[Fixed]: ‘There Might Be a Problem with the Driver for WiFi Adapter’

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4 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Fix a Problematic WiFi Adapter Driver

Let’s start with the most beginner-friendly ways to fix a problematic WiFi adapter. If the first solution doesn’t work for you, work your way down the list until you find a fix that works.

Method 1: Update Your Network Driver

Sometimes, an outdated network driver can cause your WiFi adapter to not work. Make sure to update your network driver by following these steps:

• Right-click on “Start”.
• Click on “Device Manager”.

• Expand the “Network adapters” option and right-click on wireless driver.
• Click on “Update Driver”.
• Now select the “Search automatically for drivers” option.

• Once done, restart your PC.

Method 2: Run the Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Windows comes with several built-in troubleshooters to automatically identify and fix issues related to various functions. Running the Internet Connections troubleshooter can help identify and automatically resolve any network-related issues.

• In ‘Windows Search’, type and enter “Troubleshoot”.

• Select “Additional troubleshooters”/”Other troubleshooters”.

• Scroll down and click on “Internet Connections” troubleshooter.
• Select “Run”/”Run the troubleshooter”.

• Wait until your Windows automatically identifies and fixes any underlying issues.

Method 3: Disable the Antivirus for Network Adapter

Certain antivirus programs like AVG can also cause problems with the WiFi adapter driver. Make sure the network filter option for this software is disabled by following these steps:

• Launch “Network and Sharing Center”.
• Go to “Change adapter settings”.
• Right-click on your adapter and select “Properties”.

• Now find the antivirus network filter in the list and disable it.

If disabling the network filter feature doesn’t resolve the issue, uninstall the antivirus software.

Method 4: Configure Your Network Properties

Making some tweaks in the Network properties can also help you resolve any underlying issues related to the network adapter.

Follow these steps:

• On your taskbar, click on the network icon.
• Select your network.
• Now click on Change adapter options.
• Next, right-click on your network connection and select “Properties”.

• You will see a list of properties. Only the following properties should be enabled:
  • Client for Microsoft Networks
  • File and Printer sharing for Microsoft Networks
  • QoS Packet Scheduler
  • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  • Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
  • Link-Layer Topology Discovery Responder
  • Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper I/O Driver

4 Advanced Ways to Fix the ‘There Might Be a Problem with the Driver for WiFi Adapter’ Error

If you are still getting the same error despite applying the fixes mentioned above, try these advanced methods:

Method 5: Check If the WLAN AutoConfig Service Is Running

The WLAN AutoConfig service plays a crucial role in the functioning of wireless networks. If there’s a problem with it, it can cause issues with the WiFi adapter.

Here’s how you can make sure it is running properly:

• On your keyboard, type and enter ‘Win + R‘.
• In the resulting dialog box, type “services.msc” and hit “OK”.

• Now right-click on “WLAN AutoConfig” service and select “Start” if it’s not running. If it’s running, select “Restart”.

• Once done, right-click on “WLAN AutoConfig” service again and click on “Properties”.

• Change the “Startup Type” to “Automatic”.
• Hit “OK”.

Method 6: Repair Corrupted System Files

Sometimes, an issue within your operating system (OS) or a missing or damaged system file may cause problems with your WiFi adapter error. 

You can use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to fix the issues.

Here’s how:

• On your PC, go to ‘Windows Search’ and enter “cmd”.
• Now click on “Command Prompt” and then select “Run as administrator”.

• When asked to allow changes, click on “Yes” and then enter the following command:
  sfc /scannow

• Once the scan is finished, type the following commands and press ‘Enter’ one by one:
  dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

• Finally, restart your PC.

Method 7: Use Network Shell Commands

Another workaround to fixing the “There might be a problem with the driver for WiFi adapter” error is running the Network Shell commands.

• On your keyboard, press the ‘Win + X’ keys.
• Now click on “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

• In the resulting window, type and enter the following commands:
  netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ip reset reset.log hit

Method 8: Reinstall the Network Driver

If everything else fails, your last resort is to reinstall the network driver.

Here’s how:

• On your keyboard, press the ‘Win + X’ keys.
• Now click on “Device Manager”.

• Locate your network driver and right-click on it.
• Select “Uninstall device”.
• Hit the “Uninstall” button. 

• Once done, select the “Scan for hardware changes” icon. The system will automatically reinstall the default network driver.

Hopefully, the error would have been resolved by now. If not, it could be related to a hardware issue.
We also recommend downloading and running a free diagnostic software mentioned below.