Experiencing the frustration of your WiFi suddenly vanishing from your Windows 11 system can be incredibly disruptive. One moment you're browsing, streaming, or working online, and the next, the familiar network icon is gone, leaving you disconnected. But don't worry, you're not alone, and in most cases, this issue can be resolved with a bit of systematic troubleshooting.
Let's dive right in! Are you currently facing this very problem? If so, let's work through the steps together to get your Windows 11 back online.
Step 1: Initial Quick Checks - The First Line of Defense
Before we delve into more technical solutions, let's perform some quick and easy checks. These often resolve the issue with minimal fuss.
Sub-heading: The Obvious Restart
It might sound cliché, but a simple restart can often work wonders.
- Restart your computer: Click on the Start button, then the power icon, and select Restart. This clears temporary glitches that might be causing the problem.
- Restart your modem and router: Unplug the power cables from both your modem and your wireless router. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Once the modem's indicator lights show a stable connection (this might take a minute or two), plug the router back in. Give it another minute to fully power on.
After both devices have restarted, check if your WiFi network reappears in the list of available networks.
Sub-heading: Checking Airplane Mode
It's surprisingly easy to accidentally toggle Airplane Mode, which disables all wireless communication, including WiFi.
- Open Quick Settings: Press the Windows key + A or click on the battery, volume, or network icon in the system tray (usually at the bottom right of your screen).
- Check the Airplane Mode tile: If the Airplane mode tile is highlighted or turned on, click it to turn it off.
See if your WiFi networks are now visible.
Step 2: Diving Deeper - Network Adapter Troubleshooting
If the quick checks didn't solve the issue, the problem might lie with your network adapter.
Sub-heading: Verifying the Network Adapter in Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to manage all the hardware connected to your computer.
- Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Locate Network Adapters: Expand the Network adapters category by clicking on the arrow next to it.
- Check for Warnings: Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark (!) or a red 'X'. These indicate a problem.
- If you see a warning, right-click on the problematic adapter and select Properties. The Device status box will provide more information about the issue.
Sub-heading: Enabling the Network Adapter
It's possible that your WiFi adapter has been accidentally disabled.
- In Device Manager (if you found your wireless adapter): Right-click on your wireless network adapter (it will likely have words like "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "802.11" in its name).
- Check the Context Menu: If you see an Enable device option, click it.
- Wait and See: Allow a few moments for Windows to re-enable the adapter and check if your WiFi networks appear.
Sub-heading: Updating the Network Adapter Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause all sorts of problems.
- In Device Manager: Right-click on your wireless network adapter.
- Select Update driver: Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will attempt to find and install the latest
1 compatible driver. - If Windows doesn't find a driver: You might need to visit the website of your computer manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or the manufacturer of your wireless adapter (e.g., Intel, Broadcom) and download the latest driver manually. Once downloaded, run the installer.
- After updating (or installing): Restart your computer.
Sub-heading: Rolling Back the Network Adapter Driver
If the problem started after a recent update, the new driver might be the culprit.
- In Device Manager: Right-click on your wireless network adapter and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab: If the Roll Back Driver button is available (not grayed out), click it and follow the on-screen instructions. This will revert to the previously installed driver.
- Restart your computer after the rollback is complete.
Step 3: Network Reset - A More Drastic Measure
If the adapter itself seems fine, but the WiFi still hasn't reappeared, a network reset can help. This will reset all your network settings, so you'll need to re-enter your WiFi passwords.
- Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I.
- Go to Network & internet: Click on it in the left-hand sidebar.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset: Click on it.
- Read the Warning: Understand that this will remove all your saved WiFi passwords and network configurations.
- Click the Reset now button: Confirm your decision when prompted.
- Restart your computer: This is crucial for the reset to take effect.
After the restart, you'll need to reconnect to your WiFi network by selecting it from the available networks and entering the password.
Step 4: Checking Network Services - Background Operations
Certain Windows services are essential for network connectivity.
- Open Services: Press the Windows key + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Locate WLAN AutoConfig: Scroll through the list to find this service.
- Check the Status: The Status column should say "Running," and the Startup Type should be "Automatic."
- If the status is not "Running," right-click on WLAN AutoConfig and select Start.
- If the Startup Type is not "Automatic," right-click on WLAN AutoConfig, select Properties, and in the Startup type dropdown menu, choose Automatic. Then click Apply and OK.
- Also check for related services: Ensure that services like Network Connections, Plug and Play, and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) are also running and set to Automatic.
Step 5: Using the Network Troubleshooter - Let Windows Help
Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common network problems.
- Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I.
- Go to System: Click on it in the left-hand sidebar.
- Click on Troubleshoot.
- Select Other troubleshooters.
- Find Network Adapter: Click the Run button next to it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions: The troubleshooter will attempt to identify and resolve any issues it finds.
Step 6: Checking for Hardware Issues - The Unfortunate Possibility
While less common, the problem could be with your computer's wireless network adapter hardware itself.
- If you recently installed new hardware: Try removing it temporarily to see if it's causing a conflict.
- Check for physical damage: Ensure there's no visible damage to your laptop or desktop.
- Consider external USB WiFi adapter: If you suspect a hardware issue, you can try using an external USB WiFi adapter as a temporary workaround or to confirm if the internal adapter is faulty. If the external adapter works, your internal adapter might need repair or replacement.
Step 7: System Restore - Turning Back Time
If the problem started recently and you have a system restore point created before the issue began, you can try using System Restore to revert your system to a previous working state.
- Search for "Create a restore point" in the Windows search bar and open it.
- Click the System Restore button.
- Choose a restore point: Select a restore point that was created before your WiFi disappeared. If you're unsure, choose the recommended restore point.
- Follow the on-screen instructions: System Restore will revert your system files and settings to the chosen point. Note that this might uninstall recently installed applications and drivers.
Step 8: Checking BIOS/UEFI Settings - A Deeper Dive
In some rare cases, the wireless adapter might be disabled in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the designated key during startup (usually Del, F2, F12, Esc, or another key – check your motherboard manufacturer's documentation).
- Look for Wireless or Network settings: Navigate through the BIOS/UEFI menus to find any settings related to your wireless adapter.
- Ensure it's enabled: If it's disabled, enable it and save the changes before exiting BIOS/UEFI.
Step 9: Checking for Malware - A Security Consideration
Although less likely to directly cause a WiFi adapter to disappear, malware can sometimes interfere with system functions.
- Run a full scan with your antivirus software: Ensure your antivirus software is up to date and perform a comprehensive system scan.
- Consider using a second opinion scanner: Tools like Malwarebytes can sometimes detect threats that your primary antivirus might miss.
Step 10: Contacting Support - When All Else Fails
If you've tried all the above steps and your WiFi is still missing, it might be time to seek professional help.
- Contact your computer manufacturer's support: They might have specific troubleshooting steps for your model.
- Contact a local computer repair shop: A technician can diagnose and fix potential hardware issues.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Fix WiFi Disappeared Windows 11
How to quickly check if WiFi is enabled on Windows 11?
Open Quick Settings (Windows key + A) and see if the WiFi tile is turned on (usually blue or highlighted).
How to restart my WiFi adapter in Windows 11?
Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click on your wireless adapter, and select Disable device. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device.
How to update my WiFi drivers on Windows 11?
Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click on your wireless adapter, select Update driver, and choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
How to perform a network reset on Windows 11?
Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now. Remember this will erase your saved WiFi passwords.
How to run the network troubleshooter in Windows 11?
Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter > Run.
How to check if Airplane Mode is turned on in Windows 11?
Open Quick Settings (Windows key + A) and look for the Airplane mode tile. It should be off.
How to find my wireless network adapter in Device Manager?
Open Device Manager and expand the Network adapters category. Look for a device with "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "802.11" in its name.
How to roll back a WiFi driver update in Windows 11?
Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click on your wireless adapter, go to the Driver tab, and click Roll Back Driver (if available).
How to check if the WLAN AutoConfig service is running in Windows 11?
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, find WLAN AutoConfig, and check if its status is "Running" and Startup Type is "Automatic."
How to use System Restore to fix WiFi issues in Windows 11?
Search for "Create a restore point," open it, click System Restore, choose a restore point before the issue started, and follow the on-screen instructions.
We hope this comprehensive guide helps you get your WiFi back up and running on your Windows 11 system! Remember to go through the steps systematically, and hopefully, you'll find the solution that works for you. Good luck!