To update a network adapter driver in Windows 10, right-click Start, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. For the newest version, download the driver from your PC or adapter maker’s website and install it. If you have no internet, download the driver on another device and copy it over with a USB drive.
Below are all the ways to update, roll back, or reinstall a network driver, plus quick fixes for connection problems.
Method 1: Device Manager
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your adapter (names often include “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or “Ethernet”) and choose Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers. If you downloaded a driver, choose Browse my computer for drivers and select its folder.
- Restart your PC if asked.
Method 2: Windows Update
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates > Driver updates. Check any network driver listed and click Download and install.
Method 3: Manufacturer’s website
- Find your PC model (on the bottom label or in System Information) or your adapter’s name in Device Manager.
- Go to the PC or adapter maker’s official support site and download the Windows 10 network driver.
- Run the installer, then restart.
No internet on the PC? Download the driver on another computer or phone, copy it to a USB drive, and install it from there.
How to roll back or reinstall the driver
- Roll back: In Device Manager, right-click the adapter > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver. Use this if problems started after an update.
- Reinstall: Right-click the adapter > Uninstall device, then restart. Windows reinstalls a working driver automatically.
Still having connection problems?
- Run the troubleshooter: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections or Network Adapter.
- Reset networking: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset. This reinstalls adapters and removes saved Wi-Fi networks.
- Restart your router and modem.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my current driver version?
In Device Manager, right-click the adapter, choose Properties, and open the Driver tab.
Should I use driver updater software?
It’s best to avoid third-party driver updaters. Use Windows Update or the maker’s website.
My adapter is missing from Device Manager. What now?
Click View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes. If it’s still missing, check the BIOS for a disabled wireless card, or the hardware may have failed.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.