Windows 10: Network adapter has randomly disappeared and uninstalled.

I was just scrolling through my browser on my Lenovo laptop and it suddenly disconnects from the WiFi. Shortly after it blue screens with a watchdog code and restarts the laptop. When it boots back up I find out the network adapter has been uninstalled/is now missing. How do I reinstall the network adapter?It doesn't give me any options to access any WiFi connections and when I click the bottom right WiFi icon, it only displays the "Airplane mode" option. I've also tried troubleshooting it using the Windows 10 Troubleshooter. It says, "Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapte

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network adapters

Hi, Michael.



Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

As per my understanding, you may be facing an issue with your driver updates.

I suggest that you perform the steps mentioned below and check if it helps you resolve your issue.



Method 1: Network troubleshooting

• • • On the search bar type “Troubleshooting”
    • Click on “Network and Internet”
    • Click on “Network Adapter” and run the troubleshooter.

Method 2: Download and install the latest firmware updates for the Network adapter

Follow these steps to un-install the drivers:

• On the search bar type “ Device Manager”
• On the left pane locate “Network Adapter” and expand by clicking on it
• Right on the “ Network driver” option and click “Uninstall’
• Download the latest Wireless network adapter driver setup file from the manufacturer’s website and install it.

Your reply is very important for us to ensure a proper resolution. Please get back to us with the above information in order to assist you accordingly.

For further assistance, you can post your query in Microsoft Community

 

Windows 10 - Cannot connect to WiFi. How to uninstall network adapter driver?

Hi,

Thank you for your reply.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

• Right click on Windows icon on the taskbar.
• Select Control panel.
• Click on network and sharing center.
• At the left top corner click on Change adapter settings.
• There you will be able to see the Driver name of the network Adapter next to the Icon.
  
• Then you can go to device manager and check for that network adapter and you can uninstall the driver.

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.

 

Manually uninstalling network adapter results in no boot

Hi. I have an Acer Aspire E 15 laptop that was not connecting to any Wi-Fi networks. I tried some previous steps I had taken in the past to no avail, then used my phone to search for some solutions which led me to the suggestion to uninstall my network adapter.

I believe that this is where I made a mistake. I uninstalled a Qualcomm adapter, which I believe was the correct one. I also have installed a Virtual Machine application called Virtual Box that had some adapters listed there - figured I'd uninstall those
as well since the diagnostic report while trying to connect to the wi-fi had those listed. I also uninstalled another item listed under network adapters - I can't remember exactly what it was. Perhaps that was my problem? Regardless, my understanding was that
Windows would re-install any adapter that was missing on a system restart.

However, now my laptop won't boot. It loads to the "Acer" screen with the rotating icon and now brings me to "Automatic Repair." I've tried restarting again, "continue" to windows 10 and running diagnostics on my system startup but none has worked - it still
seems to get stuck on the boot screen for ~20+ minutes.

Does anyone have any suggestions or could offer any help? I understand a system reset may be in order here - but if there's a possible solution without doing that then I'd be interested.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

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