- Identify whether the fault is a driver, Windows fault, or hardware fault with cross-testing and system events.
- Prioritize reinstalling or rolling back the driver from official sources and validate the installed version and date.
- Apply key settings: adapter power, firewall, malware scan, and, if applicable, System Restore.
¿What to do when Windows driver updater breaks your network card? Maybe one day you turn off the computer, Windows installs an update And when you come back, your connection disappears as if by magic. You don't see any Wi-Fi networks, the Ethernet doesn't even attempt to connect, and to top it all off, the automatic diagnostics don't reveal anything useful. If this sounds familiar to you, don't worry: you're not alone, and the most common cause is a driver that Windows Update has replaced with a problematic version.
In this guide I explain, with real cases and clear steps, how to identify the reason, what solutions to apply in each scenario and how to prevent it from happening again. You'll see quick options (from rebooting to checking free space) and more technical ones (resetting drivers, tapping power, checking the BIOS, or trying a different system) to get your network back to its best.
Real cases and common symptoms
One of the most repeated scenarios: a Lenovo IdeaPad S340‑15IIL laptop with a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 It detects 5 GHz networks, but after a driver update, it no longer connects. You enter the key, it seems to connect, and then it displays the message "Cannot connect to this network." The Event Viewer shows that the device PCI\VEN_168C&DEV_0042&SUBSYS_090117AA&REV_31\4&340c4644&0&00E9 It has problems starting up, with details like: driver «oem12.inf", service "Qcamain10x64«, upper filter «vwifibus«, problem 0x15 and a Kernel‑PnP event with error 411.
In that same case, uninstall the device in Device Manager and rebooting restored connectivity, but every time Windows applied new updates the conflicting driver reappeared and the error returned. The computer was in Windows 11 version 21H2 (build 22000.795), and despite downloading drivers from the manufacturer, no stable version remained fixed without Windows Update intervening.
Another example: an MSI GF63 8RC with Wi-Fi Intel Dual Band Wireless‑AC 3165 and Intel PROSet/Wireless software v20.60.0. After an update, each reboot caused the laptop to stop seeing Wi-Fi networks until reinstall the driver. The Ethernet didn't work either. Manufacturer support referred me to the same driver package, and in the end, the proposal was to take it to a repair center. Specs: Intel i7‑8750H 2.20 GHz, 16 GB at 2667 MHz, Windows 10 Pro build 19044.1645 and Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.4170.0, with two internal drives and the OS on an SSD.
A third case: after allowing the system to update overnight, the user woke up without a network connection, either wired or Wi-Fi. He tried updating the Realtek drivers, moving the tower, running ipconfig /release, /flushdns and /renew, disable IPv6, and boot into safe mode with networking. In that mode it appeared error 37 on all three drivers (Bluetooth, LAN, and WAN), and “ipconfig /release” returned “An address has not yet been associated with the network endpoint” and media disconnected warnings on several “Local Area Connection*” messages. The final solution was to use a System Restore point recent.
Why it happens: common causes
The most common explanation is a corrupted network driver, incompatible or incorrectly installed After an update. Sometimes Windows Update replaces a stable version with another that, due to your hardware or firmware, conflicts. The installation may also be interrupted if you lose connection during the process.
The safety factor must not be forgotten: malware touching the network stack can break the driver boot. In Windows you have Defender and the Malicious Software Removal Tool (MRT) executable with Windows + R, by typing MRT, to perform an additional scan for threats.
Finally, we sometimes talk about hardware: a network card that starts to fail or a damaged Ethernet port/cable can be confused with a software problem. It's a good idea to test the same cable with another machine and the same router with another device to rule out the physical component.
Express checks before getting started
It seems obvious, but it works: restart the computer to close processes that may be blocking the network stack or the driver installer.
Check system connectivity: Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-FiCheck the status and, if it appears disconnected, try reconnecting to your SSID or switching to Ethernet to test. This quick check serves to confirm it's not just a disconnect.
Check the available storage. For Windows to complete its operations, it requires 16 GB free on 32-bit systems and 20 GB on 64-bit systemsIf you're short on space, the update process (and therefore the driver) may get stuck. Consider using a temporary USB flash drive or using "Free up disk space in Windows" to make room.
Recommended technical solutions
Update, roll back, or reinstall the driver from Device Manager
Open Start and type Device administratorUnder Network Adapters, locate your interface (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), right-click, and choose "Update Driver." Let it search automatically, and if it finds a valid version, install it.
If it doesn't bear fruit, try Uninstall device (check the box to remove the driver software, if it appears) and restart. This forces Windows to reinstall the generic or clean driver, which in many cases restores connectivity.
When Windows insists on installing a problematic driver, it turns to the manufacturer's website from your computer (MSI, Lenovo, etc.) or chipset (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm) and download the version recommended for your model and Windows version. Sometimes the latest version isn't the best for your hardware; an older version may be more stable.
To install manually, choose "Scan my PC for drivers» and point to the folder where you unzipped the package. Windows will compare versions and apply the most appropriate one.
Then, go to Properties > tab Controller to verify the version and date that remain installed. This confirms that the change has been applied and you can write down the information in case you need to revert.
Don't know the exact model of your controller? A utility like HWiNFO (available in a portable version) reveals the motherboard and integrated drivers. With that information, go to the manufacturer's support page and download the exact LAN/Wi-Fi drivers for your motherboard.
Windows Update: friend… with nuances
Controllers often arrive via Windows Update and they're installed automatically. It's convenient, but it doesn't always offer the optimal release for your situation. Make sure you complete system updates first and check for updates again in case any dependent packages appear.
If Windows Update insists on a conflicting version and you still don't want to change anything else, remember that you can always reinstall manually from the manufacturer's website and monitor whether the problem reappears after the next reboot.
Power Management and Adapter Wake-Up
In your adapter's Properties tab Power management, turn off “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This setting may cause Wi-Fi or Ethernet to “disappear” after resuming from sleep.
Another useful maneuver is Disable device and re-enable it. This forces Windows to re-enumerate the hardware, and if the stack is in a strange state, it immediately returns it to normal.
Firewall and security
To rule out blockages, you can temporarily disable the Windows firewallIf this restores connectivity, it's time to review any additional security rules or software; remember to reactivate it as soon as possible to avoid being exposed.
Run a full scan with your antivirus and run the MRT Tool (Windows + R > type MRT) for further scanning. Malware can disrupt network services or alter critical system settings.
Network Stack: Useful Commands
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig / release, then ipconfig / flushdns y ipconfig / renewIf it returns errors like "An address has not yet been associated with the network endpoint" or reports disconnected media on "Local Area Connection*," you have a clue that the interface isn't coming up properly.
In environments where IPv6 gives specific problems, try disable IPv6 in the adapter properties as a temporary measure and see if the interface comes back up, keeping IPv4 operational.
BIOS and system
Enter the BIOS / UEFI and verify that the network controller is enabled. Firmware changes or updates can return options to default values and unintentionally disable devices.
Also, make sure your system is up to date. Update Windows Fixes compatibility bugs between the system kernel and network drivers, preventing strange conflicts.
System Restore and Recovery
If the failure started right after an update or change, use System RestoreControl Panel > Recovery > System Restore. Choose a previous point when everything worked. You won't lose your documents, and in many cases, it fixes in minutes what would have taken hours.
When there is no other option, one full restoration Restore your software to factory settings: remove programs and files, clean malware if present, and return drivers/firmware to their original state. Sometimes this is the only way to resolve persistent conflicts that can't be fixed even with driver reinstallations.
Is it Windows or is it the hardware?
To clear up any doubts, start a distribution Linux in Live mode (without installing) and test the network. If it doesn't work there either, the problem is most likely physical (card, antenna, port, or cable).
Cross-test: Connect another device to the same router/cable and test your computer on another network. Isolate variables It saves you from chasing software ghosts when it's the cable or the switch that's at fault.
When there are no compatible drivers for your system
Start with your device manufacturer's official website. If you don't see support for your version of Windows, try a previous driver version; often maintains compatibility and works better than the last one.
Another option is to allow Windows to install a basic controller (generic). It won't squeeze out performance, but it'll get you out of trouble. If nothing else works and is viable, consider updating your operating system to regain support and security.
Alternatives and hardware replacement
If your card has been unsupported or is damaged, a USB network adapter It's a simple and inexpensive solution. It doesn't perform as well as an internal card, but it's plug & play and allows you to reconnect without opening your computer.
- Network type: Choose between wired, Wi-Fi, or both depending on your usage and home setup.
- Speed: Today, Gigabit (1000 Mbps) is the standard; if you transfer large amounts of data, consider 10 GbE.
- Compatibility: Check that your system and motherboard support it; for USB, models with broad support are preferable.
- Budget and brand: Look for a balance between quality and price; brands with good driver support last longer.
Notes for macOS users
On Apple devices, the drivers are integrated in system updates. You don't need to manage drivers manually: keep macOS up to date and you'll inherit compatibility improvements with each release.
Identify your adapter and find the correct driver
To see the details of your Wi‑Fi in Windows, press Windows + R, type cmd and run: netsh wlan show driversYou'll see the manufacturer, model, and capabilities (WPA2/WPA3, bands, etc.), key information for downloading the exact package.
With that information, go to the manufacturer's support, search for your model and download the version for your Concrete WindowsIf you get an .exe, run it and follow the wizard; if it's a .zip, unzip it and use "Browse my computer for drivers" from Device Manager. In any case, if you want update your drivers We leave you this link to the Windows page.
As a preventive practice, create restore points Before making major changes, save a copy of your stable drivers and note the version and date of the driver that works best for you. These habits save a lot of time when something goes wrong.
When an update changes a driver and leaves you without a network, it's a good idea to have a plan: check the basics, try clean reinstalls, check power and security, use System Restore if necessary, and, if necessary, consider an external adapter or hardware replacement. With a little practice and the right tools, getting back online is a matter of minutes, not days.
Passionate about technology since he was little. I love being up to date in the sector and, above all, communicating it. That is why I have been dedicated to communication on technology and video game websites for many years. You can find me writing about Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, Nintendo or any other related topic that comes to mind.