Although the October 2018 Update (version 1809) improves many areas of Windows 10, no matter the version, users always seem to have problems during the upgrade process that affects Wi-Fi connectivity — for example, slow Wi-Fi speeds, unable to connect to a wireless network, missing configurations, or network adapter not working.
Usually, these problems can be traced to driver compatibility, bug, or configuration changes, which could be as a result of the new version, but sometimes there are other factors that can cause connectivity issues. During the upgrade process the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter may get corrupted. You probably don’t have installed the latest driver, which happened to work with the previous version, but it doesn’t work with the new release. There could be some configuration problems, and a number of other things.
In this guide, you’ll learn a few ways to fix the Wi-Fi problems after installing the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
- How to fix Wi-Fi using Network Adapter troubleshooter
- How to fix Wi-Fi using network adapter reset
- How to fix Wi-Fi updating network adapter driver
- How to roll back to the previous version of Windows 10
How to fix Wi-Fi using Network Adapter troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a troubleshooting tool in the Settings app to fix most common wireless and other network adapters problems automatically.
To use the Network Adapter troubleshooter, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Click on Troubleshoot.
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Select the Network Adapter option.
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Click the Run the troubleshooter button.
Network Adapter troubleshooter -
Select the network adapter you want to fix, in this case Wi-Fi.
Network Adapter wizard -
Click Next to begin the process.
The troubleshooter will find and try to fix the Wi-Fi problem on your device. After the process completes, open your web browser and try to connect online. If everything is working again, you’re all done. If it’s still not working, try the following method.
How to fix Wi-Fi using network adapter reset
Windows 10 also includes a tool to remove and reinstall your network adapters, which resets all the networking components to its default settings, which can help to fix slow speeds or problems trying to connect online.
To reset your Wi-Fi adapter, use these steps:
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Open Settings.
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Click on Network & Internet.
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Click on Status.
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Click the Network reset link.
Network reset option on Windows 10 October 2018 Update -
Click the Reset now button.
Windows 10 network reset -
Click Yes to confirm.
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Click the Close button.
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Restart your computer.
Using this method, you may need to reinstall other networking software, such as VPN client or virtual switch software. In addition, you’ll need to manually reconnect to any wireless network, which may require to enter a password.
You can watch the video tutorial below to see in more details the steps to fix a wireless adapter on Windows 10.
If everything is working again, you’re all done. If it’s still not working, try the following method.
How to fix Wi-Fi updating network adapter driver
In the case that you’re still experiencing slow Wi-Fi speeds or problems connecting to the internet, your device may not be running the latest version of the driver.
You can resolve this issue by downloading and installing the latest driver from the network adapter manufacturer’s support website.
Usually, you want to use their instructions to install the latest version of the driver, but you can download the driver and then use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for Device Manager, click the top result to open the experience.
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Expand the Network adapters group.
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Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select the Update Driver Software option.
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Click the Browse my computer for driver software option.
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Click the Browse option to locate the adapter driver.
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Check the Include subfolder option.
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Click the Next button.
Sometimes, when nothing works, you can also try an even older version of the Wi-Fi adapter driver, such as those designed for Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, which may fix the problem temporarily until there is a permanent fix.
How to roll back to the previous version of Windows 10
If you’re still having connectivity issues, then chances are there may be a bug inside the new version of Windows 10 or with the network adapter, and you may need to wait until there is an update for the adapter or the OS.
As a last resort, you can go back to the previous version of Windows 10 until the Wi-Fi problem is resolved.
You can follow the instructions in the video tutorial below to uninstall the Windows 10 October 2018 Update from your device.
Wrapping things up
Also, it’s a good idea to check your adapter settings on Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections, and opening the adapter’s properties. In the past, there have been reports about TCP settings getting disabled and DNS settings getting reset after an upgrade. Furthermore, you should always reboot your router to see if it helps to resolve the Wi-Fi slow speed or connectivity problems as you follow the steps mentioned above.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.