Fix Windows 10 network profile missing issue

January 28, 2023

When connected to a wired device, such as a keyboard or speaker, or a wireless device, such as a mouse, printer, or display, the computer and device connect through a network connection and operate through a medium, such as a USB port. (Universal Serial Bus), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Radio Frequency, and through a network profile, a wireless network adapter. Connecting a new device to your computer can sometimes be incredibly painful as it displays a message that Windows does not have a network profile for this device. If you are also facing the same issue, you are in the right place. We bring you the perfect guide to help you fix the Windows 10 network profile missing problem. Before that, let's quickly understand the network profile.

How to fix Windows 10 network profile missing issue

Network profiles are used to customize how machines connect over a network. To establish a connection with other devices, you need a network profile that interacts with other devices and stores basic network settings, security, and other relevant data.

Listed below are some of the causes of the missing error issue:

Outdated or faulty driver
Changing the network profile type
The problem may lie in the device itself or the USB port.

But don't worry, we have several solutions to fix the missing Windows 10 network profile. First of all, make sure that the device you are trying to connect to is compatible with your system. For example, USB 3.0 devices will not work properly with older USB 2.0 ports. Therefore, check the system requirements on the device website.

We have now shown the troubleshooting methods to fix Windows not having network profile for this device issue.

Method 1: Switch to a private network profile

The PC is hidden from other devices on the same network when using the public network profile. On the other hand, private network profiles provide visibility to other devices nearby. Here is how you can make your network profile visible:

1. Press the Windows + I keys at the same time to launch the settings.

2. Click "Network and Internet Settings".

3. Select the connected network and click "Properties".

4. Switch from a public profile to a private network.

5. Finally, restart your computer.

Method 2: Update the device driver

If you receive the same error message that Windows does not have a network profile for this device, then the problem may also lie with a specific device driver. To fix a missing Windows 10 network profile, try updating your specific device driver. Read our guide to updating device drivers in Windows 10.

Method 3: Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Still facing the Windows 10 network profile missing issue, you can try the network adapter troubleshooter. Read our guide to troubleshoot network connection issues in Windows 10.

Method 4: Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

If running the network troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, you can run the appropriate troubleshooter for the device you are trying to connect to. For example, if you're having trouble connecting to your keyboard, select the keyboard troubleshooter to identify and fix the issue. Get rid of the error message Windows does not have a network profile for this device by following this method. Read our guide. Run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to fix the issues.

Method 5: Reinstall the device driver

Some issues go unnoticed due to corrupted data files or unknown causes. We recommend reinstalling the driver with fresh settings using this method. To uninstall and reinstall a driver, read our guide to uninstalling and reinstalling drivers in Windows 10.

Method 6: Change the network profile

If your network profile hasn't changed yet, or you can't find an option to do so, here's an alternative way to switch from a public to a private profile.

Option I: Through the Registry Editor

1. Press the Windows key, type registry editor and click "Run as administrator".

2. Click "Yes" in the User Account Control window.

3. Double-click the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder.

4. Expand the SOFTWARE folder and click the Microsoft keys folder.

5. Scroll down and navigate to the Windows NT key folder > CurrentVersion.

6. Scroll down again and expand the NetworkList key folder. Then expand the Profiles folder and click on the profile name.

7. Double-click a category value.

8. Change the data value from 0 to 1. Then click OK.

Option II: through Windows PowerShell

Similar to the method above, this is also an alternative method of switching from public to private profile to fix Windows 10 network profile missing issue.

1. Press the Windows key, type PowerShell and click Open.

2. Type the Get-NetConnectionProfile command and press the Enter key to check your network profile.

3. To change it to private, type the following command and press the Enter key.

Set-NetConnectionProfile -Name Network -InterfaceIndex 10 -NetworkCategory Private

Note. Change the InterfaceIndex number in the command to match your system.

4. Finally, check if the problem with the Windows network profile for this device is resolved.

Option III: Through Local Security Policy

1. Press the Windows key, type local and click Local Security Policy.

2. Click Network List Manager Policy.

3. Select a connected network and double-click it.

4. Go to the "Network location" section.

5. Select the "Private" option.

6. Click Apply and then click OK.

Method 7: Change SNMP service settings

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) provides network administrators with information about devices connected to the network. In order to solve the Windows 10 network profile missing issue, we will use this method to check the SNMP status and enable automatic startup.

1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type Services.msc and press the Enter key to open the Services window.

3. Right-click the SNMP trap, and then click Properties.

4. In the "Startup Type" drop-down menu, switch from "Manual" to "Automatic".