Alright, let's dive into getting your Windows 11 Wi-Fi back on track! It can be frustrating when your wireless network suddenly disappears, but don't worry, we'll go through a comprehensive set of steps to troubleshoot and resolve this.
Are you currently seeing no Wi-Fi networks listed at all, or is your usual network missing from the list? Knowing this will help us narrow down the potential causes. Let's start with the first scenario: no Wi-Fi networks are visible.
Step 1: Initial Quick Checks
Before we delve into more technical steps, let's rule out some of the easiest fixes.
Check Physical Connections (If Applicable)
While less common with laptops, if you're using a desktop with a separate Wi-Fi adapter (either USB or internal), ensure it's securely plugged in. For internal adapters, this might involve opening your computer case, so only do this if you're comfortable and know what you're doing.
Restart Your Computer and Router/Modem
This classic troubleshooting step often resolves temporary glitches.
- Restart your computer: Click the Start button, then the Power icon, and select Restart.
- Restart your modem and router: Unplug the power cables from both your modem and your router. Wait about 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Once the modem is fully powered on (usually indicated by stable lights), plug the router back in. Give it a few minutes to boot up completely.
After both devices have restarted, check if Wi-Fi networks are now visible on your Windows 11 PC.
Step 2: Checking Basic Windows Settings
If a restart didn't do the trick, let's look at some fundamental Windows settings.
Ensure Wi-Fi is Enabled
It might sound obvious, but sometimes Wi-Fi gets accidentally disabled.
- Open Quick Settings: Press the Windows key + A to open the Quick Settings panel.
- Check the Wi-Fi tile: Make sure the Wi-Fi tile is blue (or the active color of your theme), indicating it's turned on. If it's gray, click it to enable Wi-Fi.
- Check in Settings App: Alternatively, open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I. Navigate to Network & internet and ensure the Wi-Fi toggle is set to On.
Airplane Mode Check
Airplane mode disables all wireless communication, including Wi-Fi.
- Open Quick Settings: Again, press Windows key + A.
- Check the Airplane mode tile: Ensure it's gray, indicating it's turned off. If it's blue, click it to disable Airplane mode.
- Check in Settings App: In the Settings app (Windows key + I), go to Network & internet and verify that Airplane mode is turned Off.
Step 3: Diving Deeper into Network Adapters
The issue might lie with your Wi-Fi adapter itself.
Accessing Device Manager
Device Manager allows you to manage and troubleshoot your computer's hardware.
- Open the Run dialog: Press Windows key + R.
- Type
devmgmt.mscand press Enter. This will open Device Manager.
Checking the Wi-Fi Adapter Status
- Expand Network adapters: In Device Manager, find and double-click on the "Network adapters" category to expand it.
- Locate your Wi-Fi adapter: It will likely have "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" in its name.
- Check for error indicators: Look for a yellow exclamation mark or a red "X" next to your Wi-Fi adapter.
- Yellow Exclamation Mark: This indicates a problem with the driver. Proceed to the driver-related steps below.
- Red "X": This means the device is disabled. Right-click on the adapter and select "Enable device".
Updating the Wi-Fi Adapter Driver
An outdated or corrupted driver can cause Wi-Fi issues.
- Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.
- Select "Update driver".
- You'll be presented with two options:
- Search automatically for updated driver software: Windows will search for and install the latest driver it finds. Ensure you have an internet connection via Ethernet or another method if your Wi-Fi isn't working.
- Browse my computer for driver software: If you've already downloaded the latest driver from the manufacturer's website, select this option and navigate to the downloaded file. It's generally recommended to get the latest drivers from the official website of your laptop or motherboard manufacturer.
Uninstalling and Reinstalling the Wi-Fi Adapter Driver
If updating doesn't work, try a clean reinstall.
- Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.
- Select "Uninstall device".
- Important: In the confirmation dialog, check the box that says "Attempt to remove the driver software for this device" if it's available.
- Click "Uninstall".
- After the uninstall is complete, restart your computer. Windows will often automatically reinstall the driver upon reboot. If not, go back to Device Manager, right-click on any device under "Network adapters", and select "Scan for hardware changes". This should detect and reinstall your Wi-Fi adapter.
Rolling Back the Wi-Fi Adapter Driver
If the issue started after a recent driver update, rolling back to a previous version might help.
- Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.
- 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.
Step 4: Network Reset
A network reset can resolve various network-related problems by resetting your network configurations to their default settings.
- Open the Settings app: Press Windows key + I.
- Navigate to Network & internet.
- Click on "Advanced network settings".
- Scroll down and click on "Network reset".
- Read the warning carefully and then click "Reset now".
- Confirm your decision by clicking "Yes".
- Your computer will restart automatically. After the restart, you'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and enter the password again.
Step 5: Checking Network Services
Certain Windows services are essential for network connectivity.
Accessing Services
- Open the Run dialog: Press Windows key + R.
- Type
services.mscand press Enter. This will open the Services window.
Ensuring Relevant Services are Running
Look for the following services and ensure their Status is "Running" and their Startup Type is set to "Automatic" or "Manual":
- WLAN AutoConfig: This service manages wireless connections.
- Network Location Awareness: This service manages network locations and notifications.
- DHCP Client: This service obtains IP addresses for your computer.
- DNS Client: This service resolves domain names to IP addresses.
To check the status and startup type of a service:
- Double-click on the service name.
- In the properties window, check the "Startup type" and "Service status".
- If the startup type is not "Automatic" or "Manual", change it accordingly.
- If the service status is "Stopped", click the "Start" button.
- Click "Apply" and then "OK".
Step 6: Using Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common network problems.
- Open the Settings app: Press Windows key + I.
- Navigate to System and then click on "Troubleshoot".
- Click on "Other troubleshooters".
- Find "Network Adapter" in the list and click the "Run" button next to it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter might ask you to choose your network adapter.
Step 7: Checking Wireless Security Settings
Sometimes, changes in your router's security settings can prevent your computer from connecting.
Accessing Router Configuration
You'll need to access your router's configuration page through a web browser. The exact steps vary depending on your router manufacturer, but generally:
- Find your router's IP address: You can usually find this on a sticker on the router itself or by typing
ipconfig /allin Command Prompt and looking for the "Default Gateway" under your active network adapter (if you have an Ethernet connection). - Open a web browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar.
- Enter your router's username and password. These
1 are also often found on a sticker on the router. If you've changed them and don't remember, you might need to reset your router to its factory defaults (refer to your router's manual).
Verifying Wireless Settings
Once logged in, look for the wireless settings section. Ensure:
- SSID (Network Name): The name of your Wi-Fi network is correct.
- Security Type: Make sure it's a security type your computer supports (e.g., WPA2-Personal, WPA3-Personal).
- Password/Network Key: Double-check that you're entering the correct password on your Windows 11 PC.
Step 8: Considering Third-Party Software Interference
Sometimes, security software or VPN clients can interfere with network connections. Try temporarily disabling them to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, you might need to adjust their settings or consider alternative software.
Step 9: Checking for Windows Updates
Ensuring your Windows 11 is up to date can resolve compatibility issues and bugs.
- Open the Settings app: Press Windows key + I.
- Navigate to Windows Update.
- Click "Check for updates" and install any available updates.
Step 10: When All Else Fails - System Restore or Reset
If none of the above steps work, you might consider using System Restore to revert your system to a previous point in time when Wi-Fi was working correctly. If that's not an option or doesn't help, a last resort is to reset your Windows 11 installation. Remember to back up your important files before performing a system reset.
How to Fix Windows 11 Wi-Fi Not Showing - Frequently Asked Questions
How to enable Wi-Fi on Windows 11?
Press Windows key + A and click the Wi-Fi tile to turn it on, or go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and toggle it to On.
How to update my Wi-Fi driver on Windows 11?
Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, select Update driver, and choose to search automatically or browse for a downloaded driver.
How to reset network settings on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and click Reset now.
How to check if Airplane mode is on in Windows 11?
Press Windows key + A and check if the Airplane mode tile is blue, or go to Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode. It should be toggled Off.
How to access Device Manager in Windows 11?
Press Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
How to restart my router and modem?
Unplug the power cables from both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to fully power on, then plug the router back in.
How to run the Network Adapter troubleshooter in Windows 11?
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, find Network Adapter, and click Run.
How to check my Wi-Fi network password on Windows 11?
Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, click Manage known networks, select your network, click Properties, and then check the "Show password" box under the Security key field.
How to uninstall and reinstall my Wi-Fi adapter driver on Windows 11?
In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, select Uninstall device (and check the box to remove driver software if prompted), then restart your computer or go to Action > Scan for hardware changes.
How to perform a System Restore in Windows 11?
Search for "Create a restore point" in the Start menu, open System Properties, click System Restore, and follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point.
Hopefully, these steps will help you get your Windows 11 Wi-Fi working again! Let me know if you encounter any specific issues along the way, and we can troubleshoot further.