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2. Use the Network troubleshooter
The first thing we’re going to do is also the easiest one. We’re simply going to run the network troubleshooter and let it do the job for us. Here’s how to run the network troubleshooter in Windows 10:
- Go to Settings.
- Head over to Updates & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Internet Connections, and go to Run the Troubleshooter.
- Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
- Restart your computer.
If the network troubleshooter failed to resolve the problem, move on to another workaround.
3. Reset TCP/IP stack
If the previous two solutions didn’t get the job done, you can try resetting the TCP/IP stack. To do that, you’ll also need to enter a few command lines into the Command prompt.
Here’s exactly what you need to do:
- Right-click on the Start Menu button and choose Command Prompt (Admin)
- Enter the following lines into Command Prompt and press Enter after each one:
- netsh int ip reset
- netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
- netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
- netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
- Restart your computer and see if you’re able to connect to WiFi now
4. Perform a registry tweak with Command Prompt
- Right-click on the Start Menu button and choose Command Prompt (Admin)
- Enter the following line and press Enter:
- This command will show a list of network protocols, drivers and services. Check if DNI_DNE is in the list, if it is, then you have a problem.
- If DNI_DNE is listed, in the same command prompt window enter the following line and press Enter:
reg delete HKCRCLSID{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /fnetcfg -v -u dni_dne
This should solve the issue, but if you receive an error 0x80004002 after entering the command then this value is either not in the registry, or need to be deleted slightly differently.
So here’s what to do, if you receive this error code:
- Go to Search, type regedit and open Registry Editor
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3}
- Delete DNI_DNE if it still exists
5. Change the adapter settings
The next thing we’re going to do is changing the adapter settings (read: disable the TCP/IPv6 protocol). Here’s how to do that:
- Go to Properties of the Network Adapter and look for a wireless adapter that is currently running.
- Search for the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) under the options that show up and uncheck IPv6 to disable it.
- Click on OK and restart the computer to enforce the changes you made.
6. Reinstall the network adapter
If installing the right driver didn’t get the job done, let’s try to uninstall the network adapter first. Here’s how to uninstall the network adapter in Windows 10:
- Go to Search, type devm, and open Device Manager.
- Find your network adapter.
- Right-click your network adapter, and go to Uninstall.
- Follow further on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer.
- Now, go on and install the network adapter driver once again, as shown above.
7. Reset your adapter
Resetting your network adapter can do wonders. As cliche as it sounds. So, find that little button on the back of your adapter, and press and hold it.
Wait for a couple of minutes for the signal to get back, and try to connect to the internet once again.
8. Update the router firmware
This one’s tricky. Yes, updating your router firmware may resolve the problem, but it’s by no means a simple procedure.
So, your best bet is to check your router’s user manual for additional instructions on how to update it.
Just bear in mind that if you don’t update the router properly, you can damage it permanently. So, proceed with extra care.
9. Switch to the Maximum Performance Mode
- Go to Search, type power management, and open Power & Sleep.
- Under Related Settings, go to Additional Power Settings.
- Once the Power Options window opens, locate your current plan and click Change plan settings.
- Go to Change advanced power settings.
- Locate Wireless Adapter Settings and set the Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance.
- Click Apply and OK to save changes.
Just keep in mind that the Maximum performance mode will put some extra pressure on your device, so your laptop battery might last shorter.
10. Make sure nothing disrupts the Wi-Fi signal
Some appliances and hardware not related to your computer can disrupt the Wi-Fi signal.
For example, it’s known that microwave weakens the signal. So, make sure you don’t have any appliances that can possibly disrupt the signal near your router.
If you didn’t manage to solve the problem after performing all of these solutions, check our article about internet problems in Windows 10 , and you’ll maybe find the solution there.
In case you have any comments, questions or suggestions, just let us know in the comments down below.
FAQ: Learn more about dealing with (Wireless) network adapters in Windows 10
- How do I fix network adapter problems?
You can tweak its settings (TCP/IPv6) or completely reinstall the adapter. For a clean install, make sure you remove all leftovers by using a specialized uninstaller tool.
- Why does my WiFi adapter need to be reset?
The WiFi adapter usually causes issues after a major Windows update. You can reset it via Command Prompt. If you’re unable to run the command prompt as admin, here’s what you need to do.
- How do I fix my wireless adapter on Windows 10?
Start by running the Network Troubleshooter on your Windows 10 running device. Check out the entire procedure and additional testes solutions in this complete guide.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2015 and was revamped and updated in December 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
This post was written by Ivan Jenic and was first posted to WindowsReport
