When Wi-Fi is not working on Windows 10 or Windows 11, the right fix depends on what you see. The Wi-Fi option may be missing, Windows may refuse to connect, your computer may show “No Internet, Secured,” or your laptop may disconnect repeatedly. Start by checking another device on the same network, then follow the troubleshooting steps that match your symptoms. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary driver changes or a network reset when the real problem is your router or internet provider.
Most Wi-Fi problems can be diagnosed without replacing hardware or reinstalling Windows. The key is to identify whether the issue comes from your computer, wireless network, or internet service provider before trying advanced fixes.
Diagnose Your Wi-Fi Problem First
Use this table to identify the most relevant starting point.
| Symptom | Possible cause | What to try first |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi option is missing | Disabled adapter, driver issue, or wireless service problem | Check Airplane Mode and Device Manager |
| “Can’t connect to this network” | Incorrect password, saved network profile, or router settings | Forget the network and reconnect |
| Connected but no internet | Router, ISP, DNS, VPN, or Windows network problem | Test another device and restart the router |
| Wi-Fi disconnects frequently | Weak signal, interference, or driver issues | Move closer to the router and check the driver |
| No devices can access the internet | Router, modem, or ISP outage | Check the router and contact your provider if necessary |
1. Check Whether the Problem Is Windows or Your Internet Connection
Before changing Windows settings, connect a phone or another computer to the same Wi-Fi network and test whether it can access the internet.
- Other devices also have no internet: The problem may be your router, modem, or internet service provider.
- Other devices work normally: Focus on your Windows computer, wireless adapter, and network configuration.
- Only one website fails: The website itself or a DNS issue may be responsible.
If every device is offline, restart your router and modem. Disconnect their power for approximately 30–60 seconds, reconnect the equipment, and wait for the connection lights to stabilize. If the outage continues, check with your internet provider.
If your computer also runs slowly or freezes while you troubleshoot, see our guide on how to fix a slow Windows 11 PC for additional system-performance checks.
2. Check Wi-Fi and Airplane Mode
If Windows cannot find a network, first make sure wireless connectivity has not been switched off.
Windows 11:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Turn Wi-Fi on if it is disabled.
- Open the available networks list and select your network.
Windows 10:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
- Turn Wi-Fi on.
- Select your wireless network and connect.
You can also press Windows + A to open Quick Settings or the Action Center and turn off Airplane Mode if it is enabled.
Some laptops have a wireless function key or physical switch. Check your manufacturer’s instructions if Wi-Fi remains unavailable.
If the Wi-Fi option is missing entirely, continue to the Device Manager checks below.
3. Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect
If Windows displays “Can’t connect to this network,” or the problem started after you changed your Wi-Fi password, the saved network profile may be incorrect.
On Windows 11:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi.
- Select Manage known networks.
- Choose your network and click Forget.
On Windows 10:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
- Select Manage known networks.
- Choose your network and click Forget.
Next, open the available Wi-Fi networks list, select your network, and enter the current password.
Make sure you know the correct Wi-Fi password before forgetting the network. If the connection still fails, restart your computer and router before moving to driver troubleshooting.
4. Restart the Wi-Fi Adapter
If Wi-Fi is enabled but Windows cannot detect networks or connect reliably, restarting the adapter may restore normal operation.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Find your wireless adapter. Its name may include Wi-Fi, Wireless, Intel, or Realtek.
- Right-click it and select Disable device.
- Wait about 10–30 seconds.
- Right-click it again and select Enable device.
If the wireless adapter is missing, select View → Show hidden devices in Device Manager. A hidden or greyed-out adapter may indicate that Windows is not currently detecting it; it does not prove the hardware is functioning.
5. Update or Roll Back the Wi-Fi Driver
A driver problem can cause missing networks, failed connections, or repeated disconnections. This is particularly worth investigating if Wi-Fi stopped working after a Windows update.
Update the driver
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your wireless adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Install any suitable available driver and restart your computer.
If Windows does not find an update, check Settings → Windows Update, including optional driver updates where available.
You can also visit your laptop or PC manufacturer’s official support website and search for your exact model. Download only the compatible wireless driver from the manufacturer or a trusted hardware provider. Avoid unofficial driver-download sites and third-party driver-updater programs.
For supported Intel wireless hardware, you can use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
Roll back the driver
If Wi-Fi stopped working immediately after a driver update, returning to the previous version may help.
- Open Device Manager → Network adapters.
- Double-click your wireless adapter.
- Open the Driver tab.
- If Roll Back Driver is available, select it and follow the instructions.
- Restart Windows and test the connection.
The rollback option may be unavailable if Windows has no previous driver version stored. In that case, check the manufacturer’s support page for a compatible earlier driver.
If your Wi-Fi problem appeared after a Windows update, our guide on how to fix Windows Update errors provides additional troubleshooting steps for update-related issues.
6. Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver if the Adapter Still Fails
Reinstalling the driver can help when the adapter appears in Device Manager but does not work correctly.
- If Wi-Fi is your only internet connection, download the correct replacement driver from your PC manufacturer’s support page first.
- Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your wireless adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Avoid selecting an option to delete the driver package unless you have a replacement ready.
- Restart the computer and check whether Windows reinstalls the adapter.
- If necessary, install the driver you downloaded from the manufacturer.
If the adapter does not appear after restarting and installing the correct driver, check for device errors or possible hardware failure.
7. Fix “Connected, No Internet” Problems
If Windows connects to Wi-Fi but websites will not load, the wireless connection itself may be working while internet access or name resolution is failing.
Try these checks in order:
- Open a different website to rule out a single-site problem.
- Check whether another device can access the internet through the same router.
- Disconnect your VPN temporarily and test again.
- Restart your router if several devices are affected.
- If only Windows has the problem, investigate network configuration and DNS.
If you suspect a DNS cache problem, you can clear it using Command Prompt.
- Search for Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter this command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdns- Test your connection again.
If the problem persists and you suspect corrupted network settings, reset TCP/IP and Winsock. In an administrator Command Prompt, run each command separately:
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock resetRestart Windows afterward.
If you use a custom IP address, proxy, or VPN configuration, record the relevant settings before resetting them. You may need to reconfigure some network settings afterward.
For more guidance, consult Microsoft’s official network connection troubleshooting guide
8. Run Windows Network Diagnostics
Windows includes troubleshooting tools that may identify common connection problems.
Windows 11: Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and use the available network or internet troubleshooting option. Some versions direct users to the Get Help app.
Windows 10: Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters and select the relevant network troubleshooter if available.
Follow the instructions and test Wi-Fi afterward. If the tool cannot identify the problem, use the symptom table above to decide whether to investigate the driver, router, or network settings.
9. Reset Windows Network Settings
Use Network Reset only when simpler fixes have failed and Windows still appears to have a persistent networking problem.
Network Reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores many networking settings to their defaults. It can also affect saved network configurations, VPN software, virtual adapters, and custom IP or DNS settings.
Before resetting, make sure you know your Wi-Fi password and can restore any custom network settings you need.
Windows 11:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now and confirm.
- Restart the computer if prompted.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Windows 10:
- Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
- Select Network reset.
- Click Reset now and confirm.
- Reconnect to your network after Windows restarts.
Menu wording can vary slightly between Windows versions and updates. If Network Reset does not resolve the problem, avoid repeating it; investigate the adapter, router, or hardware instead.
10. Check for Wireless Adapter or Hardware Problems
If Windows cannot detect your wireless adapter after checking the settings and reinstalling the correct driver, the issue may involve the hardware.
- Open Device Manager and inspect Network adapters.
- Double-click the wireless adapter, if present, and check its device status for an error code.
- Check your PC manufacturer’s support instructions for wireless diagnostics.
- If the adapter remains undetected, contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.
A faulty internal wireless card or antenna may need repair. A compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter can be an alternative, but first rule out driver and configuration problems.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
- Check another device on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Confirm Wi-Fi is enabled and Airplane Mode is off.
- Forget and reconnect to the network if the connection fails.
- Restart the wireless adapter if networks are missing.
- Update or roll back the driver if the problem began after an update.
- Use DNS or TCP/IP troubleshooting if Wi-Fi connects without internet.
- Check the router or ISP if multiple devices are affected.
- Use Network Reset only after simpler fixes fail, and keep your Wi-Fi credentials available.
How to Prevent Wi-Fi Problems on Windows
You cannot prevent every wireless issue, but a few habits can reduce recurring problems.
- Keep Windows and drivers updated. Install reliable updates and use drivers intended for your exact device.
- Position the router well. Thick walls, long distances, and electronic interference can weaken the signal.
- Use secure router settings. Choose a strong Wi-Fi password and modern security supported by your devices.
- Avoid unnecessary network changes. Record custom DNS, IP, VPN, and proxy settings before making major changes.
- Maintain your computer. If Windows is also slow or unstable, our guide on why Windows 11 is running slowly covers additional performance checks.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows
Why is my Wi-Fi option missing in Windows?
The wireless adapter may be disabled, its driver may be damaged, or Windows may not be detecting the hardware. Check Airplane Mode and Device Manager, then update or reinstall the correct driver if necessary.
Why does Windows say “No Internet, Secured”?
Your computer may be connected to the router without having working internet access. Check another device, restart the router if needed, and investigate DNS, VPN, or Windows network settings if the issue affects only your PC.
Why does Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?
Weak signal strength, interference, driver problems, or adapter settings can cause repeated disconnections. Test closer to the router and check the wireless driver before changing advanced settings.
Will Network Reset delete my personal files?
Network Reset is designed to reset networking settings rather than delete personal documents. However, it can remove saved network configurations and affect VPN or virtual network adapters, so prepare your Wi-Fi credentials and record custom settings first.
Should I replace my router or my Wi-Fi adapter?
If multiple devices cannot access the internet, investigate the router, modem, or ISP first. If other devices work but your Windows PC does not, focus on Windows settings, drivers, and the wireless adapter.
Final Thoughts On How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows
The fastest way to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10 or Windows 11 is to identify the symptom before choosing a solution. Start with basic connectivity checks, then use adapter and driver troubleshooting for missing networks or failed connections. Reserve TCP/IP repairs and Network Reset for persistent Windows-specific problems, and investigate your router or hardware when the evidence points away from Windows.
This approach reduces unnecessary changes and helps you restore your connection without reinstalling Windows or replacing equipment prematurely.
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