Windows 10/11 LAN driver problem can be solved by updating network drivers. You can manually download the driver from the manufacturer’s website, use Windows built-in Device Manager, or install Windows optional updates. Alternatively, you can use third-party driver updater software like Advanced Driver Updater to install driver updates automatically.
Does this make you wonder, how will you know whether you should update the LAN driver or not? Do you need to update the LAN driver or not?
Don’t you worry!
Before we begin, let’s understand:
What are Device Drivers?
Device drivers are software that helps communicate between external & internal devices. Manufacturers keep updating their drivers for their hardware devices. Original drivers get outdated, and you need to update to the latest ones to avoid issues with connected and new devices. An updated drive helps keep pace with the latest Windows update.
Why Update Network Drivers?
The network adapter is needed for internet access, and for communication with the PC, network drivers are required. When the network driver is outdated, you face performance and reliability issues. Updating the network driver is essential for faster downloads and avoiding connectivity issues. Also, when the Ethernet /LAN driver is missing, you can’t connect to the Internet.
Note: Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11, does not offer any new utility to update device drivers. This means the older ways will work for updating drivers in Windows 11.
Reasons for Problem With Ethernet Driver
- Broken, Corrupt, or Outdated Driver.
- Outdated Windows.
- Hardware Issues.
- Malware or Virus Infection.
- Disabled Ethernet Adapter.
- Misconfigured Settings.
- Problematic Applications.
Check This- How To Update And Download Realtek 802.11 N WLAN Adapter Driver- Windows 11, 10
How to Fix LAN Driver Issues in Windows 10/11
When facing network connectivity issues, it’s crucial to update network drivers, LAN drivers, and Ethernet drivers on Windows 7, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Below we explain ten workable ways to update the LAN driver on Windows.
- Check Ethernet cable connection
- Reboot the PC
- Restart Modem and Wireless Router
- Reset TCP/IP
- Enable Ethernet Adapter
- Reinstall Ethernet Driver
- Update Ethernet Driver
- Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
- Update Windows
- Reset Network Settings
1. Check Ethernet Cable Connection
When troubleshooting the LAN driver not connecting, check the cable connections first. If you think they are in order, unplug and replug the device. You know what might be causing the problem if you find them not in order. Let’s move to the next fix if the cable connection and wire are in proper condition.
2. Reboot the PC
After checking the cable connection and unplugging the router/modem, restart the PC. This will help apply new settings. Also, this will automatically fix the unknown bug that interferes with the connection. If this doesn’t help, try other fixes listed below.
3. Restart Modem and Wireless Router
Restart the modem/router. Turn off the switch to power off the router/modem. If your modem is battery-powered, remove the batteries to power it off.
4. Reset TCP/IP
- Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type Command Prompt in search window> right-click Run as administrator.
- Here, enter the following commands one by one:
- Type netshwinsock reset and select
- Type netsh int ip reset and select Enter.
- Type ipconfig /release and select Enter.
- Type ipconfig /renew and select Enter.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and select Enter.
- Now, try to connect to the network; you should not face any problems.
5. Enable Ethernet Adapter
- Open the Run window by pressing Windows + R.
- Type ncpa.cpl> Enter. The command will launch the Network Connections window.
- Look for the Ethernet adapter, and if it is greyed out, you’ll need to enable it.
- To do so, right-click the Ethernet option > select Enable.
- Restart PC after enabling Ethernet. This should fix the problem.
6. Reinstall Ethernet Driver
A broken driver is most likely responsible for the LAN driver problem. Therefore, before we go any further, we will reinstall the Ethernet driver to see if it helps or not. After uninstalling the driver remember to reboot the PC; this will help Windows automatically install a new version of the driver.
- Launch the Quick Access menu by pressing Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Go to Network adapters.
- Expand the category by double-clicking on it. Right-click Ethernet drive > Uninstall device.
- Select the box next to Attempt to remove the driver for this device > click Uninstall.
- Reboot the PC.
7. Update Ethernet Driver
If the driver running the PC is corrupt or outdated, you can face several issues, including LAN not connecting. Therefore, keeping drivers updated is essential. Below we explain the manual and automatic ways to update drivers. If you lack technical knowledge using Advanced Driver Updater, the driver updating solution for Windows is the best option for you.
Updating Driver Through Device Manager
Note: Device Manager can only update the drivers installed on the PC. However, if you want to install a new driver, move to the following method – Updating Driver through Windows Update.
- In Windows search, type Device Manager > select the search result.
- Look for Network adapters and double-click on it.
- Right-click the Ethernet driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
- Allow your PC to search for and install the best driver available.
- Reboot the PC and check the LAN connection should be restored.
Update Driver Through Windows Update
Windows Update is a fast and secure way to update the drivers. However, the drivers that have been submitted to Microsoft and validated will only be updated through this method. However, if you want to ensure you get the update visiting the manufacturer’s website is the right choice, or using a trusted driver updater is best.
Press Windows + I > to launch Windows Settings window > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > Driver Updates > Download & install > restart PC.
Updating LAN driver Through Manufacturer’s Website
Before you follow the below steps, make sure you know the version of the driver you are running version. Also, you need to know the model number of the device you are using and the version of Windows.
- Open Device Manager > Network Adapters > Right-click Ethernet adapter > Properties > Driver tab. Here you can see Driver details and the version.
In addition to this, collect information about Windows; type System Information in the Windows search bar. Here you can find all the details about the operating system.
After gathering all this information go to the manufacturer’s website and update the Ethernet // LAN driver.
Automatic Way to Find Outdated Drivers and Update Them
Updating the driver using the steps explained above is not easy for all. If you find it complicated, you can use a reliable and trustworthy driver updater to update drivers. We recommend using Advanced Driver Updater. To use it, read through the steps below:
- Use the Download Now button to download and install the driver updater.
- Scan the PC for the outdated driver by clicking Start Scan Now.
- Don’t get impatient; let the scan finish.
- To update the LAN driver click Update driver against it. However, if you want to update all the drivers, you can use the Update All button (For this, you need to pay for the tool.)
- Restart the PC.
8. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
- In the Windows search bar, type Troubleshooter.
- Click Additional Troubleshooters.
- Click Network Adapter > Run the troubleshooter.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to run > select Ethernet > Next.
Follow on-screen instructions; if any issue is detected, the Windows Network troubleshooter will fix it.
9. Update Windows
Sometimes running an outdated version of Windows also creates issues. Therefore, we suggest you keep Windows updated. To update Windows, follow these steps:
- Press Windows + I > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates > Download and install updates > restart PC.
10. Reset Network Settings
- In the Windows search bar, type Settings > open it.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Network reset.
- Reset now > confirm by clicking Yes
This should help fix the LAN issue on Windows.
Wrap Up
These are the methods you can use to fix the LAN driver problem on Windows and update the Network adapter. If you maintain your PC’s network adapter driver up to date, connectivity problems will be less likely to occur. It is preferable to upgrade network drivers to avoid connection problems. The easiest way to keep drivers updated is to use Advanced Driver Updater.
Did the techniques above work for you? Please let us know in the comments section below.
Recommended :
Fix – Driver/Hardware Errors With the Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz Adapter
