Mac OS X - Reinstalling Network Adapters

This document details how to delete/reset network adapters in OS X.

Note: You will need Administrative privileges on the computer to perform this action.

  1. Open System Preferences from within the Apple menu.

System_Preferences.png

  1. Choose the Network option.

System_Preferences_Network.png

  1. Highlight the network adapter that is causing difficulties and press the "-" sign in the bottom of the left hand column.

Network_Highlight_Adapter.png

  1. Click Apply in the bottom right hand corner of the page to apply these changes.

Network_Apply.png

  1. It is strongly recommended that you restart the computer to apply these changes.

  2. After restarting the machine, open the Network panel by repeating Steps 1-2.

  3. If the adapters which you previously removed have not appeared, you will need to press the "+" sign in the bottom of the left hand column.

Network_Add.png

  1. Choose the interface of the adapter that you deleted prior to restarting your computer and click Create.

Network_Interface.png

  1. After clicking Apply, this adapter should be added and functional once again.



Keywords:
mac reset network quick fix 10.6 10.7 10.8 reinstall reset delete deleting wifi wi-fi 
Doc ID:
26681
Owned by:
Jeff W. in DoIT Help Desk
Created:
2012-10-03
Updated:
2025-02-24
Sites:
DoIT Help Desk