How do you fix a network adapter that is not working after a firmware update?

Network adapters are critical for maintaining machine connectivity to the internet or local network. However, at times, these adapters run into issues, especially after a firmware update. Resolving such issues may seem daunting, but with the correct approach, you can fix a network adapter that is not working post firmware update.

1. Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver

After a firmware update, the first step is to reinstall or update the network adapter drivers. Sometimes, the update can corrupt existing drivers, making it essential to refresh them.

• Open Device Manager.
• Navigate to the Network Adapters section.
• Right-click on the network adapter and select Uninstall Device.
• Restart your computer; Windows should automatically reinstall the necessary drivers.
• If it doesn’t, download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them manually.

Things to Remember:

Ensure you download the correct driver version corresponding to your operating system. Incompatible drivers can lead to other issues.

2. Reset Network Settings

If reinstalling the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, try resetting the network settings. This can resolve any configuration conflicts introduced by the firmware update.

• Open Settings.
• Go to Network & Internet.
• Select Status, and then click on Network reset.
• Click on Reset now and restart your computer when prompted.

Precautions:

This process will remove all network configurations, so be sure to have your Wi-Fi passwords and network settings handy for reconfiguration.

3. Check for Hardware Issues

If the software solutions do not fix the problem, it may be a hardware issue. Firmware updates occasionally introduce incompatibilities with some hardware components.

• Test the network adapter on another device to confirm if the issue persists.
• If another device is also experiencing issues, consider replacing the network adapter.
• Check for any physical damage or loose connections.

Advice:

Contact the network adapter’s manufacturer for further assistance if you suspect a faulty hardware component.

4. Configure Settings Manually

Sometimes, manual configuration can resolve network adapter issues. This process varies depending on the operating system and network environment.

• Open Network and Sharing Center.
• Click on Change adapter settings.
• Right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
• Configure TCP/IP settings as required, ensuring they match your network’s specifications.

Tips:

Keep a record of your original settings before making changes, in case you need to revert back.

5. Perform a System Restore

If your network adapter issues started immediately after a firmware update, performing a system restore to a point before the update can sometimes resolve the problem.

• Open Control Panel.
• Navigate to System and Security > System.
• Click on System Protection and select System Restore.
• Follow the prompts to restore your system to a previous state.

Recommendation:

Ensure all important data is backed up before proceeding with a system restore.

Conclusion

Dealing with a non-functional network adapter post firmware update can be challenging. By following these steps – from reinstalling drivers to performing a system restore – you can effectively resolve the issue and restore connectivity. Always ensure to backup your system and maintain updated records of system configurations to avoid unnecessary complications.