There are two types of network cards - integrated (built into the motherboard) and separate. The fundamental difference in them is only that the integrated one is already included when buying a motherboard, and you still have to buy a separate one in order to insert it into the PCI slot. The principle of their operation and settings is essentially the same, so the steps described below are suitable for both types.
Instructions
Step 1
Visit the manufacturer's website to download additional software for the network card. Usually this operation is not required, since a network card is such an element that often does not need additional drivers. It uses standard Windows drivers. If the operation of the network card is unsatisfactory due to various kinds of failures, it may be precisely in the software.
Step 2
Install the network card into the slot if it is not integrated. After installing it in the appropriate slot, the operating system will automatically detect the new element. Look at the rear panel of the system unit, and in particular at the panel of the network card. The correct operation of the device is indicated by alternately blinking orange and green diodes. If they do not flash, pull out the power cord and plug it back in. If this action does not bring the expected results, check that the network card is correctly installed in the motherboard. To add a network card, the above steps should be enough, but there are situations when the card itself needs to be activated directly from the operating system.
Step 3
Open the start menu. Go to "Network Connections". In the window that appears, right-click on the "Local Area Connection" icon. Then select the "Enable" command. If it is impossible to activate the network card in this way due to the fact that the corresponding icon cannot be found in the indicated place, do otherwise. Go to "Control Panel", then to "Device Manager". Select networking controller from the list. Click on it with the right mouse button and select "Engage". After these actions, a window should appear with the inscription "Enable". At the end of the procedure, the network card will be turned on.
