Device Manager Network Controller Driver is missing

Question

My Network Controller Driver (device manager) has a yellow exclamation point this prevents my laptop from connecting to any WIFI networks.

Answer 1

Hi ,

If the Q&A Assist procedure didn't work—if possible search for msinfo32.exe in the search bar, take a screenshot, and post it here so we can see the correct laptop model or desktop configuration.

Thanks

Answer 2

A yellow exclamation point in Device Manager means the device has a problem code. For a Wi‑Fi or Network Controller issue, the most direct checks are in Device Manager:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click the device with the yellow exclamation point, then select Properties.
4. Check the Device status area on the General tab to see the error code.

If the device shows Code 1, Windows indicates the device is not configured correctly, usually because the driver is missing or configured incorrectly. The recommended resolution is:

1. In the device's Properties dialog, open the Driver tab.
2. Select Update Driver.
3. Follow the wizard to update the driver.

If Wi‑Fi settings are missing, Device Manager can also be used to reset the adapter:

1. In Device Manager, expand Network adapters.
2. Double-click the Wi‑Fi adapter.
3. Open the Driver tab.
4. Select Disable Device, confirm with Yes.
5. Select Enable Device.
6. Restart the laptop.

If that does not fix it, reinstall the driver:

1. In Device Manager, expand Network adapters.
2. Double-click the Wi‑Fi adapter.
3. Open the Driver tab.
4. Select Uninstall Device.
5. If shown, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
6. Restart the laptop.

After restart, check Device Manager again. If the adapter still has a yellow exclamation point, use the error code shown in Device status to match the specific Device Manager error.

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References:

• Using Device Manager
• Troubleshooting Device and Driver Installations
• Error codes in Device Manager in Windows
• Troubleshooting Wi-Fi connection on your Surface
• Device Manager Error Messages