If you are encountering the error message “Windows did not detect any networking hardware” or “Windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter” on your computer, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue. Here are some possible solutions:
1. Perform a system restore: This is an effective method to revert your computer back to a previous working state. System restore allows you to undo any recent changes that may have caused the network adapter issue. To perform a system restore, follow these steps:
A. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
B. Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
C. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point before the issue occurred.
D. Once the restoration process is complete, check if the network adapter is detected.
2. Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix problems with hardware devices. To run the hardware and devices troubleshooter, follow these steps:
A. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
B. Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Troubleshoot” from the left panel.
C. Scroll down and click on “Hardware and Devices” under the “Find and fix other problems” section.
D. Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions.
E. Once the troubleshooter completes the scan, check if the network adapter is now detected.
3. Update your network driver: Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause networking hardware detection issues. To update your network driver, you can follow these steps:
A. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
B. Expand the “Network adapters” category to view the network adapter(s) installed on your computer.
C. Right-click on the network adapter that is not being detected and choose “Update driver.”
D. Select the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
E. Windows will search for the latest driver and install it. Follow any additional prompts if necessary.
F. After the update is complete, restart your computer and check if the network adapter is now detected.
4. Reinstall the network driver: If updating the driver did not resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling the network driver. Here’s how to do it:
A. Follow steps a-c from the previous solution to open Device Manager.
B. Right-click on the network adapter that is not being detected and choose “Uninstall device.”
C. Confirm the uninstallation and restart your computer.
D. After the restart, Windows will automatically reinstall the network driver. If it doesn’t, you can manually install the driver by downloading it from the manufacturer’s website.
E. Once the driver is reinstalled, check if the network adapter is now detected.
These steps should help resolve the “Windows did not detect any networking hardware” error. However, if the issue persists, it may indicate a hardware problem with the network adapter itself. In such cases, you may need to consult a professional technician or consider replacing the network adapter.