The network adapter is not functioning properly in Windows 11

A malfunctioning Network Adapter can disrupt online work or activities, causing many users frustration. This can be due to various reasons, and understanding the root cause is crucial to restoring seamless network access. In this article, we will see what you can do if the network adapter is not functioning properly.

If you check your Event Viewer, you may see either of the two error messages.

Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560 160MHz : Has determined that the network adapter is not functioning properly. Event ID 5002

OR

Realtek RTL8852AE WiFi 6 802.11ax PCIe Adapter: Has determined that the network adapter is not functioning properly. Event ID 5002

Why is my Network Adapter not working properly?

The Network Adapter may not work properly due to outdated or corrupted drivers, incorrect network settings, or interference from software like VPN or firewalls. In the next section, we will explore these solutions in detail.

Event ID 5002, The Network Adapter is not functioning properly in Windows 11/10

If the network adapter is not functioning properly in Windows 11/10, execute the solutions mentioned below:

1. Use these generic fixes
2. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter
3. Re-enable the Network Adapter
4. Tweak the channel width
5. Update/ Reinstall the Network Adapter driver
6. Reset the Winsock catalog

Let us get started with the troubleshooting guide.

1] Use these generic fixes

Before diving into troubleshooting solutions, make sure to check basic outdated software, which can be one of the causes contributing to the malfunctioning of Network Adapters. Start the troubleshooting guide by checking for and installing any available Windows updates, and make sure to disable the VPN temporarily. Another effective solution is to reset the network settings to restore them to default settings. If none of the above solutions could resolve the issue, see the solutions mentioned below.

2] Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

If the issue is related to incorrect configurations, driver errors, or software conflicts, running the Network Adapter Troubleshooter might fix the issues. This automatically scans the system and provides the solution to it. To do the same, follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Go to the Taskbar search box, search for Get Help, and click on Open.
2. Once it is opened, search for Run the Windows Network and Internet troubleshooter. Once done, a panel with some solutions will display on the screen, find the Yes/No option, and click the Yes button if the current solutions solve the problem.
3. Click on the NO button if it doesn’t, and keep clicking it until it resolves the issue.

Ensure that the issue is resolved. If not, see the next solution.

3] Re-enable the Network Adapter

In this solution, we are going to disable and then enable the network adapter to refresh the connection with the operating system. Doing so forces Windows to reinitialize the adapter and re-establish network protocols. Follow the steps mentioned below to do the same.

Here’s how to re-enable the Network Adapter:

1. Click Win + I to open Settings, and go to Network & internet.
2.  Click on Advanced network settings, and under Network adapters, disable the toggle associated with your WiFi.
3. Wait for a minute and then enable it.

Alternatively, we can also re-enable the Network Adapter via Device Manager. For that. click Win + X, select Device Manager, and expand the Network Adapters section. Next, Right-click on the adapter, and select Disable device > Right-click again> Enabled device.

After doing this, ensure the issue is resolved, and if not, see the next solution.

4] Change the channel width

Changing the network adapter width is recommended to optimize the connections for stability and compatibility. In some cases, a wider bandwidth may lead to interference, especially in environments with multiple devices or overlapping channels.

1. Go to the Search bar, search, open Control Panel, and click on Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Centre
2. Click on Change adapter settings, right-click on the wireless network adapter, and select Properties.
3.  Click on the Configure button, and navigate to the Advanced tab.
4. In the Property section, select Channel Width for 5HZ, and then in the Value drop-down menu, select the 20MHz option.
5. Hit the Ok button to save the changes, and quit the window.

Check if the Network Adapter is now working properly or not. If it is in the same condition, move to the next solution.

5] Update/Reinstall the Network Adapter driver

An outdated, corrupted, or incomplete drive can prevent the network adapter from working as expected. This installs the latest version to fix bugs and improves compatibility issues. You can follow any of the methods mentioned below to update your network driver.

• Download the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer’s website and install it on your computer.
• Install Windows Driver and Optional Updates from Windows Settings.
• Update your network driver from the Device Manager.
• Download, install, and use a free driver update tool to keep them updated.

In case, updating is to no avail, follow the steps mentioned below to reinstall the driver.

1. Navigate to the Start search box, type devmgmt.msc in, and hit Enter to open the Device Manager.
2. Locate the Network Adapter drivers, expand the list, and right-click on it.
3. Select Uninstall the device to remove the driver. Reboot your system to automatically install the driver.

In case, Windows installs a generic driver, you need to go to the manufacturer’s website to update it.

Read: Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller failure; not working

6] Reset the Winsock catalog

Winsock is a critical component that handles input and output requests for Internet applications. If the Winsock catalog becomes corrupted due to malware, or misconfiguration, it can disrupt the network adapter’s functionality. Resetting it enables the network adapter to communicate effectively and potentially, hence resolving the issue.

1. First and foremost, it is recommended to create a system restore point first.
2. Next, right-click the Start button or press Win + X to open the Quick Access menu.
3. Select Terminal (Admin), type Netsh winsock reset, and hit the Enter button.

Wait for the process to complete, and then reboot the PC to apply the changes. Hopefully, this will resolve any issues concerning the Network Adapter.

Read: Intel Wireless AC 9560 not working, Error Code 10

How do I fix a missing Network Adapter?

To fix a missing Network Adapter, launch Device Manager, and select Scan for hardware changes to detect the adapter. If it’s missing, we recommend installing the driver from the manufacturer’s website (linked earlier). Check out the article mentioned above to learn how to troubleshoot the issues related to the network.

Also Read: Fix Network Adapter Code 31 error on Windows.