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Network Adapter Driver for Windows 11 [Download/Update]

Updating your network drivers is crucial, just like with any other driver

6 min. read

Updated onJuly 23, 2024

updated onJuly 23, 2024

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Key notes

To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:

Network drivers in Windows 11 are required for the computer’s network adapters. Your PC’s network adapter is the device needed for Internet connectivity. Wireless network adapters’ drivers are also known as Wi-Fi drivers.

Drivers facilitate communication between Windows 11 (or any other OS) and internal and external hardware devices. Companies regularly update drivers for their hardware devices.

Therefore, the original drivers that came with your PC will get outdated.

Windows 11 doesn’t include any new utility for updating device drivers. Therefore, there isn’t any new way you can update network drivers in the latest OS.

However, you can stilleasily update adapter drivers in Windows 11. In our article today, we will teach you how to update the network drivers.

Do I really need to update my PC’s network driver?

Updating the driver for the network adapter can enhance both its performance and reliability. For example, an antiquated network driver might reduce the download speed on your desktop or laptop.

For the sake of faster download speed, it’s worth updating a network adapter’s driver. Furthermore, connectivity issues will more likely arise on a PC with an outdated network adapter driver.

If you can’t connect to the Internet, you won’t be able to download a new driver to fix that issue. So, it’s best to update your computer’s network driver when you can do so to forestall connection inconveniences.

How to install network adapter driver Windows 11 without Internet?

Without a doubt, our computer and operating system will not function normally if we do not have the appropriate drivers installed.

Before we go any further, you need to be aware that the installation of drivers on Windows 11 may be performed with or without an Internet connection.

It is essential to have up-to-date drivers because, in the event that they become corrupted or otherwise inoperable, hardware may become unresponsive or malfunction.In addition to this, they conceal the fundamental workings of your hardware devices, so enabling you to make use of an incredibly user-friendly interface.We prepared a dedicated article onhow to manually install your drivers, which we recommend you check out as the first two solutions do not require an Internet connection.

How can I update my PC’s network driver in Windows 11?

1. Use Device Manager

2. Use the Windows Update Service

Open theStartmenu by clicking on theStart buttonon the taskbar.
Click ontheSettingsapp pinned to theStartmenu.
Next, click theWindows Updatetab on the left ofSettings.

4.SelectAdvancedoptionson theWindows Updatetab.

5.ClickOptional updateswithinAdvanced options.

If a network adapter driver is listed within the optional updates, select its checkbox.
After, press theDownload & installbutton.

If you are not fan of using Device Manager to update your network adapter drivers, you can instead use the Windows Update Service. It is also a built-in tool, and it is responsible for keeping your device up to date.

From the Windows Update Service menu, you can scan for, download and install new updates for your network adapter driver at any time.

3. Manually update your PC’s network adapter driver

If you are looking for a quicker and easier solution, using a specialized tool such asOutbyte Driver Updateris what you need. You can update any of your PC’s drivers by selecting the download and install options within the driver updater.

Outbyte Driver Updater

How do I reinstall network drivers in Windows 11?

How can I enable (or disable) automatic driver updates in Windows 11?

Windows 11 will automatically download and install some device drivers if configured to do so. You can enable automatic driver downloads with device installation settings. This is how you can do that in Windows 11.

Bear in mind that enabling automatic updates doesn’t mean Windows Update will update all device drivers on your PC. However, it will at least update the more essential device drivers.

So, there are numerous ways you can update your computer’s network driver. Choose whatever method you prefer for updating the network adapter and other device drivers.

Connectivity issues will less likely arise on your PC if you keep its network adapter driver up-to-date with the above methods. It’s best to update network drivers to preventconnection issuesfrom arising in the first place instead of waiting for them to happen.

Even more, driver problems occur while playing games such as Minecraft and BattleField. Check out thisdedicated guide onsolving outdated drivers’ errors on Windows 11.

Have the above procedures worked for you as well? Let us know in the comments area below.

Network Adapter Driver for Windows 11 [Download/Update]#

Do I really need to update my PC’s network driver?#

How to install network adapter driver Windows 11 without Internet?#

How can I update my PC’s network driver in Windows 11?#

1. Use Device Manager#

2. Use the Windows Update Service#

3. Manually update your PC’s network adapter driver#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

How do I reinstall network drivers in Windows 11?#

How can I enable (or disable) automatic driver updates in Windows 11?#