Windows 11 can install or reinstall network adapter drivers through Windows Update and device-recovery workflows, but that alone does not prove Windows has a universal driver-reset bug. “Resetting” may mean a different driver was installed, the same driver was reinstalled, or network settings changed. Check which one happened before choosing a fix.
What “resetting” can mean
Windows Update supplies drivers for network adapters, and Windows may reinstall an adapter driver after you remove it and restart. A driver change after an update is therefore possible, but the available Microsoft guidance does not identify the cause on any particular PC. The adapter, PC manufacturer, installed driver packages, update history, and device-management policies can all matter. See Microsoft’s Device Manager driver guidance and its network troubleshooting guidance.
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Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, and identify the adapter involved. In its Properties, check the Driver tab for the provider, version, and date. Then identify the actual symptom:
- The driver version or provider changed.
- The adapter disappeared or stopped working.
- Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity failed, even though the driver details did not change.
- Network settings or profiles changed.
Also note whether the problem followed a Windows update or a separate driver update. These details help distinguish a driver change from a broader connectivity or configuration problem.
#1 Best Overall
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Try the least disruptive fix first
Roll back a recent driver update
If the issue began just after a driver update, try the built-in rollback before uninstalling anything. Microsoft says, “If the issue occurred after a Windows Update, reinstalling the previous driver often resolves it.” That is a possibility, not a guarantee, and the control is available only when Windows has a previous driver to use.
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters, right-click the affected adapter, and select Properties.
- Open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver, if available. Follow the prompts and restart if requested.
Administrator permissions are required. If Roll Back Driver is unavailable, do not try to force it through this interface; move on to the correct manufacturer driver or another supported troubleshooting step. See Microsoft Support’s instructions for updating and rolling back drivers.
Rank #2
- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
Save the correct driver before uninstalling the adapter
Before removing a driver, download a replacement from the computer manufacturer’s official support site. Match it to the exact PC model and your Windows version and architecture. Avoid third-party driver download sites: an incorrect package can leave the adapter unusable or make recovery harder.
The Tool Desk
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Rank #3
![BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41fk9DHmdwL._SL160_.jpg)
- COMPACT DESIGN - The compact-designed portable BENFEI USB A/C to Ethernet adapter connects your computer or tablet to a router,modem or network switch for network connection. It adds a standard RJ45 port to your Ultrabook, notebook or Macbook Air for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
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- INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE - Supports full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet performance over USB A/C's 5Gbps bus, faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. Link and Activity LEDs. USB powered, no external power required. Backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1.✅ To reach 1Gbps, make sure to use CAT6 & up Ethernet cables.
- BROAD COMPATIBILITY - The USB A/C-Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, Android and Chrome OS.Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet).❌Do Not Support Windows RT. (NOT compatible with Nintendo Switch.)
- 18 MONTH WARRANTY - Exclusive BENFEI Unconditional 18-month Warranty ensures long-time satisfaction of your purchase; Friendly and easy-to-reach customer service to solve your problems timely.
Uninstall and reinstall the adapter driver
Microsoft’s Ethernet troubleshooting guidance recommends uninstalling the affected adapter in Device Manager and restarting. Windows then looks for and attempts to install a network driver. The exact adapter and manufacturer instructions matter, especially on Wi-Fi systems, so verify that you have selected the device associated with the problem.
- In Device Manager, expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the affected adapter and select Uninstall device. If Windows offers a separate option to remove the driver package, do not select it as a routine troubleshooting step.
- Restart the PC and check whether Windows restored the driver and connectivity.
- If Windows does not restore a working driver, install the model-specific driver you saved from the PC manufacturer.
These steps follow Microsoft’s Ethernet connection troubleshooting guidance. For Wi-Fi, confirm the correct wireless adapter and follow the PC manufacturer’s instructions for that model.
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Use Network reset only after narrower fixes
Network reset is a broader step, not a targeted driver rollback. It removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with default settings after restart. Microsoft places it late in its troubleshooting sequence.
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- Select Advanced network settings, then Network reset.
- Select Reset now and restart when prompted.
Afterward, known network profiles or adapter settings may change. VPN clients may need to be reinstalled or configured again, and Hyper-V virtual switches may need to be set up again. Check those configurations before choosing this step. Microsoft documents Network reset in its network troubleshooting guidance.
Best Value
- Dual USB-A/C Port Design: This USB hub with ethernet adapter features dual connectors for both USB C and USB A devices, ensuring wide compatibility across laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It includes 1x Gigabit Ethernet port and 3x USB A 3.0 ports, all usable at the same time for smooth and efficient connectivity. 📌Note: When using USB-A to connect devices, please ensure the USB-C is securely attached to the USB-A connector.
- Stable Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: Get fast, wired Internet up to 1000Mbps with this USB C to ethernet adapter. Backward compatible with 10/100Mbps networks for flexible connectivity across various setups. Ideal for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers. 📌Note: Ensure the RJ45 connector is plugged in securely in the port and use CAT6 & above Ethernet cable is required to reach 1 Gbps.
- 5Gbps Data Transfer: Transfer large files, photos, and videos in seconds with this USB 3.0 hub supporting speeds up to 5Gbps—10× faster than USB 2.0. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices, this USB splitter expands one port into three for connecting keyboards, mice, and flash drives for everyday use. 📌Note: The three USB-A 3.0 ports share a total 5Gbps bandwidth.【NO HDMI port, NO USB-C data port, and NO PD charging】
- Plug and Play: Reliable USB to ethernet adapter ready to use in seconds. Instantly connects with USB-A and USB-C devices including MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, iMac, Surface Laptops, Chromebook, XPS, tablets, Steam, and smartphones. Works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS, and Android. 📌XP/Win7 may need driver. Older systems may not recognize this product due to its USB 3.0 chip. Please refer to the “Installation Manual” to manually download and install the driver.
- Durable & Portable Build: Made with sturdy aluminum alloy, this RJ45 to USB-C adapter delivers long-term durability, efficient heat dissipation, and stable performance for offices, corporate deployments, classrooms, and campus workstations—while its slim, portable form factor makes it ideal for business travel, educators, and mobile professionals.
Why not delete driver packages or block updates?
Deleting packages from the Windows driver store is not a reliable first-line way to stop a driver from returning. Microsoft Learn warns that removing a driver package can leave a device without a driver if no other matching package is available, and Windows Update may reinstall a driver it detects as necessary. Broadly blocking updates is not established as a permanent fix across Windows 11 hardware. Advanced package removal or update-management changes require a device-specific diagnosis; consult Microsoft Learn’s driver-store guidance before considering them.
When the driver keeps changing
If the provider, version, or date changes again after rollback or reinstall, the official guidance does not establish one universal prevention setting. Record the adapter model, PC model, Windows build, the update involved, and the before-and-after driver details. If the PC is managed by an employer or school, ask its IT administrator whether device-management tools or policies control driver delivery. Use the PC manufacturer’s support channel to confirm which driver is appropriate for that model.
Quick Recap
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