Network adapter missing or disabled due to power settings


Cause

The laptop is running on battery power and the motherboard has disabled the network card to conserve power.

Resolution

  1. Open Control Panel and go to the configuration for your network adapter.

    Internal NIC Configuration window icon

  2. Verify that Always activate on battery is selected.

    Internal Network Card Power Management window with the “Always activate on battery” option selected

    NOTE: These instructions were taken from a Dell laptop. Other computers may be slightly different and may have this setting listed elsewhere.

Outcome

Your network adapter will always be enabled.