Windows fails to identify any connected device following a network reset.
Windows fails to identify any connected device following a network reset.
I performed a network reset recently because my laptop would disconnect from WiFi unpredictably, hoping it would resolve the issue. But it made things worse. The laptop no longer connected to WiFi at all, and I couldn't reach any internet devices—USB dongle, Bluetooth, or phone tethering. In Network Connections (Win+X >> Network Connections), I see a device named "Ethernet 3" with the note "Network cable unplugged, TAP-Windows Adapter V9." No other devices appear there. Since I don’t have an Ethernet connection or cable, I can’t use that one. Network resets seem to reset everything to default settings. I’m unsure if a specific setting needs changing or if there’s a service issue preventing internet recognition. Checking Settings → Network Properties shows all adapters missing, while Device Manager lists my WiFi adapter but marks its status as "Not Present." In the Linux version I have, WiFi works fine. It might be a hardware or driver problem. I searched online and in forums, but others report similar issues. The only option left appears to be reinstalling Windows, which I’m hesitant about since I’ve delayed upgrading an SSD I bought months ago. Do you know what might be causing this, or are there steps I can try?
You see a list of connected Wi-Fi networks along with their strength and signal quality in the "Wifi Tab."