How to Fix “Windows Did Not Detect a Properly Installed Network Adapter”

Read on to know the sure-shot fixes for Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter.

Windows is an operating system full of surprises and shocks for the users. Sometimes, it surprises us with exceptionally smooth performance, whereas other times it shocks us with some unexpected errors. One of such shocking and unanticipated errors users face is when Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter.

Are you also facing a similar situation? If yes, then this write-up is the guide that you need to fix this annoying issue, i.e., Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter.

Let’s begin by identifying the reasons for which Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter on Windows 10 and 7.

What causes Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter

There can be multiple reasons for which the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter and other BSOD errors. But, the central ones are related to the drivers. Here they are.

• The network updater drivers are missing on your PC.
• You have not correctly installed the network adapter drivers.

Now that you know the root cause of the issue, resolving it is a piece of cake. Thus, below we walk you through the fixes for Windows that did not detect a properly installed network adapter error.

Note: “Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter” Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter” and “Windows did not detect any networking hardware” are the same errors. The below-stated fixes shall resolve them all.

Sure-shot Fixes for Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error

Here are the fixes that you need to resolve the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error on Windows 10 and 7.

Fix 1: Carry out a System Restore

Reverting the changes made by the programs that you have installed just before the internet stopped working can help you resolve the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error. Thus, below is how to perform a system restore and take Windows back to its earlier state and solve the problem of windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter windows 10-

• Press the Windows and R keys together to bring the Run box.
• Once the Run box comes up, type rstrui.exe and hit Enter or click OK.
  
• Click on “Next” and choose a restore point from the list that comes up, and then again click “Next”.
  
• Give confirmation for the restore point that you have chosen and click on “Finish”.
  
• When the Windows asks “Once started, system restore cannot be interrupted. Do you wish to continue?”, click on “Yes”.
  

After the process is complete and the PC restarts, check if still, Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter or the issue is now resolved.

Fix 2: Run the Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices

Windows comes with a built-in utility to fix common errors. Running the hardware and devices troubleshooter can help you resolve the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error on Windows 10 and 7. Thus, below is how to do it.

• In the box where you see “Search for anything”, type “Settings” and open the first search result.
  
• Click on “Update and Security”.
• Choose “Hardware and Devices”.
  
• Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and wait till Windows finishes the scan.

After the scan is finished, check whether the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error is resolved or not.

Fix 3: Run the Troubleshooter for Network Adapter

Running the network updater troubleshooter can help you fix the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error Windows 10 with ease. Thus, implement the below steps to do it.

• Open “Settings” and select “Update and Security”.
• Click on “Troubleshoot”.
• Choose “Network adapter”.
• Select “Run the troubleshooter”.
  

Hopefully, this fixes the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter issue on Windows 10 and 7. But, if the problem remains unresolved, then try the next fixes.

Fix 4: Install the Network Adapter Driver Again

Another fix that you can try is reinstalling the network adapter driver. As reported by many Windows users, this has fixed the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error for them. Thus, follow the steps below and see whether it works for you or not.

• In the Search Box found on the Task Bar, type “Device Manager” and open the first result that you get on the screen.
  
• After the Device Manager screen appears, expand the “Network Adapters” section.
• Right-click the network adapter that the Windows did not detect and choose “Uninstall device” from the options that come up.
  
• Click on “Uninstall” to confirm the uninstallation.
• After the uninstallation completes, restart your PC.

Upon restarting Windows automatically finds and installs the latest network adapter drivers. The Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error on Windows 10 and 7 should now get resolved. But, if it still rears its ugly head, then try the below fixes.

Fix 5: Update Windows

Updating Windows to the latest version can sometimes fix the common issues, like the network adapter missing Windows 10, that users face. Thus, follow the below steps to update Windows.

• Open “Settings” and choose “Update and Security”.
• Select “Windows Update”.
• Click on “Check for updates”.
  

After completing the above steps, Windows automatically downloads and installs the latest OS update, if available. If the Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter error on Windows 10 and 7 remains unresolved, then below is the ultimate fix that we recommend.

Fix 6: Update network adapter driver via BIT Driver Updater (Recommended)

Here comes the best solution for nearly all the PC problems and errors such as Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter. You only need to update drivers using the top driver updater, i.e., BIT Driver Updater. In addition to updating drivers, this tool magically resolves all the errors including the windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter in windows 7, makes your PC fast, and takes the PC’s performance to an unprecedented level.

Below is how to use this wonderful utility to update the network adapter driver and get rid of the Windows that did not detect a properly installed network adapter error.

How to use BIT Driver Updater?

• Download and install BIT Driver Updater through the link given below.
  
• Launch it and click on “Scan”.
• After the scan results come up, click on “Update Now” to update the network adapter driver. If you want to update all the outdated drivers in a single go, then click on “Update All”.
  

These were the simple steps that you need to follow to drive PC errors away. Now, you must be wondering why are we suggesting you use the BIT Driver Updater. We have many good reasons to do so. The next segment enlists the same.

Why are we recommending BIT Driver Updater?

BIT Driver Updater is among the best driver updaters available in the town. Below are the central reasons for which we are recommending it.

• It reduces the PC’s startup time and makes it faster.
• With this utility, you can effortlessly backup and restore drivers.
• This tool is available in multiple languages.
• It lets you schedule scans as well as exclude the drivers that you don’t wish to be scanned.
• With BIT Driver Updater, you can update all the outdated, corrupt, and missing drivers in no time.
• This utility is available for all the latest Windows versions.

The above was only a few benefits of this tool, you’ll come to know many others once you begin to use it. Thus, get the BIT Driver Updater without thinking twice. You won’t be disappointed at all. All the problems of network adapters missing in Windows 10 will be treated effectively.

Windows Did Not Detect a Properly Installed Network Adapter: Fixed

This composed note discussed the fixes for Windows that did not detect a properly installed network adapter error. We hope that this issue is not troubling you anymore. We will see you soon with another simple tech fix, till then, stay tuned with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Windows Did Not Detect a Properly Installed Network Adapter

Q.1 What does “Windows Could Not Find a Driver for Your Network Adapter” mean?

Sometimes, the operating system installed on the computer may be unable to find a driver to run the connected network adapter. In such cases, the user may receive a screen message saying ‘windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter windows 10’. We recommend that the user installs the driver again for it to work properly. The user will have to take some steps to treat this problem.

Q.2 How can I fix ‘the windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter’ in windows 7?

There are some ways through which any user can solve problems related to missing network adapters in Windows. The first would be to reinstall the driver to troubleshoot any errors that might have surfaced during the installation of drivers. If the problem persists, the next step would be to take up other measures as listed in the article above.

Q.3 What is the best way to fix windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter in windows 7?

The core of this problem is not easy to find. There is no best way to fix this problem. The user will have to take up all the methods one by one till the network adapter starts working properly. If a driver is already present, I will recommend that the user re-installs or updates the driver required to run the network adapter. The user can move on to other solutions, like updating the operating system, troubleshooting critical areas, and others, if the problem persists.

Q.4 What are the reasons behind missing network adapters in Windows?

The user may be facing problems related to missing network drivers due to one of more reasons. Generally, the file corrupts or damages while installing the driver or network adapter. This in turn fails to run the network adapter. In other cases, the user may face a problem due to an outdated operating system, outdated drivers, problems in hardware and software, or any other reason. All the methods listed in this article can be used to treat problems related to network adapters.