Have you ever booted up your Windows 11 PC only to find that your WiFi networks are missing? It’s a frustrating issue that can leave you feeling disconnected. In this guide, I’ll share some straightforward troubleshooting tips to help you quickly get your WiFi back on track.
Having trouble connecting to WiFi on Windows 11? This guide offers step-by-step instructions to help you diagnose and fix the issue.
Table of Contents:
Step 1: Check Basic Settings
- Airplane Mode:
Ensure that Airplane Mode is turned off. This can sometimes be enabled by accident. - WiFi Toggle:
Confirm that your WiFi is enabled. Look for a physical switch on your device or a function key (often with a wireless icon).
Step 2: Restart Your Devices
- Restart Your Computer:
A simple reboot can often clear temporary glitches that may be affecting your WiFi. - Restart Your Router:
Unplug your router for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to fully restart.
Step 3: Verify Network Adapter Status
- Device Manager:
Open Device Manager (right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager) and check that your wireless network adapter is enabled and free of errors.- If you see a yellow exclamation mark, right-click and choose “Update driver” or “Uninstall device,” then restart your computer.
Step 4: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter
- Built-in Troubleshooter:
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Run the network troubleshooter to let Windows identify and fix common connectivity issues.
Step 5: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
- Update Drivers:
In Device Manager, right-click your wireless adapter and select “Update driver.” - Reinstall Drivers:
If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the driver, then restart your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the latest driver automatically.
Step 6: Reset Network Settings (If Necessary)
- Network Reset:
As a last resort, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings and select Network reset. Note that this will remove all saved networks, so make sure you have your WiFi passwords handy.
Final Thoughts
Following these steps should help you resolve the issue of WiFi not showing on your Windows 11 device. If you continue to experience problems, the issue might be hardware-related, and contacting a technician or your device’s support team may be necessary.
Happy troubleshooting, and here’s to getting you back online quickly!
