A network adapter driver (also called a network driver) enables Windows to communicate with your Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter, and allows your PC to connect to the internet and local networks. If the driver becomes outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, you may experience slow internet speeds, frequent disconnections, Wi-Fi not working, Ethernet connection problems, or limited network connectivity. Most of the time, updating your network driver can resolve these issues and improve compatibility, stability, security, and overall network performance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to update network drivers in Windows 11 and Windows 10 using Windows Update, Device Manager, or the official tools provided by Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, Killer, and other hardware manufacturers.
Before You Update Your Network Driver
Before updating your network driver, identify your network adapter manufacturer (such as Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, Killer, or MediaTek) and create a System Restore point in case you need to roll back the changes. While Windows Update automatically installs compatible network drivers, manufacturers regularly release newer versions that improve stability, fix connectivity issues, enhance security, and add support for the latest networking technologies.
Updating your network driver is recommended if you’re experiencing:
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet not connecting
- Slow internet speeds
- Frequent network disconnections
- Limited or no internet access
- High network latency or packet loss
- Problems after installing a Windows update
- Device Manager shows a network adapter error
Method 1: Update Network Drivers Using Windows Update
Windows Update is the recommended way to update network drivers for most users. Microsoft regularly delivers compatible Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers through Windows Update to improve connectivity, fix known issues, and maintain compatibility with the latest Windows updates.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Select Windows Update from the left pane.
- Click Check for updates.
- If a network driver update is available, Windows will download and install it automatically.
- Restart your PC to complete the installation.
Check Optional Driver Updates
Some network drivers are released as Optional Updates and won’t install automatically.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click Optional updates.
- Expand Driver updates.
- Select the available network driver.
- Click Download & install.
- Restart your computer after the update finishes.
Tip: Windows Update usually installs stable, WHQL-certified drivers. If you’re still experiencing Wi-Fi or Ethernet problems after updating, download the latest driver directly from your network adapter manufacturer’s official website.
Method 2: Update Network Drivers Using Device Manager
If Windows Update doesn’t install a newer network driver, you can use Device Manager to search for a compatible driver. This method allows Windows to check your computer and Windows Update for available driver updates.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Update driver.
- Click Search automatically for drivers.
- If Windows finds a newer compatible driver, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
- Restart your computer after the installation is complete.
If Windows Doesn’t Find a New Driver
If you receive the message “The best drivers for your device are already installed,” Windows couldn’t find a newer compatible driver. In that case, download the latest network driver directly from your adapter manufacturer, such as Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, or Killer, using the methods below.
Method 3: Update Intel Wi-Fi Drivers
If your PC uses an Intel Wi-Fi adapter, the easiest way to update the network driver is by using Intel Driver & Support Assistant (Intel DSA). It automatically detects your hardware and installs the latest compatible Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers.
- Download and install Intel Driver & Support Assistant if it isn’t already installed.
- Launch the application or open the Intel Driver & Support Assistant webpage in your browser.
- Allow the tool to scan your computer.
- If a newer Wi-Fi driver is available, click Download.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
- Restart your PC to complete the installation.
Tip: Intel Driver & Support Assistant can also detect and update Bluetooth drivers if your PC uses Intel wireless hardware.
Note: If you prefer not to use Intel Driver & Support Assistant, you can download the latest Wi-Fi driver manually from Intel’s official support website. Make sure you select the correct adapter model and Windows version.
Method 4: Update Realtek Network Drivers
Realtek network adapters are widely used in desktop PCs and laptops for both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can update the driver by downloading the latest version from Realtek or your PC manufacturer’s support website.
- Visit the official Realtek Downloads page or your PC manufacturer’s support website.
- Search for your Realtek network adapter model.
- Download the latest driver that’s compatible with your version of Windows.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer to complete the installation.
Tip: If you’re using a branded laptop or desktop from Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Acer, or MSI, it’s usually best to download the network driver from your PC manufacturer’s support page. These drivers may include hardware-specific optimizations and compatibility fixes.
Method 5: Update Qualcomm and Killer Network Drivers
Many laptops use Qualcomm or Killer Wi-Fi adapters for wireless networking. Updating these drivers can improve Wi-Fi stability, fix connectivity issues, and enhance compatibility with the latest Windows updates.
- Identify your Qualcomm or Killer network adapter model in Device Manager.
- Visit your PC manufacturer’s support website or the official Qualcomm or Intel support page (for newer Killer adapters).
- Download the latest driver that’s compatible with your Windows version.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart your computer to complete the installation.
Tip: Many newer Killer Wi-Fi adapters are now supported through Intel’s driver packages. If your laptop has a Killer adapter, Intel Driver & Support Assistant may detect and install the latest compatible driver automatically.
Note: If you’re unsure which wireless adapter your PC uses, open Device Manager > Network adapters to view the exact model before downloading a driver.
How to Reinstall a Network Driver
If updating the network driver doesn’t resolve your internet or connectivity issues, reinstalling the driver can help fix problems caused by corrupted or incomplete driver files.
Step 1: Download the Latest Driver
Before uninstalling the current driver, download the latest network driver from your PC or the network adapter manufacturer’s official website.
Step 2: Uninstall the Current Driver
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device.
- If available, check Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
- Click Uninstall.
Step 3: Restart Your PC
Restart your computer. Windows will automatically try to detect your network adapter and reinstall a compatible driver. If it doesn’t, install the driver you downloaded in Step 1.
Step 4: Verify the Connection
After reinstalling the driver, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network or plug in your Ethernet cable to confirm the network adapter is working correctly.
How to Roll Back a Network Driver
If your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection stopped working after installing a new network driver, rolling back to the previous version can often restore normal connectivity. Windows allows you to revert to the last installed driver without downloading an older version manually.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab.
- Click Roll Back Driver (if available).
- Choose a reason to roll back the driver, then click Yes.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
Note: If the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out, Windows doesn’t have a previous driver version available. In that case, download an earlier driver from your PC or network adapter manufacturer’s support website, or use System Restore if the problem started recently.
How to Check If Your Network Driver Was Updated Successfully
After updating your network driver, verify that the new version was installed correctly and that your network connection is working as expected.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab.
- Check the Driver Provider, Driver Version, and Driver Date.
You can also compare the installed driver version with the latest version available on your network adapter manufacturer’s support website. If the version numbers match, your network driver has been updated successfully.
Finally, test your internet connection by opening a website, streaming a video, or running a speed test. If your connection is stable and the previous network issues are gone, the driver update was successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to install every new network driver release. However, updating your network driver is recommended if you’re experiencing Wi-Fi or Ethernet problems, after a major Windows update, or when the manufacturer releases important bug fixes, security patches, or compatibility improvements.
Windows Update is the safest option for most users because it provides Microsoft-tested drivers. If you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or need the latest features, downloading the latest driver from your network adapter manufacturer’s official website is usually the better choice.
Yes. Updating the network driver can resolve common issues such as frequent disconnections, slow internet speeds, limited connectivity, high latency, and compatibility problems caused by outdated or corrupted drivers. However, if the problem is caused by your router, ISP, or faulty hardware, updating the driver may not resolve it.
Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. The adapter name usually includes the manufacturer’s name, such as Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, Killer, or MediaTek, making it easy to download the correct driver.
Yes. Reinstalling or updating a network driver doesn’t delete your personal files or saved Wi-Fi passwords. It only replaces the software that allows Windows to communicate with your network adapter.
