To fix a wireless adapter driver issue in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:
1. Run the Internet Connection Troubleshooter: Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix common network connection issues. To access it, go to Settings > Network & internet > Status > Network troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
2. Enable the Wi-Fi Adapter in Network Connections: Sometimes, the Wi-Fi adapter may be disabled in the Network Connections settings. To check and enable it, right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.” In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network adapters” category and look for your Wi-Fi adapter. If it shows a down arrow or is grayed out, right-click on it and select “Enable.”
3. Update Network Adapter Drivers: Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues. To update the drivers, right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.” Expand the “Network adapters” category, right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter, and select “Update driver.” Choose the option to search for updated drivers automatically and follow the on-screen instructions to install them.
4. Reinstall the Network Adapter Device: If updating the drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling the network adapter device. In the Device Manager, right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Uninstall device.” Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver for your Wi-Fi adapter.
5. Perform a Network Reset: If none of the above steps work, you can try performing a network reset. This will reset all network-related settings to their default values. To do this, go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click on “Reset now” and follow the instructions. Keep in mind that this will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and VPN connections.
6. Check for Windows Updates: It’s essential to keep your operating system up to date, as updates often include bug fixes and driver updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.” Install any available updates and restart your computer if necessary.
In my personal experience, updating the network adapter drivers and performing a network reset have resolved most Wi-Fi adapter issues. However, if the problem persists, you may need to contact your device manufacturer or seek further assistance from a technical expert.