Delete Hidden/Non-Existent Windows Network Card Using the Device Manager
To uninstall hidden (physically removed) network adapters in Windows, open the Device Manager console in the special mode.
- Open the command prompt as an administrator;
- Run the command:
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
- Start the Device Manager console:
devmgmt.msc
In the top menu, click View -> Show hidden devices (in Windows 10 this item is always available, and you don’t need to enable the devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices mode via cmd).
Now expand the Network adapters section. Hidden network cards should appear in the list (they have pale icons). Select the network card you want to remove, right-click it -> Uninstall Device.