Windows 10: Whenever I open Device Manager, the Network adapters list is expanded when nothing else is

The question says it all. Network adapters is ALWAYS expanded even though nothing else is. Does this indicate a problem with the network adapter? There are no yellow triangles or any other indication of a problem. Adapter drivers are up to date.

:)

 

Device Manager: Network Adapters always expanded -- Gigabit Network




That's how it looks when I open it. I didn't expand the Adapters. It's automatic when there's something to check, as you know.

 

Wireless adapter not found in Device Manager

I ran the Lenovo Solution Center. Network Adapter was not listed in the hardware scanned. Not sure if there is a separate listing for that normally or not.

Ever since I ran a power cycle the adapter has not appeared in the Device Manager.

Does anyone believe removing the adapter and putting it back would solve the issue? I would rather not open my computer if there is little chance of it solving the issue. I am a complete novice doing this.

Not sure if this is relevant but in my Network Adapter in Device Manager there was "Microsoft Kernel Debug Network Adapter". It has since disappeared.

 

Device Manager: Network Adapters always expanded -- Gigabit Network

Hi Wisewiz,

Sometimes settings just seem to magically change state without warning, especially with Windows OSs. *Smile

Your device manager is designed to open in an expanded state to draw attention to any deficiencies. While you may be happy to have your Ethernet Controller disabled, Windows just doesn't agree and wants you to know about it.

I only use an Ethernet connection for testing and quite rarely, so I understand your thinking that having it enabled isn't necessary. Remember, we only lease Windows and Microsoft always knows best. *Smile

When I disable my Ethernet Controller and then open the device manager, the Network Adapters section is expanded and the icon for the controller is altered like yours.






I too dislike seeing the Network Adapters expanded and choose to keep my Ethernet Controller enabled so that when I open the Device Manager, everything looks as it should, no sections appear expanded and no unusual icons. *Smile






If you uninstall the adapter, it will install again after the next boot. As Berton mentioned, your bios settings may have an option to disable the Ethernet Adapter, however; this action will create a new task should you ever decide to use an Ethernet connection.

Whenever I to use an Ethernet connection, I plug in the RJ45 connector and I'm done. No closing all apps and restart to access bios settings. That just sounds like too much effort. *Smile

If you choose to enable the ethernet controller, this entire issue will disappear. *Smile