Update Driver Network

Are you dealing with slow internet? Often, you face no network access errors on your pc or laptop is really frustrating. Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause issues like a weak internet connection, disconnects again and again, or no internet at all. 

Whether you are streaming, browsing, gaming, or working, you need the internet for all these connections. Your PC depends on network drivers to connect to the wifi or Ethernet. If drivers are not updated properly, your PC will not know how to connect to a wired or wireless network. 

In this blog, we will provide a complete guide on what network drivers are, how to update network drivers, Ethernet drivers, NIC drivers, and internet drivers with simple tips.

What are network drivers 

A network driver is a kind of software that allows your operating system to communicate with a network adapter, also called a network card.

If the network drivers are not installed properly or are outdated the your pc won't connect to the internet correctly.

Examples of network drivers are:

• Realtek PCIe GBE family controller
• Intel (R) Ethernet connection
• Bradcom network drivers

How to update Network drivers or Internet drivers 

A Network interface card is a part that helps your computer to transfer signals over a network for communication. These drivers are responsible for connecting wired and wireless network adapters. Without a network adapter, it is difficult to build a network.

• How to update network drivers?

Internet drivers are usually called network drivers that allow your computer to connect to Ethernet or wifi. You can update the network drivers by following the simple steps: 

• Go to Settings, search, and select Device Manager
• Expand network adapters
• Right-click on your WI-FI or Ethernet device. Select Update Driver. Then select search automatically for drivers, and it installs the updates automatically if any are available.

Why Update network drivers?

Updating your network card drivers ensures :

• Fix connectivity issues 

Outdated drivers can cause poor signals, unstable internet connection or be unable to detect wi-fi. By updating the drivers to the latest version, provide more speed and stability.

• Boost internet performance 

Updated drivers optimize how your computer uses bandwidth, reducing lag or slow browsing. Outdated drivers may not use your hardware`s full potential and causing slow internet, lag, and disconnects again and again.

• Ensure OS compatibility 

Sometimes Windows or Mac updates may conflict with old drivers, which causes errors. If they are outdated, then it causes the internet to stop working, a blue screen, or system crashes.

• Fix security issues 

Old drivers may contain bugs or vulnerabilities that hackers can easily exploit. So updating drivers not only affects performance, it also enhances security make prevents any malware attack.

• Support new features 

If your drivers are missing or outdated, then it will not be able to use new features your device the drivers that is outdated, then it will not be compatible with the latest version, which causes conflicts. That`s why updating is crucial, as it helps to unlock new features.

Reasons behind unstable network connection : 

Several reasons cause issues and make our internet slow; sometimes it shows an access error and frequent disconnections. That's why updating network card drivers is important for a proper network connection. Most common reasons are:

• Outdated or corrupted, or missing drivers 
• Hardware damage, i.e, damaged NIC, port, or cable
• Wrong setting or conflicts when your adapter`s configuration, firewall, VPN, or router security prevents the NIC from connecting properly.
• Conflicts with Windows. Sometimes Windows installs the wrong drivers or incompatible drivers.

How to update NIC drivers  on PC(Windows 10/11)

There are various trusted methods to update your NIC drivers or Ethernet drivers.

Updating the network drivers means updating the NIC(network interface card) that connects your computer to the internet. 

•  Ethernet is a wired connection, while WI-FI is a wireless connection that can be used by a NIC, and then it enables and manages network connections.  
• You can update Windows network driver 10/11 by following these methods : 

You can update Windows NIC drivers by following these methods:

• Update via device manager 
• Update through Windows Update
• Update through the manufacturer`s site

Update via Device Manager 

Device Manager is the built-in tool in Windows that helps you manage and update drivers. The steps to download updates from Device Manager are 

• Press Windows +X and select Device Manager 
• Expand Network adapters
• Right-click on your network card driver (NIC) that you want to update and then choose Update Drivers. 

• Click on Search automatically for drivers. It will automatically install updates if available.

Update Network drivers on laptop using Windows Update 

Steps to update network drivers on a laptop are:

• Go to Settings, select update and Security> Windows Update
• Click check for updates 
• Windows may automatically install the latest Ethernet driver updates. 

Download drivers from the Manufacturer`s  site 

Always try to download updates from the manufacturer`s site as it is most safest approach.

Recognize your network through the device manager, i.e, Intel (R) Ethernet Connection or Realtek PCIe family controller.

• Go to the official website and click on it, e.g, Intel Ethernet connection.

• Download the correct driver, i.e, match your Windows version( 10,11 )system type(32-bit, 64-bit) and then install the drivers.

How to update network drivers in Windows 7

You can update network drivers in Windows 7 from the given methods

• Update via device manager
• Update through Windows Update 
• Update through the manufacturer`s sites 

Update via Device Manager 

• Steps to download updates from Device Manager;
• Press Windows R and press Enter.
• Expand network adapters right right-click on it (Realtek PCIe GBE family controller, Intel Ethernet Connection), etc.
• Select update driver software 
• Choose to search automatically for updated driver software. 

Update through Windows Updates 

• You can easily download the updates from Windows updates. Steps to download updates from Windows updates are:
• Open the control panel, click on Windows Update 
• Click on Check for updates 
• Look for optional updates. If network driver updates are available, it unstalls it automatically.

Update through the Manufacturer`s site

If your Windows can't find the latest drivers and you are still facing internet issues, then you need to download them manually. Steps to download the updates manually are:

• Visit the official websites of Intel, Realtek Ethernet, or Qualcomm Atheros drivers 
• Download the latest driver for Windows 7
• When the download is completed, install the driver 
• Restart your PC.                                   

How to update network drivers in Mac

 Steps to update network drivers in Mac are :

• Click the Apple menu > System Settings 
• Go to the general then click on software update 
• If an update is available, then install it  

Reinstall NIC drivers

When your internet is not working after updating, then you need to reinstall the NIC drivers. Sometimes the network adapter is missing or another conflict occurs. Reinstalling the drivers gives a fresh start and may solve internet issues. Steps to reinstall NIC drivers are:

• Go to Settings and Open Device Manager 
• Right-click on your NIC and select Uninstall Device 
• Restart your PC, will reinstall the default driver automatically

When to seek professional help;

You need to seek professional help when ;

• If updating or reinstalling cannot solve the network issues
• If drivers are still missing in Device Manager 
• The Ethernet port or NIC hardware is physically damaged

Conclusions 

Disconnecting again and again is really irritating. Corrupted or outdated, faulty port, and damaged cable are causes of your unstable network connection. If you want to stay connected, then you have to update your network adapters for the smooth running of the internet, whether it is wifi or Ethernet. 

In our blog, quick and easy solutions are provided. These solutions will help you to establish your connection again. But if there is any hardware damage, then you have to consult a technician for proper diagnosis and repair.