How to Check Your Wi-Fi Driver: Complete Diagnostics in 10 Minutes

Wi-Fi connection issues are often related not to your router or ISP, but to the network adapter driver on your device. Driver failures can manifest themselves in various ways, from a complete absence of networks in the list to intermittent connection drops. In this article, we'll discuss how to fix the problem yourself. Check the functionality of the Wi-Fi driver on Windows, macOS, and Linux, identify errors, and restore a stable connection.

You don't need to be an IT specialist to perform basic diagnostics. We've compiled 7 proven methods — from the simplest (checking in Device Manager) to advanced (analyzing system logs). You'll also learn how to distinguish a driver issue from hardware problems with the adapter or conflicts with your antivirus software. If diagnostics reveal that the driver is damaged, instructions for reinstalling it are at the end of the article.

1. Initial check: determine whether the driver is at fault

Before you dig into the settings, make sure that the problem is in the driver. Here three signs, which indicate this:

• 🔍 A message is displayed in the list of available networks No connections available, although other devices see your Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 The Wi-Fi icon in the tray has a red cross through it or is constantly blinking, as if it is trying to connect.
• 💻 In Device Manager There is an exclamation mark (yellow triangle) next to the network adapter.

If at least one of these points is true, there's a 90% chance the driver is at fault. But there are exceptions. For example, Lenovo laptops Sometimes Wi-Fi is blocked by a hardware button (even if it's not physically on the device). Check the key combination. Fn + F2 or Fn + F5 - on some models this turns the adapter on/off.

2. Check the driver in Windows Device Manager

The fastest way to diagnose is to look into device ManagerIt will show whether the adapter is recognized by the system and whether there are any conflicts. Here's how to do it:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the words Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or the name of your adapter (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200).

Please note the icons next to the name:

If the adapter is not listed at all, this may mean:

• 🔌 The adapter is not physically connected (relevant for USB Wi-Fi modules).
• 💥 The driver is completely erased or damaged.
• 🔧 The Wi-Fi controller is disabled in the BIOS (rare, but it happens on some motherboards).

Check for yellow icons|Make sure the adapter is not disabled|Remember the exact model name|Check the "Other devices" branch for unknown devices-->

3. Command line: advanced diagnostics

If everything looks fine in the device manager, but Wi-Fi is not working, use command lineIt will show hidden errors and the adapter status.

Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (administrator)) and enter in turn:

netsh wlan show drivers

Look for the following lines in the output:

• Radio type — it should be 802.11n/ac/ax (if here No, the driver does not support Wi-Fi).
• Hosted network support — Yes (important for distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop).
• State — Launched (If Stopped, the adapter is blocked).

Then run:

ping 127.0.0.1

If the ping is working, but at the same time ping 8.8.8.8 gives an error - the problem is definitely in the driver or adapter settings.

What to do if the command prompt does not open?

If you see an "Access Denied" error when you launch the command prompt, try:

1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking.

2. Check the system for viruses (some block access to cmd).

3. Restore system files with the command sfc /scannow (requires administrator rights).

4. Check system logs for driver errors

Windows maintains event logs that record all failures, including driver issues. To view them:

1. Click Win + R, enter eventvwr.msc and press Enter.
2. Go to Windows Logs → System.
3. In the right panel, click Current log filter.
4. In the field Sources of events enter Netwtw (for Intel adapters) or Rtl8192 (for Realtek) and click OK.

Pay attention to the events with the level Error or WarningCommon error codes:

• 10314 — the driver is not responding.
• 6005 — the adapter was unexpectedly disconnected.
• 4319 - conflict with another network device.

Critical information: if an error occurs in the logs 10314 with a mention of the file netwtw04.sys or rtwlane.sys - This is 100% a driver problem, and it needs to be reinstalled immediately.

5. Testing the driver for compatibility with Windows

Sometimes a driver is installed but not compatible with your version of Windows. This can happen after major system updates (for example, upgrading from Windows 10 to 11). You can check compatibility as follows:

1. Open device Manager → Find your Wi-Fi adapter → Right-click → Properties.
2. Go to the tab Driver.
3. Look at the fields Date And Driver version.

Compare the date with the table below:

If your driver is older than the dates listed above, it needs to be updated. But be careful: some manufacturers (eg Broadcom) Some manufacturers release generic drivers that may not be suitable for your specific adapter model. Always download the driver from the official website, specifying the exact device model.

⚠️ Note: After updating Windows to a new version (for example, from 10 to 11), old drivers may be automatically rolled back. To prevent this, disable automatic driver updates in the system settings.

6. Checking the driver on Mac and Linux

If you use macOS or Linux, the diagnostic process will be different. Let's consider both options.

On Mac (macOS Ventura and later)

Open Terminal and run:

networksetup -listallhardwareports

Search section Wi-Fi or AirPort. If there is something standing next to him (null) — The driver is not loaded. To reboot the Wi-Fi module, enter:

sudo ifconfig en0 down && sudo ifconfig en0 up

(replace en0 to your interface from the output of the first command).

On Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

Enter in terminal:

lspci -knn | grep Net -A3

Look for the line with Kernel driver in useIf it is empty or written there N/A — the driver is not loaded. For most adapters Intel And Realtek the following command will work:

sudo modprobe iwlwifi

(For Broadcom use b43 or wl).

⚠️ Note: On Linux, Wi-Fi issues are often related to missing firmware rather than driver issues. If the adapter doesn't appear after loading the module, install the package. firmware-misc-nonfree.

7. What to do if the driver is damaged: recovery

If the diagnostics show that the driver is faulty, it needs to be reinstalled. Here step-by-step algorithm:

1. Remove the old driver:
   • Open device Manager → find the adapter → right click → Remove device.
   • Check the box Remove the driver software for this device (if any).

Restart your PC. Windows will try to install the driver automatically.

If the automatic installation did not work:

• Download the driver from official Intel website, Realtek or the laptop manufacturer's website.
• Install it manually via device Manager (right click → Update driver → Search this computer).

For HP, Dell, and Lenovo laptops It's better to download drivers from the laptop manufacturer's website, rather than the chipset manufacturer's website—they often contain additional utilities for managing the adapter's power consumption.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about checking your Wi-Fi driver

My adapter isn't showing up in Device Manager. What should I do?

If your adapter is completely missing from the list, try:

1. Physically reinsert the Wi-Fi card (if it's a separate module in a laptop).
2. Check BIOS settings for Wireless LAN Support (should be Enabled).
3. Test the adapter on another PC to rule out hardware failure.

If the adapter is built-in (for example, in the motherboard), it may be disabled in the BIOS or physically damaged.

My Wi-Fi stopped working after a Windows update. How do I revert to the old driver?
Windows sometimes automatically updates drivers to unstable versions. To roll back:
1. Open device Manager → adapter properties → tab Driver.
2. Click Roll back (if the button is active).
3. If rolling back is not available, download the older version of the driver from the manufacturer's website and install it manually.

To prevent automatic updates, create a rule in gpedit.msc (for Pro versions of Windows) or use the utility Windows Update MiniTool.

How to check Wi-Fi driver on Android phone?

On Android, the Wi-Fi driver is built into the firmware and cannot be updated separately. If you have connection issues:

• Check the settings in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced (turn off Adaptive Wi-Fi or Saving traffic).
• Update your phone's firmware (if an update is available).
• Reset network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi settings.

On some models Xiaomi And Samsung disabling the function helps Smart Wi-Fi Switching.

Is it possible to check the Wi-Fi driver without internet access?

Yes. Download the driver in advance on another device and transfer it to a flash drive. For diagnostics, use:

• device Manager (works without internet).
• Command line (commands netsh wlan show drivers And ipconfig /all do not require a network).
• Windows logs (viewing logs is also possible offline).

If the driver is damaged so much that the system does not boot, use Safe Mode with Networking or a bootable USB flash drive with Windows PE.

How can I find out the model of my Wi-Fi adapter if it is not detected by the system?

There are several ways:

1. Physical examination: On laptops, the adapter is usually located under the RAM compartment cover or under the keyboard. It should have a sticker indicating the model (e.g., Intel AX200NGW).
2. Via BIOS: On some motherboards, the adapter model is displayed in the section Advanced → Onboard Devices Configuration.
3. Using LiveCD: boot from disk Ubuntu Live and run the command lspci | grep -i network.

If the adapter is external (USB), the model is usually indicated on the case or packaging.