Windows 10: Windows 10 update broke my network adapter, what do I do?

Earlier today I got a reminder that Windows needed to update and restart, so I did that. Once my laptop was back up the network adapter was completely bust, not picking up any wireless networks, showing error messages, etc. Tried a bunch of resets and settings tweaks with online support and got nowhere, so I eventually just restored my system to a restore point from a week ago. It's working fine now, but I'm worried that this will just happen again if/when I have to update again. Can I just put off updating Windows forever or will that make things run badly? And is there any way to avoid this happening again if I do have to go through with the update? I had been experiencing some connectivity issues losing connection with wifi, slow video loading, etc. for a couple of weeks but since the system restore worked I assume it's nothing hardware related.

:)

 

Windows 10 update broke network adapter links

I updated to Win10 on an old box (about 7 years old) and was very happy with the result. I got cocky and installed it on my laptop HPENVY 17 purchased January, 2015. The update performed smoothly except the network adapters no longer work.The devices are
shown in Device Manager as: Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC and Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller. The do not appear at all in the Network Center. Troubleshooting the network adapter said none was connected. Windows 8.1 Pro was factory installed.

Steps I have taken so far:

• Updated drivers from manufacturers' sites
• Disabled Windows Firewall
• Uninstalled Anti-Virus (McAfee)
• Uninstalled both devices in Device Manager and rebooted - they reappeared as before
  • Properties says they are working properly
• Checked BIOS - reset to defaults
• Ran HP diagnostics passed quick test
• Ran HP Network test failed:
  • Said check that UEFI was enabled - did that
• Enabled legacy devices - no joy

Please help, I am out of ideas and I really don't want to reinstall all the Apps I have on this machine.

Thank you.

Jerry

 

windows 10 upgrade tells me my network adapter is not compatable. What can I do??

Hi Donald,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

This issue may be due incompatible drivers. Try the following steps and check if they help.

Method 1: Update Network Adapter.

Follow the steps to update the Network Adapter drivers:

• Press Windows key + R key to open run command.
  Type "devmgmt.msc" and click Enter.
• Expand the Network Adapter.
• Right-click on the
  Network Adapter and select
  Update Driver Software.
• Restart the computer and check.

Method 2: Uninstall and then reinstall Network Adapter from Manufacturer's site.

Follow the steps to update the Network Adapter drivers:

• Press Windows key + R key to open run command.
  Type "devmgmt.msc" and click Enter.
• Expand the Network Adapter.
• Right-click on the Network Adapter and
  select Uninstall.
• Now, go to the Manufacturer's Website and download the latest drive.
• Once the download is complete, run the setup file and install the software.
• Follow on-screen instructions.
• Restart the computer and check

Hope this helps. Please respond if you have further related queries.

Regards,

 

After the update my network adapters not working.

Hi Sam,

I realize that it must be difficult for you when things are not working as it should. Sorry to know that you are facing this issue. I will try to help you with this issue.

You may try these steps and check the status:

• 
  Run the Network Troubleshooter and restart the computer to check if this helps.
  
• 
  You may try a different network adapter/connection type if possible.
  
• 
  Further you may also check for Windows Updates with a wired net connection and check for updated drivers for the network adapter.
  

You will be able to solve some problems by running a troubleshooter that will automatically fix some common issues with Windows Update.

Open the Network troubleshooter by following these steps:

• 
  Press Windows key + X and click on
  Control Panel.
  
• 
  Click on Troubleshooting and click on
  View All.
  

Click on “Network Adapter” troubleshooter to fix problems with
Network Adapter. Follow the on-screen directions to run this troubleshooter and restart the computer to check if this helps.

Further, suggest you to follow all the steps from this article to check if that helps.

Fix network connection issues: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/fix-network-connection-issues

Note: The steps to turn off a firewall depend on the firewall software you’re using. Check the documentation for your firewall software to learn how to turn it off. Make sure you turn it back on as soon as you can. Not having a firewall turned
on makes your PC more vulnerable to hackers, worms, or viruses.

Keep us informed to help you further.