Network Adapter Missing in Windows 11? Here’s How to Fix It Fast (Complete Guide)
No Network Adapter = No Internet. Let’s Fix That.
Network Adapter Missing in Windows 11 Your network adapter just vanished no Wi-Fi, no Ethernet, no internet at all. For home users, remote workers on deadlines, or gamers staring at a disconnected lobby screen, this isn’t just annoying it’s a full stop.
This guide walks you through real, tested fixes from quick 30-second solutions to deep system repairs based on hands-on troubleshooting on Windows 11 23H2 and 24H2 using devices with Intel AX201 and Realtek PCIe adapters.
You’re not getting theory here. You’re getting what actually works.
Featured Snippet Quick Answer:
If your network adapter is missing in Windows 11, open Device Manager, show hidden devices, enable the adapter, reinstall the network driver, perform a network reset, and install the latest driver from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer. This fixes the issue in most cases.
Why the Network Adapter Is Missing in Windows 11
Common Causes
The most common trigger is a Windows Update replacing a stable driver with a broken one. It happens more often than Microsoft admits.
Other major causes include:
- Corrupted or outdated network drivers
- Adapter disabled in Device Manager
- BIOS/UEFI onboard LAN or Wi-Fi turned off
- Buggy cumulative updates
- Actual hardware failure
If you’re assuming it’s “just a glitch,” that’s your first mistake. In most cases, it’s a driver-level conflict, not magic.
When This Issue Usually Happens
Patterns matter:
- Right after a Windows update
- After a reset or clean installation
- Waking from sleep or hibernation
- Randomly after a restart
If it appeared out of nowhere, a background update likely caused it.
Quick Fixes (Try These First)
These take less than two minutes and solve a surprising number of cases.
Restart Your Computer
Not a joke. A full restart forces Windows to reload the driver stack.
Toggle Airplane Mode On and Off
This reinitializes wireless services and can bring the adapter back instantly.
Check the Physical Wi-Fi Key
Many laptops still have a hardware toggle or Fn + Wi-Fi key. If it’s off, Windows won’t even detect the adapter.
Run the Network Troubleshooter
Go to:
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network Adapter
It won’t fix everything, but it can re-enable disabled components.
Also Read: wifi option disappeared windows 11 after update
Check If the Network Adapter Is Hidden in Device Manager
Windows sometimes hides hardware instead of showing an error.
Show Hidden Devices
- Press Win + R
- Type: devmgmt.msc
- Click View → Show hidden devices
If your adapter appears faded, it’s disabled or not initialized.
Enable the Adapter
Right-click → Enable device
Simple — and often overlooked.
Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver (Most Effective Fix)
This is the method that consistently works.
Uninstall the Driver
In Device Manager:
- Right-click the adapter
- Select Uninstall device
- Check Delete the driver software (if available)
Restart Your PC
Windows will auto-reinstall a clean driver.
Install the Driver Manually from the Manufacturer
Do not rely on random driver websites.
Download only from your OEM:
- Intel
- Realtek
- Qualcomm
- Your laptop or motherboard brand
This is the difference between a permanent fix and the issue coming back next week.
Update Network Drivers Using Windows Update
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates
Driver updates often sit there quietly.
Perform a Network Reset in Windows 11
What It Does
- Removes all adapters
- Reinstalls networking components
- Resets TCP/IP stack
When to Use It
When multiple fixes fail and the system is clearly misconfigured.
Steps
Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset
Your PC will restart.
Check BIOS/UEFI Settings (Advanced Fix)
If the adapter is disabled at firmware level, Windows can’t see it.
Make Sure LAN/Wi-Fi Is Enabled
Enter BIOS and look for:
- Onboard LAN
- Wireless device control
How to Access BIOS in Windows 11
Settings → System → Recovery → Advanced startup → Restart now
Fix Network Adapter Missing After Windows Update
If the issue started after an update, stop pretending that’s a coincidence.
Roll Back the Driver
Device Manager → Adapter → Properties → Driver → Roll Back
Uninstall Latest Windows Update
Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates
Use System Restore
Revert to a working state in minutes.
Command Prompt Fixes (For Advanced Users)
Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
Reset Network Stack
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
This rebuilds the entire network configuration.
Also Read: WiFi Option Missing in Windows 11
What If the Network Adapter Is Still Not Showing?
Now we stop sugar-coating it.
- Use a USB Wi-Fi adapter to confirm it’s not a software issue
- Boot into another OS (like Linux) to test hardware detection
- If it’s still missing — you’re likely dealing with a motherboard or internal card failure
That’s not a Windows problem. That’s hardware.
How to Prevent This Problem in the Future
If this keeps happening, your setup strategy is flawed.
- Pause major updates for a few weeks
- Create restore points before updating
- Keep a backup of stable drivers
Control updates — don’t let them control you.
Best Tools to Fix Network Driver Issues Automatically
For users who don’t want manual installs:
Driver Updater Software
Useful for detecting the correct OEM driver version quickly.
USB Wi-Fi Adapters (Great Emergency Backup)
A $15 adapter can save hours of downtime — especially for remote workers.
FAQ
Why did my network adapter disappear in Windows 11?
Most often due to a bad driver update, disabled device, or corrupted network stack.
How do I reinstall a missing network adapter?
Uninstall it in Device Manager and restart, or install the latest driver from the manufacturer.
Can a Windows update remove network drivers?
Yes. It can replace a working driver with an incompatible version.
How do I reset all network settings in Windows 11?
Use the Network Reset option in Advanced network settings.
Why is Wi-Fi not showing in Windows 11?
Because the wireless adapter is missing, disabled, or its driver is broken.
Conclusion: What Actually Works
If you want the fastest success path:
- Reinstall the driver
- Run a network reset
- Install the OEM driver manually
That fixes the majority of cases.
Quick fixes are for lucky users.
Driver reinstalls are for permanent results.
If your adapter is still missing after all software fixes, stop wasting time test the hardware.
Source: Windows 11 Wi-Fi Adapter Disappeared
This guide is based on real troubleshooting performed on:
- Windows 11 23H2 and 24H2
- Intel AX201 Wi-Fi 6 adapter
- Realtek PCIe Ethernet controller
with both automatic and manual driver deployment using official vendor sources and Microsoft’s documented repair methods.