How to Fix Missing Network Adapters! Windows 10/8/7

Detailed Video Instructions:

Solution 1: Show hidden devices

Some devices may be hidden in Device Manager. When they’re hidden, you cannot see them. So your network adapter could be hidden. If that’s the case, to fix the problem, you just need to make all hidden devices shown in Device Manage. 

Follow steps below to show the hidden devices.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Click the View menu, and then click Show hidden devices.

3) Click Action menu, and then click Scan for hardware changes.

Check to see if the problem is resolved. IF not try next method:

Solution 2: Update drivers

The network adapter may be displayed as Unknown device. Check to see if you see an Unknown device under Other devices as below image shown. If you see an Unknown device, update the driver. Though you don’t see an Unknown device, the problem could be caused by driver issues. To fix the problem, try to update the network adapter driver.

To update drivers you can use automatic driver update software or manual download from PC manufacturer’s website.

HP drivers can find here: https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/

Acer Drivers: https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/drivers

Samsung Drivers: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/downloads/

Dell Drivers: https://www.dell.com/support/home/lv/en/lvbsdt1/?app=drivers

For Sony please read this tutorial

Solution 3: Reset BIOS

There may be problems with BIOS (Basic Input/Output Operating System) settings when network adapter doesn’t show up in Device Manager. If Solution 1 and Solution 2 don’t work for you, reset the BIOS to default. 

To reset BIOS:

Start your computer. Pay close attention to the first screen that appears. Look for a notification that tells you which key or combination of keys to press to enter BIOS settings. You may be able to see the notification such as: Press DEL to enter SETUP; BIOS settings: Esc; Setup=Del or System configuration: F2. 

Look for Load Setup Defaults, Standard CMOS Features, Reset to Default, Load factory Defaults, Clear BIOS Settings, Load Setup Defaults, or something similar.

Restart your computer and see if the problem is resolved.

Finally:

When you don’t see network adapter missing in Device Manager, the worst issue could be the problem NIC (Network Interface Controller) card. In that case, you need to replace the card with a new one.