dni_dne'
Step 5: If 'DNI_DNE' is not listed, execute the command:
Execute 'netcfg -v -u dni_dne'
Step 6: If error 0x80004002 occurs after executing the command, manually delete the key.
Step 7: Press Windows + R, type 'regedit', and hit Enter.
Step 8: Navigate to the following Registry key:
Navigate to 'HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3}'
Step 9: Delete the key, then re-execute the command in Command Prompt:
Execute 'netcfg -v -u dni_dne'
Step 10: Restart your computer to apply changes.
This article presented various causes and solutions for the computer not recognizing the network card. Should you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to leave your comments below. For more information on resolving network connectivity issues, refer here.
