I hate to deal with the “Code 10” error with the WiFi adapter on Windows 11 as it entirely derails the internet connection. It usually crops when the Wi-Fi adapter starts malfunctioning or when its communication with Windows is interrupted. As for the culprits that tend to trigger this ageless error code, bad actors like corrupted system files, hardware faults, and the botched-up power management are almost always happen to be the frontrunners. But there are other equally terrible underdogs that never miss a chance to disrupt internet connectivity.
In this exhaustive guide, I have gone into the root cause of all the key reasons that invoke the Wi-Fi adapter code 10 error on a PC and discussed the thoroughly tested solutions to get rid of the issue. Since they have managed to restore my malfunctioning internet connection on end number of times, I can vouch for their efficiency and effectiveness. If your Windows device has run into this very error, look no further than these pro tips to sort it out – before long! Keep reading…
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix Windows 11 WiFi Adapter Code 10 Error
To ensure there is no room for any ifs and buts, take a quick glance at all the culprits that are responsible for gas-lighting this Windows 11 error.
- Outdated Drivers: Incompatible or old drivers.
- Corrupted Drivers: Faulty driver installation.
- Registry Issues: Incorrect configurations.
- Hardware Faults: Physical damage or failure.
- Power Management: Adapter disabled to save power.
- Software Conflicts: Other drivers causing interference.
- Windows Updates: Missing or pending updates.
- Improper Settings: Incorrect wireless mode or configurations.
- Corrupted System Files: OS files affecting functionality.
- Device Overheating: Thermal issues causing malfunction.
Keeping these villains in mind, let’s get into the troubleshooting mode to detect the real cause of the problem and flush it out.
1. Restart the PC
It’s important to point out that restarting your PC can help wipe out the temporary system glitches and reset system processes, ensuring that all hardware components are reinitialized. More often than not, the code 10 error comes into the picture owing to minor conflicts that you can sort out with a quick restart.
- Click the Start Menu on your PC > Power button and choose Restart.
2. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Windows 11’s built-in Network Adapter Troubleshooter is designed to automatically diagnose and resolve common issues related to network devices, including driver problems or misconfigurations causing the error. Hence, it’s time to bring on this neat troubleshooter to get rid of the problem – without breaking any sweat at all.
- Open Settings using Win + I > head over to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Locate the Network Adapter and hit the Run button.
- Follow the prompts to eliminate the threats that are causing the error.
3. Reinstall the WiFi Driver
It’s worth noting that the corrupt or incomplete driver installation can often lead to the adapter not functioning properly, resulting in the Code 10 error. Therefore, reinstalling the driver becomes the need of the hour ensuring fresh and error-free installation.
- Open Device Manager on your PC and expand Network adapters.
- Right-click on your WiFi adapter > Uninstall device and confirm the action when asked to do so.
- Once the uninstallation is done, restart the PC.
4. Update the WiFi Driver
Your outdated driver might not be compatible with the recent Windows 11 updates, which could be invoking errors like Code 10. Therefore, updating the driver will ensure compatibility and seamless access to the latest features.
- Open Device Manager on your Windows device > Expand Network adapters.
- Then, right-click the WiFi adapter > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
5. Roll Back Driver Update
Keep in mind that if the newly installed drivers are plagued by compatibility issues, it will make life rather difficult for the adapter. In this scenario, rolling back the driver update can let you revert to the previously working driver version.
- Launch the Device Manager on your Windows 11 device > right-click your WiFi adapter and choose Properties.
- Navigate to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
6. Enable the Adapter
Be warned that a disabled network adapter will not function, causing the Code 10 error. This can occur due to system changes or user actions. Enabling the adapter ensures it’s active and ready to use.
- Go to Device Manager, expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the WiFi adapter and select Enable device.
7. Reset Network Settings
Keep track of the botched-up network configurations or conflicting settings as they may prevent the adapter from functioning. Resetting network settings will let you restore the default state, clearing any errors or conflicts.
- On your PC, go to the Settings app > Network & Internet.
- Scroll down and hit Advanced network settings.
- Under More settings, hit Network reset and confirm the action.
8. Disable Power Management Settings
Did you know that Windows 11 sometimes turns off the power to certain devices to save energy, which can interfere with adapter functionality? Disabling this option ensures the adapter remains active.
- Open Device Manager, right-click the WiFi adapter and choose Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click OK.
9. Change Wireless Mode
Wireless adapters support different modes (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n). If the adapter is configured to an unsupported mode, it might not function. Setting it to Auto ensures compatibility.
- Open Device Manager and right-click the WiFi adapter.
- Go to Properties > Advanced tab.
- Select Wireless Mode, and from the dropdown, choose Auto or 802.11a/b/g/n.
10. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can disrupt communication between the WiFi adapter and Windows, triggering the error. The SFC tool scans and repairs damaged system files.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete and follow the prompts.
11. Check for Windows Updates
We all know that Microsoft loves to roll out the latest updates with a pretty solid range of patches and fixes for known issues. Therefore, betting on the latest Windows 11 update to troubleshoot this issue wouldn’t be wrong.
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
- Restart your PC if required.
12. Check Device for Hardware Issues
Be sure to check your device for hardware issues since the physically damaged WiFi adapter won’t work. Test your adapter on another system to confirm if the issue is hardware-related.
- To get it done, remove the adapter (if external) and connect it to another computer.
- If the problem persists, your adapter (not your Windows device) is at fault.
13. Modify the Registry
I don’t think too many PC folks know that the wrongly configured registry configurations can cause the Code 10 error to take center stage. Thus, wiping out the registry entries for the adapter can flush out all the conflicting elements. But before going for the kill, be sure to always back up the registry before making any changes.
- Open Run using Win + R.
- Input regedit, and press Enter.
- Head over to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class.
- Find the key starting with {4D36E972-…} and clean up all the problematic entries such as UpperFilters or LowerFilters.
14. Disable Conflicting Devices
You should be fully aware of the fact that the hardware devices such as the virtual network adapters or unused Ethernet adapters also tend to conflict with the WiFi adapter.
- On your PC, go to Device Manager > Network adapters.
- Right-click on the unused adapters > Disable device and then restart your PC.
15. Replace the Driver with a Manufacturer’s Version
Do note that the generic drivers from Windows Update may not be fully equipped and could lack the needed optimizations. Therefore, I would recommend you replace the driver with the manufacturer-specific drivers as they are more tailored for the hardware.
- Open a browser on your PC and navigate to the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek).
- Then, search for your WiFi adapter model and download the latest driver.
- After that, install the driver manually and then reboot the PC.
Wrapping up…
There you have it, dear! I’m sure you have eliminated the error code 10 on your PC. Now, let me know your feedback and the tips that have helped you drive this annoying error away.
