In some example embodiments, there is a method for failback to a primary communications adapter. The method includes receiving, in a driver for the primary communications adapter and a backup communications adapter, a link up event for the primary communications adapter, wherein the link up event is sent from the primary communications adapter to the driver, and wherein the link up event is triggered by establishing electrical connectivity to the primary communications adapter. The method includes inferring that the primary communications adapter is configured for receiving packets. The method includes setting the backup communications adapter to idle, wherein the backup communications adapter receives packets and drops the packets while idle. The method includes activating the primary communications adapter, wherein the primary communications adapter receives packets and passes the packets up a protocol stack while activated.