Windows have overwhelming popularity among computer user around the world. Despite that, sometimes it gets vulnerable to problematic issues that will give you a hard time with your device. However, most of them are fixable with some troubleshooting methods. Windows did not detect any networking hardware is such a problem. Throughout this guide, we will discuss the reasons and possible solutions to this issue.

What are the Reasons that Cause Windows Did Not Detect Any Networking Hardware?

A configuration error or an outdated network driver can make Windows fail to detect networking hardware. With these, you may also stand up to this after installing the latest Windows update. The device drivers make smooth connections between the operating system with your machine’s other components, especially peripherals, and hardware. Windows can mechanically install a compatible driver for your hardware. It may sometimes result in unexpected issues, including the networking hardware detection problem. The following reasons are highly responsible for triggering this issue on your computing machine;

Outdated or Corrupted Network Drivers

The driver plays a crucial role in maintaining communication between the software and hardware of a device system. A simple misconfiguration of the device driver can give you enough hassle. The same issue could trigger the issue with your device’s network drivers. And you know, communication breaks down when there is a problem with the communicator.

Faulty Windows Update

Windows update keeps your operating system updated with the device standards. Sometimes, the update can cause some issues on your device, especially with driver compatibility. It is possible to encounter this very issue with installing the latest update.

Installed VPN

VPN or virtual private network makes your data packets private while surfing the internet. Also, it has too many benefits, like making your browsing safe and bypassing regional restrictions while browsing or streaming. With these benefits, a third-party VPN can make your operating system fail to recognize the networking hardware.

Inappropriate Power Management Settings for the Network Hardware

Power management lets you detect power usage and determine an exact power setting for device components and software. When incorrectly configured, it could make it harder to run for the specific component or application.

Hardware Issues

Faulty or damaged hardware can not be compatible with the device driver and remains unrecognized by the software components. When this is applicable, you cannot help replace the hardware or consult a hardware mechanic to resolve the hardware issue.

How to Fix Windows Did Not Detect Any Networking Hardware?

The device experts suggest some troubleshooting methods to resolve the unrecognized network adapter. You know about the reasons behind these issues, and you can follow one of those fixing methods to resolve the issue of “networking hardware not detected” on your device. Have a glance at the troubleshooting methods of Windows did not detect networking hardware issue;

Running the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows offers the troubleshooter feature to fix several issues with Windows components. The network adapter troubleshooter is dedicated to troubleshooting network adapter-related minor issues. You need to follow the below steps to run the network adapter troubleshooter;

• Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and the I button on your device keyboard.
• Afterward, navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters to find the Network Adapter Troubleshooter.
• From there, locate the Network Adapter and click Run beside it to initiate the troubleshooting process.

• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the troubleshooting process. It may take 2-5 minutes to complete the process.

Check if the networking hardware still remains undetected on your device. If so, you may proceed to follow the next fixing method.

Roll Back the Network Driver

Rolling back the network driver means uninstalling the current one and then automatically installing the previous one. It can be used to reverse the driver updates when they cause trouble. You have to follow the following instructions to do so;

• Press the Windows key and X button, then select and open the Device Manager from the list.
• Thereafter, locate and expand the Network Adapters node to see your network drivers.
• Right-click on your Network driver and select Properties from the context menu to open the Driver Properties window.

• Afterward, navigate to the Driver tab and click the Roll Back Driver

After doing so, check if the issue still persists now. If you still face the same issue, proceed to the following fixing method.

Manual Reinstallation of the Network Driver

Manual reinstallation helps the driver to establish the connection between the hardware and the software, especially after a hardware change. Also, it may help you to resolve some driver-related issues, including unidentified network adapters. Here is how you can do so;

• Go to the Windows Search Bar, type device manager, and press the enter key to open the Device Manager.
• Locate and expand the Network Adapter node to see the network drivers.
• Right-click on your Network driver to see the context menu. Now, select Uninstall Device and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

• Restart your device to reinstall the network drivers.

Check whether the manual installation has solved the problem. Continue to the next fixation method if the issue still persists.

Get Rid of the Recent Windows Update

A faulty update can give you a hard time with your device by triggering some issues. If it comes like that, you must say goodbye to the faulty update to resolve the issue. Follow the below instructions to remove or uninstall the recent Windows Update;

– Press the Windows key and I button on your keyboard to open the Windows Settings of your device.

– Navigate through the Windows Update > Update History and scroll down to find the Uninstall Updates settings.

– Once there, open the Uninstall Updates Settings and choose your most recent updates, then click on the Uninstall button beside it to initiate the uninstallation process.

When the issue is triggered by the update issue, removing the update will resolve the issue. Otherwise, you should proceed to the following fixing method.

Perform a System Restore

System Restore is designed to help you protect and repair Windows-operated systems. It can take your device system back to its previous working state. The system restore takes the snapshots from the Windows Registry and system files to save them on the device disk. It is helpful to resolve many issues, including undetected network adapters. The following instructions should help;

• Type the control panel in the Windows search box located next to the start button. Select and open the Control Panel (Desktop App) from the search result.
• On the Control Panel search bar, type recovery and navigate through Recovery > Open System Restore > Next to see all the available system restore points.
• Select the system restore point that was created before encountering the issue. Afterward, select Next > Finish to initiate the system restoration process.

• Press Yes when you notice a confirmation prompt. This will take a few moments to complete the restoration process.

Once you have completed the restoration process, check if the issue has been resolved now. Try to use an external network card to resolve the issue.

Change the Power Management Settings for the Network Hardware

The power management setting can determine the power consumption for specific programs or components of your device. Sometimes, inappropriate power settings may impede the proper functioning of a component or application. Configuring the power management settings for network hardware can resolve Windows did not detect any networking hardware related issues. To do so,

• Type control panel on the device search bar and open the Control Panel desktop application from the search result.
• Once on the Control Panel, navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Edit Plan Settings > Change advanced power settings to open the Advanced settings of the Power Options.
• Locate the Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode and change the settings to Maximum Performance.

• Do the same with PCI express to resolve the issue.

Now examine whether the issue has been resolved now. If the issue remains, it is probably the issue with your network hardware.

Use External Network Card

When none of the above-described fixing methods fix the “windows did not detect any network hardware” problem, then the problem is probably happening to some hardware issues with your network hardware device. In this case, you need to obtain an external network card or dongle to do the same job as the internal one. You can also consult a hardware specialist to replace or fix your internal network hardware.

Conclusion

One of the above-prescribed fixing methods has surely resolved the Windows Did Not Detect Any Networking Hardware of your device unless it has been triggered by faulty and damaged network hardware. You can consult a network specialist when a network-related hardware issue causes the issue. That’s all for today, have a great day.

Editors Pick for You

Quick Fixes for Windows Photo Viewer Can’t Display Picture Not Enough Memory

[5 Fixes] Remote Desktop Connection not Working in Windows 11