Belkin Wireless Adapter Not Working? Complete Fix Guide

Belkin wireless adapter not working is a common issue that can be fixed by straightforward troubleshooting techniques.

First things first, it’s important to understand that a problem with a wireless system could arise from any device in that system, or all devices could be faulty.

When a Belkin wireless adapter is not working, the first thing to do is to reinstall the wireless network adapter drivers in your computer and then run a network adapter troubleshooter. If it’s still not working, set your computer to full power mode, change WiFi adapter settings then finally reset the TCP/IP stack.

It’s important to start with the less technical solutions first because the issue may not be technical.

In this article, you’ll learn about the main reasons why your Belkin’s wireless adapter isn’t working.

You’ll get a detailed step-by-step guide on how to fix the problem.

Why Belkin Wireless Adapter is not Working

There could be several reasons why the Belkin USB network adapter is not working properly, and they can all be easily fixed.

Here are some of the reasons:

1. Same IP Address

Belkin network adapters use the same IP addresses as your router, and your antivirus firewall or Windows may block some IPs, especially if they had been flagged before.

2. Modem Issues

Your modem may not be communicating with the router. Verify that both devices are plugged in and turned on. If it’s still not working, it could be an issue with your Internet Service Provider.

3. Connectivity Issues

Sometimes, the internet might cut out due to a lack of bandwidth or weak connectivity.

4. Settings Changes

Having your Belkin wireless adapter settings changed or having an IP address conflict could cause the same problem.

For PC users, installing Windows Updates without consequently updating your Belkin wireless adapter drivers could also be a reason why it’s not working.

How to Fix Belkin Wireless Adapter Not Working – Solutions

Before you fix your Belkin wireless adapter not working problem, it’s best to ensure that your network connection is working well.

To resolve any connectivity issues you may not know, you can run a quick network troubleshooter.

The following solutions will help you to get your Belkin wireless adapter working again.

Solution #1 Reinstall the Network Adapter

If you experience connection problems when using a Belkin wireless adapter it may be because your computer’s network adapter driver is not up-to-date.

This often leads to a configuration error. A corrupted or missing driver may also hinder the wireless adapter from working at all.

You’ll have to reinstall the network adapter drivers manually or automatically.

Follow these instructions for the reinstallation process:

1. Search “Devm” then launch “Device Manager.”
2. Find the Belkin Wireless Adapter.
3. Uninstall it by right-clicking, then choosing the “Uninstall” option.
4. Reboot the computer.
5. Reinstall the Belkin Wireless network adapter, driver.

You can also set your computer to install and update Belkin wireless adapter drivers automatically.

Note: If you don’t find the “Belkin Wireless Adapter” in the Device Manager, it means the BIOS or operating system is not enumerating it for some reason.

Restart your computer and repeat the reinstallation process to solve this problem.

Solution #2 Use Network Troubleshooter

It is not uncommon to make faulty assumptions when Belkin wireless USB adapter is not working, simply because obvious and simple system faults are the hardest to recognize.

Sometimes you should allow your computer to run a network troubleshooter and detect the problem by itself.

Ensure that the USB network adapter is toggled on, then follow these steps for network troubleshooting:

1. Launch computer Settings.
2. Under Updates and Security, go to Troubleshooting.
3.  Choose your internet connection, then go to “Run Troubleshooter.”
4. Keenly follow the instructions on your screen and allow the process to finish
5. Then reboot the computer.

After the network troubleshooting, you’ll have an accurate fault to deal with based on your computer’s assessment. If the troubleshooting didn’t detect the fault, proceed to the third solution.

Note: Before running the troubleshooter, make sure you do not have Airplane Mode enabled on your device.

This is because airplane mode blocks your device from access or connection to the wireless network adapter.

Solution #3 Reset TCP/IP Stack

The TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) plays the role of enabling your computer to communicate to the internet or other similar networks.

Therefore, the internet can only work if TCP/IP functions normally and is intact.

Here’s how to reset TCP/IP Stack using Command Prompt:

1. Launch Command Prompt by right-clicking the Start Menu.
2.  On the command line, type “Reset nets in IP network,” then press Enter.
3. Type “netsh hint TCP set heuristics is disabled,” then press Enter.
4. Type “netsh hint TCP set global auto-tuning level=disabled” then press Enter.
5. Type “netsh hint TCP global rss= enabled” then press Enter.
6. Reboot the computer, then connect to WiFi.

WhenevertheBelkin WiFi adapter is not working and you reset the TCP/IP stack, you make your computer rewrite important keys in the registry. This, in effect, removes TCP/IP stack entirely then reinstalls it again.

Note: Resetting TCP/IP on Mac is a different process known as Renew DHCP Lease. The Windows reset command prompt won’t work for Mac users.

Solution #4 Set Computer to Full Power Mode

Some Belkin wireless adapters and routers don’t support protocol 802.11, which is a power save protocol; hence Belkin wireless adapter is not working.

There are various ways and reasons why your computer automatically switches to a Balanced power plan or Power Save mode.

If the power saving settings hinders your wireless adapter from functioning, here’s how to switch to Full Power Mode:

1. Search “power management” then open “Power.”
2. Click “Standby,” then go to “Advanced Power Options.”
3. Click “Change Plan Options” then “Change Advanced Power Options.”
4. On your Belkin wireless adapter settings, change settings to “Maximum Power.”
5. To save the changes, click “Apply” then “OK.”

Computer manufacturers can change default power settings depending on their guidelines.

Note: Whenever a PC runs on battery power and is plugged into a power source, the Belkin wireless adapter is automatically configured to Maximum Performance.

You’ll therefore need to turn off Power Save mode for it to work.

Solution #5 Change WiFi Adapter Settings

A computer network adapter has numerous options that can be tinkered with.

Unfortunately, some options may completely block your Belkin wireless adapter, and if this happens, your computer won’t be able to access the internet if the adapter isn’t working.

Here’s how to change the settings so your wireless adapter can get working again:

1. Go to network card properties.
2. Locate a working wireless card.
3. On the options, locate (TCP/IPv6) Internet Protocol version 6.
4.  Disable IPv6 by unchecking it.
5.  To apply the changes, click “OK,” then reboot the computer.

There are many hardware and software-related changes that occur whenever you update your operating system.

Your Belkin adapter non-working issue may be as a result of such changes. It’s, therefore, crucial to tweak your WiFi adapter settings every time you update your operating system.

Note: The steps and instructions for changing WiFi adapter settings may differ depending on the manufacturer of the WiFi adapter.

Read Next: How To Port forward On A Belkin Router?

Last Thoughts:

Any time your Belkin’s wireless adapter isn’t working, start by reinstalling the wireless network adapter drivers. If it’s still not working, run a network troubleshooter, change power settings to full power mode, reset the TCP/IP stack then change WiFi adapter settings.

Belkin makes great wireless network adapters, which are a godsend to many who want to improve their WiFi connection signal strength. 

And while these adapters are great, like all electronics, they are prone to faults.

If you still have the Belkin wireless adapter not working after trying all the solutions above, reach out to the friendly Belkin customer service agents.