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How to Fix Windows 10 Ethernet Driver Problems

Get your computer back on the network

By Jon Martindale Jon Martindale Writer Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He's written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 10, 2022 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Wireless internet has its benefits, but nothing matches the speed and reliability of a solid, wired Ethernet connection. Ethernet isn't immune to problems. So when you run into difficulties with the network adapter driver in Windows 10, try some standard quick-fix solutions to resolve networking errors. VisualField / Getty Images How to Fix Windows 11 Ethernet Driver Problems

What Causes Ethernet Driver Problems

Ethernet driver errors are not too distinct from driver problems related to other facets of a system. Sometimes driver files become outdated. Other times, drivers become corrupt because of an operating-system glitch, and in some cases, failing hardware breaks drivers.

How to Fix Problems With Windows 10 Network Drivers

Start with the easiest and most common solutions until you find an approach that works: Restart the computer. Most problems relate to glitches with memory allocation, so a reboot flushes the memory and often resolves the error. Use the Network Troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter utility. It can help you find and repair the cause of the issue. To run it: Search for Network Troubleshooter, then select the corresponding result.Let it run for a moment to see if it discovers the Ethernet problem.If it does, select Try these repairs as an administrator, then give admin approval if requested. If you are unable to find the Network Troubleshooter you can also go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Then select from Internet Connections or Network Adapter. Reinstall Ethernet drivers automatically. If Windows can't fix Ethernet driver problems, give it a gentle nudge. Select Network Adapters to expand it in Device Manager, right-click (or tap and hold) the Ethernet adapter, and select Uninstall Device > Uninstall. Then reboot Windows. If you're not sure which is your Ethernet adaptor, it will probably have the company name of Realtek or Intel in its name or GBE. Reinstall Ethernet drivers manually. If the drivers that Windows 10 installs don't fix the driver problem, manually update the drivers. Alternatively, you can use a driver updater tool to fix the problem drivers. Reset the network adapter. Even with driver problems, the Windows network adapter sometimes generates additional mischief on its own. Reset the Winsock. Open an elevated Command Prompt, then perform a Netsh Winsock Reset. FAQ How do I update my ethernet drivers? Open Device Manager and find the category you need from the list (this could be under something like "Internet" or "LAN"). Right-click on the list item for your ethernet and select Update Driver from the drop-down menu. If Windows is unable to find a driver update, check the ethernet card manufacturer's website to see if they have a new driver you can manually download. How do I install ethernet drivers without an internet connection? Download the necessary drivers using a computer that does have an internet connection, then transfer the driver files to another form of media you can use on the disconnected computer (for example, a USB flash drive). Next, connect the media with the drivers to the disconnected computer and copy them over. Then double-click the driver files that have been copied to your disconnected computer to begin the installation process, and follow the prompts. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Fix Windows 11 Ethernet Driver Problems How To Fix Windows 11 Black Screen Issues How to Fix It When a Keyboard Won't Type How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Stuck in Airplane Mode How to Fix Windows 10 Mouse Lag How to Fix It When Google Chrome Is Not Responding What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 10 How to Fix It When Windows Spotlight Is Not Working on Windows 10 9 Ways to Fix DPC Watchdog Violation in Windows 11 How to Fix Code 31 Errors in Windows How to Fix Kernel32.dll Errors in Windows How to Fix Incorrect Windows 11 Audio Icons 10 Ways to Fix a Wireless Adapter or Access Point Error Message How to Fix Overscan in Windows 10 to Fit to Screen How to Set up USB Tethering on Windows 10 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies