How to Fix Windows 10 Ethernet Driver Problems

Get your computer back on the network

by
Jon Martindale
Jon Martindale
Writer
Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He's written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal.
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Jon Martindale
Updated on June 02, 2020

Wireless internet has its benefits, but nothing matches the speed and reliability of a solid, wired Ethernet connection. Ethernet isn't immune to problems. So when you run into difficulties with the network adapter driver in Windows 10, try some standard quick-fix solutions to resolve networking errors.

Ethernet cable & socket
VisualField / Getty Images

What Causes Ethernet Driver Problems?

Ethernet driver errors are not too distinct from driver problems that are related to other facets of a system. Sometimes driver files become outdated. Other times, drivers become corrupt because of an operating-system glitch, and in some cases, failing hardware breaks drivers.

How to Fix Problems With Windows 10 Network Drivers

Start with the easiest and most common solutions until you find an approach that works:

  1. Restart the computer. Most problems relate to glitches with memory allocation, so a reboot flushes the memory and often resolves the error.

  2. Use the Network Troubleshooter. Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter utility. It can help you find and repair the cause of the issue. To run it:

    1. Search for Network Troubleshooter, then select the corresponding result.
    2. Let it run for a moment to see if it discovers the Ethernet problem.
    3. If it does, select Try these repairs as an administrator, then give admin approval, if requested.

  3. Reinstall Ethernet drivers automatically. If Windows can't fix Ethernet driver problems, give it a gentle nudge. In Device Manager, select Network Adapters to expand it, right-click (or tap and hold) the Ethernet adapter, and select Uninstall Device > Uninstall. Then reboot Windows.

    If you're not sure which is your Ethernet adaptor, it will probably have the company name of Realtek or Intel in its name or GBE.

  4. Reinstall Ethernet drivers manually. If the drivers that Windows 10 installs don't fix the driver problem, manually update the drivers.

  5. Reset the network adapter. Even with driver problems, the Windows network adapter sometimes generates additional mischief on its own.

  6. Reset the Winsock. Open an elevated Command Prompt, then perform a Netsh Winsock Reset.