Network Drivers Code 56

Question

This afternoon I was using my computer; everything was normal. When I was finished I shut the computer down and around 40 minutes later I went back to use it again, as soon as I started the computer up I noticed I wasn't connected for my Wi-Fi network. I tried network resets, troubleshooting within Windows.. nothing worked, I even tried deleting the drivers (some will, others will only uninstall), they just keep reappearing within seconds or minutes. I even went on another computer (the one I am currently using to write this as I still have no way of connecting to the internet on my main computer) to try and get the Intel drivers for my 'Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650' and my 'Intel Killer E2600' ethernet drivers. Didn't work... Really stuck on what I can do here, I need this computer up and running ASAP. If needs be, I can buy an updated version of the Wi-Fi driver my PC came with but I'm not even 100% sure the drivers will work?

I read on a few pages online that VPNs may cause this issue, I have Surfshark and use virtual machines; I have deleted everything of the sort and uninstalled all the Hyper-V network switches to prevent third-party interference... still no use.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Aidan

Answer 1

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Your issue with the Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 and Ethernet drivers not working properly, despite attempts to reset network settings, reinstall drivers, and remove potential interference from VPNs and virtual machine network switches, sounds particularly challenging. Here's a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the problem:

System Restore

If you haven't tried this yet, performing a System Restore to a point where the Wi-Fi and Ethernet were working can sometimes solve the problem without needing to delve into more technical solutions. This is especially useful if the issue was caused by a recent software change.

1. Type  Create a restore point  in the Windows search box and hit Enter.
2. Go to the  System Protection  tab and click  System Restore .
3. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point before the issue began and restore your system.

Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Sometimes, network devices can be disabled from the BIOS/UEFI, especially if you’ve recently updated your BIOS or made changes within it.

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or F10 during boot).
2. Look for settings related to onboard devices or integrated peripherals and ensure your network devices are enabled.
3. Save changes and exit. Disclaimer:  Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and  is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party  linked sites or any support related to technology.   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please  back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

Use Windows Network Reset

Since you mentioned trying network resets, ensure you've tried the Windows Network Reset feature, which reinstates all network adapters to their original settings:

1. Go to  Settings > Network & Internet > Status .
2. Scroll down and click on  Network reset .
3. Click on  Reset now .

Manually Install Drivers in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode with Networking and then manually installing the drivers can sometimes bypass issues caused by interference from other software:

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, and then restart to select Safe Mode with Networking).
2. Try installing the drivers you downloaded again while in Safe Mode.

Disable Fast Startup

Windows 10’s Fast Startup feature, which is designed to reduce boot time, can sometimes cause issues with hardware not initializing correctly:

1. Go to  Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options .
2. Click  Choose what the power buttons do .
3. Click  Change settings that are currently unavailable .
4. Uncheck  Turn on fast startup (recommended)  and save changes.

Consider a Network USB Adapter

If you're in a bind and need network access ASAP, consider purchasing a USB Wi-Fi adapter. These are relatively inexpensive and can be a quick workaround while you troubleshoot the built-in network adapter issues.

Contact Support

If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your PC manufacturer's support or a professional computer repair service. Since this involves both Wi-Fi and Ethernet not working, there might be a deeper hardware issue at play.

When troubleshooting, it’s crucial to make one change at a time and test before proceeding to the next step to isolate the cause of the problem effectively.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Hi Derrick,

Thank you for your response;

Unfortunately I had tried all of your listed attempts and none of them worked.

I bought a TP Link Archer T3U (1300 Mbps) USB wireless adapter, I installed the drivers that came on the CD supplied with the product. It had the same result, giving the 'Code 56' driver error... not sure what it is and I would rather not fork out the best part of one hundred euro bringing the computer to a specialist unless I absolutely need to.

I have removed all Virtual Machine software and VPNs.

Any help is appreciated!

Thanks again,

Aidan

Answer 2

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Your issue with the Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 and Ethernet drivers not working properly, despite attempts to reset network settings, reinstall drivers, and remove potential interference from VPNs and virtual machine network switches, sounds particularly challenging. Here's a step-by-step approach to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the problem:

System Restore

If you haven't tried this yet, performing a System Restore to a point where the Wi-Fi and Ethernet were working can sometimes solve the problem without needing to delve into more technical solutions. This is especially useful if the issue was caused by a recent software change.

1. Type  Create a restore point  in the Windows search box and hit Enter.
2. Go to the  System Protection  tab and click  System Restore .
3. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point before the issue began and restore your system.

Check BIOS/UEFI Settings

Sometimes, network devices can be disabled from the BIOS/UEFI, especially if you’ve recently updated your BIOS or made changes within it.

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or F10 during boot).
2. Look for settings related to onboard devices or integrated peripherals and ensure your network devices are enabled.
3. Save changes and exit. Disclaimer:  Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and  is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party  linked sites or any support related to technology.   If you are going to modify BIOS Settings, please  back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.

Use Windows Network Reset

Since you mentioned trying network resets, ensure you've tried the Windows Network Reset feature, which reinstates all network adapters to their original settings:

1. Go to  Settings > Network & Internet > Status .
2. Scroll down and click on  Network reset .
3. Click on  Reset now .

Manually Install Drivers in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode with Networking and then manually installing the drivers can sometimes bypass issues caused by interference from other software:

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, and then restart to select Safe Mode with Networking).
2. Try installing the drivers you downloaded again while in Safe Mode.

Disable Fast Startup

Windows 10’s Fast Startup feature, which is designed to reduce boot time, can sometimes cause issues with hardware not initializing correctly:

1. Go to  Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options .
2. Click  Choose what the power buttons do .
3. Click  Change settings that are currently unavailable .
4. Uncheck  Turn on fast startup (recommended)  and save changes.

Consider a Network USB Adapter

If you're in a bind and need network access ASAP, consider purchasing a USB Wi-Fi adapter. These are relatively inexpensive and can be a quick workaround while you troubleshoot the built-in network adapter issues.

Contact Support

If the issue persists, consider reaching out to your PC manufacturer's support or a professional computer repair service. Since this involves both Wi-Fi and Ethernet not working, there might be a deeper hardware issue at play.

When troubleshooting, it’s crucial to make one change at a time and test before proceeding to the next step to isolate the cause of the problem effectively.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 3

Hi

Thanks for your reply.

Given the steps you've already taken and that you're still encountering the 'Code 56' error even with a new USB wireless adapter, it seems like the issue is more complex and might not be related solely to the network hardware itself. Error Code 56 typically indicates a problem related to Windows' inability to properly use the network device due to network control policies set by installed software, often VPNs or virtualization software, even after they've been uninstalled.

Here are some additional steps you can consider:

Ensure your system is fully updated. Sometimes, Microsoft releases fixes for widespread issues through Windows Update.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

Corrupted system files can sometimes cause unexpected issues. Running the System File Checker (SFC) can help repair corrupted files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator by searching for it in the Start Menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting Run as administrator.
• Type  sfc /scannow  and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete and follow any instructions provided.

Since the error can be related to network control policies, checking the Group Policy Editor for any residual settings might help.

• Press Windows Key + R, type  gpedit.msc , and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections.
• Look for any policies that are enabled and consider setting them to Not Configured. Be cautious and ensure you understand the policy before changing it.

Performing a clean boot can help identify if background services are causing the issue.

• Type  msconfig  in the Start menu search box and press Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, select the Selective startup option.
• Uncheck Load startup items.
• Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and then click Disable all.
• Click OK, and then restart your computer.
• Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.   

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.

If you're comfortable with the Registry Editor, checking for residual VPN or virtualization entries might help. This is risky and should only be done if you're confident in understanding registry edits. Always backup the registry before making changes.

• Press Windows Key + R, type  regedit , and press Enter.
• Carefully navigate through the registry and look for entries related to your VPN or virtualization software and consider removing them. This step is highly specific and variable depending on what software was installed, so providing exact paths is challenging.
• Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

As you've mentioned wanting to avoid it, professional help might be necessary if all else fails. Sometimes, in-person diagnostics can identify issues that are not apparent remotely.

This situation is undoubtedly frustrating, but given the persistence of the error across different devices and after substantial troubleshooting, the problem is likely deeply rooted in the system's configuration or software environment.