How to configure a network driver on Windows 7. How to find out which driver is needed for a network card? Step-by-step instructions and recommendations

Quite often, after reinstalling Windows, users are faced with the fact that their local network and Internet do not work. Obviously, you need to install drivers, but for which network card it is not clear. In such cases, users ask a completely logical question: how to find out what network card I have.

How to find out what network card I have on Windows 7, 8 or 10

If you are using the Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system, then in order to find out what network card you have, you need to open “ device Manager" The easiest way to open " device Manager"This is to run the command "mmc devmgmt.msc".

To do this, press the Windows + R key combination and in the window that opens, enter the command “mmc devmgmt.msc” (without quotes, of course).

After this, the window “ device Manager" Here you need to open the section “ Network adapters" This section will display the name of your network card.

Please note that some programs can create virtual network adapters, which then appear in the list of network adapters in " Device Manager" It is quite easy to distinguish such virtual adapters. Because they have the same name as the program. For example, in the screenshot above there is a virtual adapter from the VirtualBox program.

How to find out what network card I have on Windows XP

In the Windows XP operating system everything is exactly the same as described above. You need to open " device Manager"Using the command "mmc devmgmt.msc" and look at the name of the network card. The only difference is that in Windows XP the section with network cards is called not “Network adapters”, but “Network cards”.

How to find out what network card I have using the command line

You can also find out the name of the network card using the command line. To do this, open the Windows Command Prompt and enter the command “ipconfig /all".

After this, information about all network connections on this computer will appear in the command line. Opposite the “Description” item, the name of the network card will be indicated for each of the network connections.

Other ways to view network card information

All of the methods described above for obtaining information about a network card use tools built into the operating system. But, you can resort to the help of third-party programs. For example, you can use the AIDA64 program. In this program you need to open the section “ Devices – Windows Devices – Network Adapters».

This section will indicate the name of the network card, as well as other information about it.

Often, after reinstalling the operating system, the devices and drivers are still in place. However, there are times when it is necessary to download a driver or update existing software. However, in order to download the driver, you need to restore the connection - novice users simply find themselves in a vicious circle. But in fact, everything is simple - to connect to the World Wide Web, you need to own a network card.

Restoring the Internet on a new operating system

Let's take a closer look at several options for solving the problem.

Perhaps the easiest option is to find the optical disc that you received with your computer. Simply insert the disc and download all the necessary drivers. Often this is enough to simply reboot the system and load websites without problems.

If you still use the Internet via a modem, then after reinstalling the system you will need to re-enter the TCP/IP settings each time. We must assign the computer a network address, a server and specify a gateway. You won’t be able to skip this process without providing this information and you won’t be able to connect to the Internet. Let's take a step-by-step look at entering the required data.

Click on the tray and select the option "Network and Sharing Center".
Let's go into the masonry "Change adapter settings".
Click the tab "Local Area Connections" and call the properties.
The next step is to select the network protocol (TCP/IPv4) and click on properties again.

In the window that appears, you must fill in all fields. This can be done by first contacting the provider and clarifying all the parameters. If you enter all the information correctly, you can immediately use the World Wide Web.

Let's consider another option to solve the problem. To use the Internet after reinstalling the system, you need to install a special utility that is responsible for the availability of the necessary drivers. One such program is DriverPack Solution. This is a fairly popular program all over the world; it contains all the necessary drivers for Windows. You can download it for free. The utility has the ability to update drivers without connecting to the network - this is undoubtedly its advantage. Let us note the main advantages of the program:

recognizes the device automatically and selects the necessary drivers,
has the ability to update,
diagnoses processor status, temperature,
checks the operation of the antivirus.

The utility has a fairly simple interface and is available in two versions: a lightweight version and for DVD. The first option does not contain a ready-made driver database; this program only finds the necessary ones and downloads them. There is also no update available. The second version of the utility provides all the functions described above.

It is worth considering one drawback of the program - the size is about 8 gigs, and even an ISO image.

To use the service, you must complete the following steps:

Download the torrent file.
Unpack the archive to drive D.
Then we reinstall the system.
We load the new system and go to the specified folder. Let's launch the program.

That's all, the utility itself will perform diagnostics and install the necessary drivers.

3DP Net

The next way to resume your Internet connection is to use another utility. The program is similar to the previous one. 3DP Net also allows you to easily update or download the necessary drivers without going online. Again, there is nothing complicated - you download the program, launch it, the computer is scanned, then the necessary drivers for the network adapter are downloaded. We install it and use the Internet.

However, many user reviews indicate that the utility does not always accurately select the required driver. But some appreciated the simple interface, functionality and accessibility of the utility.

The latest versions of the program have already been updated, many shortcomings have been taken into account and the driver base has been expanded, so it is quite possible that you will be lucky.

You can also back up your operating system and restore it. To do this, you can use a special utility. For example, Drivermax is one of the most popular and sought-after programs.

The utility is in demand because it is free and easy to use. You no longer need to store many disks with software; now you just need to group everything and use the drivers in case of any operating system problems.

How does the utility work?

The first action the program recognizes information about the computer, detects available drivers and displays a list. For each detected driver, data is shown: version, when created, digital signature.

The export wizard saves the found files in an archive in the desired location. Then everything is even simpler: after reinstalling the system, you simply install the saved drivers back. It will take no more than 10 minutes.
The program has serious functionality and can perform the following functions:

collects all information about available drivers,
creates a detailed report,
copies all drivers to the specified folder,
imports drivers after reinstalling the system,
updates drivers when new versions are available.

Please note! The program offers to install its own toolbars, as well as additional utilities and search services. This has nothing to do with the operation of the utility itself.

It is also worth noting that the program is free, but registration is required. It won't take much time, just like using the utility. It only takes 5 clicks to create a backup.

Using a second computer

The sixth method requires a second device - you need a personal computer or laptop with a connection to the World Wide Web. To restore the Internet, follow these steps:

Press the Windows and R keys simultaneously.
A window will appear where you should enter “msc”.
We see the device manager. Go to the properties of network adapters.
Find the “information” tab, then "Equipment ID".
Next you need to copy the displayed number.
In notepad we find the values of VEN and DEV. We look for the driver we need in a search engine from a second laptop or PC, copy it to a flash drive, install it and use the Internet again.

Setting up sharing in Windows XP

Let's look at the features of connecting to the network in Windows XP, in particular, through public access. This option allows you to use one connection for multiple devices.

Let's look at how to set it up step by step. You will need a network card to connect to LAN and a second one for the World Wide Web.

So, the parameters on the main device:

Login using the admin account.
Start - Control Panel.
We find.
Click on Network connections.
Click on the desired connection and select properties.
Select the Advanced section.
Next, an important point - you need to set the parameter "Allow other network users to use this computer's Internet connection"(check the box).
If you set up call on demand, the device will be able to connect to the Internet automatically.
We confirm the operations we have performed and save them.

Parameters for other devices:

To connect to the network in this way, you should pay attention to the IP settings for the local network card, and then go to the client devices. To check the network card parameters, perform the following steps:

Login as admin.
We visit Control Panel via Start.
Click Network and Internet connections.
We find the Local Area Connection parameter, click on it with the mouse, calling Properties.
Let's go in order: General, Components used by this connection, Internet Protocol. Calling properties.
In the window that appears, select Obtain an IP address automatically and confirm the action.

We visit Start again and Control Panel.
Click on the section Network and Internet connections, call the parameters.
A properties window will appear where we need the Connections tab.
Click on installation, after which the connection wizard should be displayed. Now follow the wizard’s prompts and click Next.
Click Connect to the Internet, go ahead.
Next we select manual connection.
Mark the parameter Connect via an always-on high-speed connection.
We agree with all the set parameters and click Finish.

That's all. You will now be able to surf the network through your host computer.

So you can choose any of the options listed. If you want to be sure that all drivers and all settings are safe, of course, the best option is to install one of the programs. The saved file does not take up much space and will allow you to resume all options at any time. The only important point is that you need to think in advance and install the utility.

Restoring the connection after reinstalling the system will not take much time and effort. By reading the instructions and using the programs, you will be able to use the Internet without interruptions.

Internet access requires a properly functioning network card. When installing Windows 7, a standard package of drivers is also installed, the list of which includes the network one. But sometimes problems arise - either a conflict between drivers and components, or an old version, or a lack of Internet connection. We will tell you how to install a network driver on Windows 7 (including without the Internet), how to update drivers, and what options there are to configure the network card.

Why configure the network card in Windows 7? If drivers are installed incorrectly, the following problems may occur:

No Internet connection. Windows simply won't see the hardware.
Connection failures. At the most inconvenient moment, the network may disappear. Such failures can occur at different intervals, thereby irritating the PC owner with poor performance.

How to install network hardware drivers on Windows 7

This method is used during normal Internet operation - when Windows is able to connect to the World Wide Web. The first question that arises is where to download and how to install the software for the network adapter?

There are two options:

use special software (Driver Pack);
or find out the card manufacturer and select software specifically for it.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Where can I download network drivers for Windows 7? We recommend downloading software only from trusted sources. Third party resources may introduce malicious software into the package contents.

The interface in Driver Pack is intuitive; the necessary software is searched automatically from a large database. The program will do everything for you - you just need to launch it and make a couple of clicks. The downside is the weight of the utility (more than 10 GB). When you load the driver knowing the manufacturer of the network card, you save disk space. But the disadvantage of this method is the long search for the necessary software. First we'll look at a quick installation using the Driver Pack. And finally, we’ll tell you about a way to find information: what network card you have.

Installing drivers using the Driver Pack utility

“DPS” is a driver package that has proven itself to be reliable, large and easy to install. It includes software for the network, processor, video card, etc. This is the reason why the utility has a significant weight (about 9-11 GB). The developers regularly update the database, so you can safely download the latest edition of the package.

Driver for network adapter installation instructions

Step 1. Download the Driver Pack by following the link https://drp.su/ru.

Step 2. Let's launch the program.

Step 3. The utility automatically finds uninstalled or outdated drivers and offers to install them. When you select the “Set up your computer automatically” option, additional software will be installed along with the drivers, which is visible on the right side of the window.

Step 4. To avoid installing unnecessary things, find the “Expert Mode” option at the bottom of the window and click on it.

Step 5. We tick the software that needs to be installed and press the green button (see screenshot). Done - the driver for the Windows 7 network card has been installed.

If you want to know in more detail, you can read an article about it on our portal.

We install Internet software ourselves

First of all, let's find information about the board itself. Knowing the device model, finding suitable software becomes much easier.

How to find out what kind of network cards are installed in the system?

Step 1. Open "Device Manager".

Step 2. We are looking for an item in the catalog of components (see photo below).

Step 3. Expand the category by clicking on the “+” icon. We see the name of our hardware.

Downloading and installing the driver

Now that we know the manufacturer of the network card, we can begin to manually search for software.

Step 1. We enter the name of the model into the search engine.

Step 4. We choose exactly the program that suits your operating system. The download begins.

Step 5. Open the downloaded exe file.

Step 6 Follow the installer's instructions. Click “Next”.

Step 7 Then we accept the license terms and wait for the software to install on the computer.

How to install a network adapter driver without Internet access

Usually we download software like this: open Google and type in the name of the software. But when there is no connection to the Network, the most interesting thing begins - there is no driver, but you need to download it from somewhere. And to download it, you need a network. You can endlessly wander around this circle. But the problem can be easily solved if you have a good friend or a smartphone. The instructions describe steps to resolve problems with the connection and the global web if Windows 7 does not see the network adapter.

Our task is to use the 3DP Chip program. Alternatively, you can download it to your smartphone, then connect it to your computer via a USB cable and transfer it to your desktop. Or ask a friend to download the program onto a flash drive, from which you can then run the utility on your own PC.

Step 1. Get the program and copy its file to the problem computer. Please note that the developer of the utility has one official website.

Step 2. Launch 3DP Chip.

The software analyzes the PC components and produces a list of software required for installation. If your device is not in the database, the program installs universal software suitable for a wide range of cards.

How to update the network driver on Windows 7. Updating the driver using Windows

Windows has a number of standard programs designed to solve problems. Usually their functionality is enough to solve ordinary problems. The “Device Manager” will come in handy. This application is capable of customizing the operation of all PC components.

Updating the network card driver in the Windows operating system

Step 1. Open “Dispatcher” (see screenshot).

Step 2. A window opens with a list of all the hardware built into our computer. Find the line “Network devices” in the list. If there are several of them, a list is formed that opens by clicking the “+” button located next to the line.

Step 3. Open the network equipment category. Click on the component that requires drivers. Next, select the line “Update drivers”.

Step 4. Windows will offer two options:

download a new version via the Internet (the system itself finds the appropriate version and installs the software instantly);
or find the driver files on the hard drive (flash drive or laser drive inserted into the PC). Here's how to install drivers on Windows 7 automatically in just 5 minutes.

Select the first option with automatic updating. The OS will start searching for software on the Internet and after 5-6 minutes will download all released versions. After completing the operation, we recommend restarting your computer.

Manually updating drivers

This algorithm repeats steps 1-3 from the previous instructions. But instead of automatic updating, we choose the manual method. To do this, you need to download the drivers yourself.

Step 1. We choose the manual method.

Step 2. Click on the “Browse” button - an explorer opens, through which you need to specify the path to the folder in which the drivers are located.

Step 3. Either the system will display a message that the driver does not need to be updated, or the installation will begin. All you have to do is wait until Windows delivers updates. After completing the settings, reboot the system.

Click “Close”

When the operating system is reinstalled, the user may encounter the problem of missing network driver. Without this driver, it is impossible to start either a wireless or wired network. If you have the disk, there are no problems, just install the program. And if it is missing, you need to find, for example, a mobile phone/tablet with a connected network in order to download the driver. To avoid such problems, when reinstalling the operating system, you must follow the correct algorithm of actions.

The driver is the link between the operating system and the internal components of the computer, that is, this program connects the OS with the motherboard, video and network cards, and office equipment. These programs are developed by the same companies that produce PC equipment and electronic office equipment, which is what a personal computer interacts with. When buying a computer, the user does not think about various drivers, since they are already preinstalled in the system. But, for example, after the first reinstallation of the OS or the purchase of a new computer, the user will be faced with their absence.

If there is no network driver on the computer, there is no way to go online and download from official websites, which will automatically scan the operating system and install all missing drivers. When might you encounter a problem installing a network device driver? In these three cases:

Even a new computer, just from a store, may lack an operating system, and as a result, a driver.
When the operating system is installed/reinstalled.
When a system crash occurs and the driver stops working.

The first case is the easiest. The box with your purchase should contain driver discs. The network device driver is located on the software disk for the motherboard.

Since recently users are increasingly assembling computers themselves (choosing internal components), a DVD drive may be missing, and as a result, it is not possible to install any driver from the disk.

In this regard, it is advisable to keep the full set of drivers in a separate folder on your PC or download them to a flash card. In this case, you don’t have to look for a mobile device to go to the official pages of the manufacturers’ websites and from there download a program that will automatically install the missing drivers.

Installing the network driver

Before installing the driver, you must identify your computer. All brands and models of computer internal equipment are encoded with special “ciphers”. This is done so that during installation the driver can identify the computer model and its manufacturer. The network device driver code looks like this: PCI/TECH_xxxx&DEV_xxxx&SUBSYS_xxxxxx. TECH means that the computer hardware was manufactured by A4Tech, and DEV is the device ID.

Step 1. Equipment identification

In order to find out the code, click Start and enter device manager in the search field. Next, a menu will open with which you can identify the equipment. Press " Network adapters» and select the name of the controller.

Once you do this, the Details section will open. Find their "Properties" and select "Model ID". The first line contains complete information about the device model.

Step 2. Install/update the network adapter driver

This will be the identifier of your equipment. Now you need to find it on the Internet by entering the name in any search engine, for example.
The search engine will return the official driver page, and you need to download it to your PC. And then follows the installation procedure itself. If you need to update a network device driver, you do exactly the same thing: find the ID, enter it into the search, download and install.

To install a missing or recent version of the driver, use Device Manager. Perform the same actions in the last step " Update drivers».

Select “Search for drivers on this computer.”

Go to the folder where you saved the necessary drivers downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website, and install them using the “Next” button.

Many users, before installing new driver versions, remove old ones to avoid conflicts and inoperability, because even if you did everything correctly, the Internet may not appear on the computer. In this case, you still need to take the advice of users and remove old versions.

How to do it! In Device Manager, you can uninstall the old version of the network driver. Agree with the choice, and the system will remove the network device driver that was previously installed on your computer.

There are two steps left and your computer will work fully. Step one is to reboot and open Device Manager. In place of the removed driver, “ Network controller" In chapter " Other devices».

At the final stage, follow the steps from (updating/installing network device drivers).

On this page we will deal with the driver for the network card of a desktop computer or laptop. In the title I also wrote an Ethernet controller - this is a network adapter. It’s just that in the device manager, as a rule, the network card is displayed as an unknown device called “Ethernet controller”. This is when the driver is not installed on it. I will try to explain in detail how to determine the status of a network card (does it work, no, do I need to install a driver), then I’ll show you how to determine which driver is needed for the Ethernet controller specifically in your case, and where to download it.

I don’t often write articles specifically on solving problems with LAN adapters, for the reason that there are practically no problems with these adapters. They often burn, that's all. But as for drivers, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7 almost always automatically install drivers on the network card. The same cannot be said about the wireless Wi-Fi adapter. But today is not about him.

The Ethernet controller itself is almost always integrated into a laptop or desktop computer’s motherboard. Perhaps your system unit already has a discrete network card that is connected to a PCI slot. And there may also be a USB adapter, something like this, but this is rare. For greater clarity, let's look at the picture:

It doesn't matter which Ethernet controller you have installed. In any case, for it to work, a driver must be installed on it. You can check this in Device Manager.

Checking the network card in Device Manager

Let's go to the device manager and see what's what. If you don’t know how to enter the device manager, then press the keyboard shortcut Win+R, copy the command into the window devmgmt.msc, and click Ok. Or right-click on “My Computer” - “Properties”, and there “Device Manager”.

Open the tab immediately "Network adapters". If everything is fine with the network card, then there should be an adapter in the name of which you will see the words “LAN”, “Ethernet adapter”, “PCI...”, “Family Controller”, etc. I have an ASUS laptop, and adapter "Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller".

If you don’t see a network card there, then there must be an unknown device (with yellow exclamation mark). Most likely, it will be called "Ethernet controller". This is our network card, which does not work due to the lack of a driver. Windows without a driver simply does not know what kind of device it is and how to “communicate” with it.

We just need to install the driver on the network card. Or reinstall it if there is an adapter, but it works with errors or does not work at all.

Which driver should I download for the network card (Ethernet controller)?

We found out that we need to download and install the driver for the Ethernet controller. You probably immediately have a question about what driver is needed and where you can download it. Let's figure it out now.

The most correct way is to look for a driver for your laptop model, motherboard, or the network card itself.

I understand that your Internet most likely does not work. If you had a driver disk with the adapter itself, laptop, or motherboard (if you have a PC), then you can try installing the driver from the disk.

If there is no disk, you will have to look for and download the driver from another computer, or even a mobile device. Then transfer it to the desired computer and install it.

If you have a laptop with a built-in network adapter

Everything is very simple here. First we need to find out the laptop model. It is exactly indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the laptop. Next, we type the laptop model into Google and go to the official website. Or, go to the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop, and through a search on the site we find the page for the model of your laptop. There we already look for the “Drivers”, “Support”, etc. tab, and download LAN Driver. Required for your Windows installation.

Depending on the manufacturer of your laptop, the process itself will differ. Therefore, I cannot give specific instructions. But the procedure will be the same. Since on the website of each manufacturer there is a page for a specific laptop model where you can download all the drivers.

I described this process in more detail in the article. In this case, everything is exactly the same, only in the end we download the driver not for Wi-Fi, but for the network card. Although, you will most likely have to download and install the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter.

Searching for a LAN driver for a desktop computer

If you have a desktop computer with a network card built into the motherboard, then you need to look for the driver on the motherboard manufacturer’s website for your motherboard model. You probably have a question about how to find out the model of your motherboard. There are many programs, such as AIDA64, or CPU-Z. But this can also be done via the command line.

Open a command line and run the following commands one by one:

wmic baseboard get Manufacturer

wmic baseboard get product

Only the last one is possible. After completing it, you will see the motherboard model.

Next, we search the Internet for the motherboard model, go to the developer’s website, in my case it’s MSI, and download the LAN driver. Just remember to select your operating system. There will definitely be such an opportunity.

If you have a PCI or USB network card

In this case, first check if there was a driver disk included with the card itself.

If not, then you need to find out the model of the network adapter and download the driver from the official website. The model can usually be viewed on the device itself.

Searching for an Ethernet controller driver by VEN and DEV

This is a backup case. There is one good site that has helped me out more than once. With its help you can find a driver for almost any unknown device.

First, go to the device manager, right-click on our Ethernet controller (or an unknown device that you think might be a network adapter), and select "Properties".

In the new window, go to the "Details" tab. Select "Hardware ID" from the drop-down menu. Copy the last line (if it doesn’t work, you can try others).

Go to the website http://devid.info. In the search bar, paste the copied line from the device manager. And click "Search".

Download the first driver from the list. Please note that next to the driver the system for which it is suitable will be indicated. You need a driver for your Windows operating system. There you can select the desired system and system capacity from above. For example, Windows 10.

And on another page:

Download the driver file to your computer. Now we will install it.

Installing a driver on a network card in Windows 10, 8, 7

So, we already have the driver. As practice shows, to install you just need to open the downloaded archive, run the setup.exe file, and follow the installation instructions.

If any error appears during the driver installation process, restart your computer and try the installation again. If the driver still does not want to be installed, then try downloading another one. But there shouldn't be any problems.

We update the driver manually (if there is no setup.exe file)

You can try another installation method. First, extract all files from the driver archive. You can go to your desktop.

Next, go to the device manager and right-click on the network card. More precisely, to an unknown device (or Ethernet controller), which you think is the network adapter, and select "Update drivers".

In the new window, select “Search for drivers on this computer.”

The system itself must find and install the driver. If you specified the folder with the correct drivers.

If something didn’t work out for you during the installation process, write in the comments. Describe the problem in detail and I will try to help you.