Alex Ruben
How to Fix WiFi Network Not Showing Up in Windows 10 and 11
Having trouble connecting to your WiFi because your laptop doesn’t show the network in the settings? This guide will walk you through the straightforward steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue of WiFi networks not appearing in Windows 10 and 11. By the end, you’ll be equipped with practical methods to restore your laptop’s WiFi functionality, ensuring a seamless internet experience.
Step 1: Ensure Airplane Mode is Disabled
The first step to troubleshooting your WiFi connectivity is to make sure that Airplane Mode is turned off. Airplane Mode disables all wireless communication, including WiFi. To check this, look for the Airplane Mode icon in the Action Center located at the bottom right corner of the screen. If it’s activated, click on it to disable it.
Step 2: Restart Your Laptop
Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many connectivity issues. Restarting your laptop refreshes the system and may restore the visibility of WiFi networks. Click on the Start menu, choose Power, and then select Restart.
Step 3: Check WiFi Hardware Switch
Some laptops have a physical switch to enable or disable WiFi connectivity. Check your laptop’s keyboard or sides for a switch or key that has a WiFi symbol (like a wave). If found, toggle the switch or press the key to enable WiFi.
Step 4: Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupt network drivers might be the reason for your WiFi not showing up. To update your drivers:
- Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section and right-click on your WiFi adapter.
- Select Update driver and follow the on-screen instructions to search for updated drivers automatically.
This step is crucial as proper drivers ensure that your hardware communicates effectively with your operating system.
Step 5: Run the Network Troubleshooter
If the WiFi option is still not appearing, it’s time to run the built-in network troubleshooter, which can help identify and fix connectivity problems:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters and then click on Network Adapter.
- Follow the prompts to detect issues and apply any recommended fixes.
This tool is designed to resolve many common network problems automatically.
Step 6: Reset Network Settings
If none of the previous steps have worked, consider resetting your network settings. This sets all network-related settings back to their defaults:
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
- Scroll down and select Network reset.
- Click on Reset now and confirm your choice.
This can resolve deep-rooted issues affecting your ability to view WiFi networks but will require you to input your WiFi credentials again after the reset.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
It’s a good practice to ensure your Windows is updated regularly, as updates can include fixes for connectivity issues. Additionally, if your WiFi still doesn’t appear, you may want to try disabling third-party antivirus or firewall temporarily to see if these are blocking WiFi access. Remember to re-enable them immediately after testing.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the issue of your WiFi network not showing up on your Windows 10 or 11 laptop. Connectivity problems can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting methods, you can restore access to your networks quickly. For further assistance or troubleshooting, consult additional guides on common network issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my WiFi network not showing up in my laptop settings?
This can occur due to several reasons including Airplane Mode being enabled, issues with the WiFi adapter, outdated drivers, or network settings that need adjustment.
How do I know if my WiFi adapter is functioning properly?
You can check the functionality of your WiFi adapter in the Device Manager. If there is a yellow triangle icon on your WiFi device, it indicates that there is a problem with the adapter.
Will resetting my network settings delete my WiFi passwords?
Yes, resetting your network settings will remove all saved networks and passwords. Make sure to note them down before you proceed with this step.