If Wi-Fi is not working on Windows 11, the problem can look very different from one PC to another. The Wi-Fi option may disappear completely, your network may not appear, Windows may refuse to connect, or the PC may connect to Wi-Fi but still show No Internet.
Those symptoms do not all have the same cause. A missing Wi-Fi adapter points toward a driver or hardware problem, while a PC that connects successfully but cannot reach the internet may have a router, IP, DNS, VPN, or ISP problem.
Quick answer: Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and Airplane mode is off, restart the PC, then test the same Wi-Fi network on another device. If only the Windows 11 PC fails, forget and reconnect to the network, run the Network and Internet troubleshooter, install Windows updates, and check the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager. Reinstall the network adapter driver only after simpler steps fail, and use Network reset as a last resort.
First: Identify Your Wi-Fi Problem
Before changing drivers or resetting Windows networking, identify exactly what is failing.
| Wi-Fi Problem | Check First |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi option completely missing | Wi-Fi adapter, driver, physical wireless switch |
| No Wi-Fi networks appear | Wi-Fi enabled, Airplane mode, adapter, signal range |
| Your network does not appear but others do | Router, range, Wi-Fi band, network settings |
| Windows sees the network but will not connect | Password, forget/reconnect, router, driver |
| Connected but No Internet | Other devices, router, ISP, VPN, IP/DNS |
| Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting | Signal, power management, driver, router |
| Wi-Fi stopped after Windows Update | Newer driver, reinstall or rollback |
| Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not | Wi-Fi adapter, driver or wireless network |
This distinction matters because a router outage will not be fixed by repeatedly reinstalling your Windows Wi-Fi driver.
Make Sure Wi-Fi Is Turned On
Start with the simplest check.
Select the:
Network, Sound or Battery area on the Windows 11 taskbar
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
You can also open:
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi
and confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled.
Microsoft currently recommends checking Wi-Fi status as one of the first steps when Windows cannot connect to a wireless network.
See Microsoft's official Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
Check for a physical Wi-Fi switch
Some laptops also have a physical wireless switch or a keyboard key that turns Wi-Fi off.
Look for a wireless or antenna symbol on the keyboard.
The exact shortcut depends on the laptop manufacturer, so do not randomly press Fn combinations from tutorials written for another model.
Turn Off Airplane Mode
Airplane mode disables wireless radios and can prevent Wi-Fi from connecting.
Open:
Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode
Make sure Airplane mode is Off.
You can also check it from Windows 11 Quick Settings.
Microsoft includes Airplane mode among its current basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting checks.
Restart Windows 11
Select:
Start > Power > Restart
A restart reloads the network adapter driver and Windows networking components.
If Wi-Fi disappears after sleep but returns after restarting, remember that symptom because it may point toward the Wi-Fi driver, firmware, or power management.
Test Wi-Fi on Another Device
Before blaming the Windows PC, connect another phone, tablet, or laptop to the same Wi-Fi network.
If other devices also cannot connect
The Windows computer may not be the main problem.
Focus on:
- The router
- The modem or ISP gateway
- Your internet provider
- A local service outage
If every other device works
The problem is much more likely to be specific to the Windows 11 PC.
Continue with the Windows troubleshooting below.
Restart the Router and Modem
If multiple devices are having Wi-Fi or internet problems, restart the network equipment.
For separate modem and router devices:
- Unplug the router from power.
- Unplug the modem.
- Wait at least about 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the modem first.
- Wait for its connection lights to stabilize.
- Reconnect the router.
- Wait for Wi-Fi to return.
- Try connecting from Windows again.
Microsoft currently recommends restarting the modem and wireless router during Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting.
Do not press the router's Reset button just to restart it. A physical Reset button can factory-reset the router and erase its configuration.
If every device connects to the router but none can access the internet, use our router connected but no internet troubleshooting guide.
Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
If Windows remembers a bad network configuration or saved credentials, forgetting the network can rebuild the connection.
Make sure you know the Wi-Fi password first.
Open:
Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks
Then:
- Select the affected network.
- Select Forget.
- Return to the available Wi-Fi networks.
- Select your network again.
- Enter the password.
- Try connecting.
Microsoft currently recommends forgetting and reconnecting to the network as an early Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting step.
Wi-Fi Network Not Showing Up
If other networks appear but your own Wi-Fi network is missing, first move closer to the router and refresh the network list.
Windows 11 currently allows you to manually refresh available networks from the Wi-Fi connection panel.
Microsoft documents the current connection process in its Connect to a Wi-Fi network guide.
Try the other Wi-Fi band
Many routers can broadcast multiple bands, including:
- 2.4 GHz
- 5 GHz
- 6 GHz on compatible Wi-Fi 6E or newer hardware
Your PC must support the frequency band and security configuration being used by the router.
If your router displays separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, try the other one.
Microsoft currently recommends testing another available frequency band when troubleshooting Wi-Fi connections.
Wi-Fi Option Missing From Windows 11
If Wi-Fi itself disappears from Quick Settings and Settings, this is different from simply being unable to connect to one network.
Check:
- Airplane mode.
- Your laptop's wireless hardware switch or keyboard key.
- Device Manager.
- Whether the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled.
- The Wi-Fi adapter driver.
- Manufacturer chipset and wireless drivers.
If Windows cannot see the wireless adapter at all, repeatedly changing router settings is unlikely to help.
Run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter
Microsoft currently recommends starting Windows 11 network troubleshooting with the automated Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
Open Start and search for:
Get Help
Then search for:
Network and Internet troubleshooter
Follow the diagnostics it provides.
This is preferable to old Windows tutorials that rely on discontinued legacy troubleshooters.
See Microsoft's current Windows Wi-Fi guidance.
Check the Wi-Fi Adapter in Device Manager
Right-click Start and select:
Device Manager
Expand:
Network adapters
Look for the wireless network adapter.
Its name may contain terms such as:
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi
- WLAN
- 802.11
- The adapter manufacturer's name
Do not uninstall random network adapters. Windows can also list:
- Ethernet adapters
- VPN adapters
- Bluetooth networking
- Virtual network adapters
- Hyper-V adapters
Check Device status
Open the Wi-Fi adapter's Properties.
Look under:
General > Device status
If Windows displays an error code, note that exact code before changing the driver.
Make Sure the Wi-Fi Adapter Is Enabled
If Device Manager shows the wireless adapter but it has been disabled, right-click it.
If you see:
Enable device
select it.
Then return to:
Settings > Network & internet
and check whether Wi-Fi returns.
If the adapter repeatedly disables itself or disappears, continue with driver and hardware troubleshooting.
Update the Wi-Fi Driver
If the wireless adapter appears in Device Manager but cannot connect properly, check for an updated driver.
First run Windows Update.
You can also use Device Manager:
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the confirmed Wi-Fi adapter.
- Select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows says the best driver is already installed, check the official support page for your laptop, motherboard, or Wi-Fi adapter.
Avoid third-party driver-download sites.
Reinstall the Wi-Fi Adapter Driver
If Wi-Fi stopped working after an update or the wireless driver appears corrupted, Microsoft recommends reinstalling the network adapter driver after earlier fixes fail.
Before uninstalling the driver, download a backup copy if possible.
If the PC has no internet connection, download the correct Wi-Fi driver on another device and copy it to a USB drive.
Then:
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the confirmed Wi-Fi adapter.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Follow the uninstall prompts.
- Restart Windows.
Windows should attempt to detect and reinstall the adapter automatically.
If it does not, install the backup driver from your PC manufacturer's official support site.
Microsoft specifically recommends having a replacement driver available before uninstalling the adapter.
Roll Back the Wi-Fi Driver After an Update
If Wi-Fi worked until a recent network-driver update, check whether Windows still has the previous version available.
Open:
Device Manager > Network adapters > Wi-Fi adapter > Properties > Driver
If Roll Back Driver is available:
- Select it.
- Follow the prompts.
- Restart the computer.
- Test Wi-Fi again.
If the button is unavailable, Windows does not currently have a previous driver package available for that adapter.
Install Windows Updates
Open:
Settings > Windows Update
Select:
Check for updates
Install appropriate updates and restart.
Also check:
Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates
for relevant network or wireless drivers.
If Wi-Fi disappeared after an update, do not immediately uninstall the Windows update. First check whether Microsoft or your PC manufacturer has already released a newer Wi-Fi driver.
Restart WLAN AutoConfig
The Windows WLAN AutoConfig service manages wireless network discovery and connections.
If Wi-Fi networks are not appearing even though the adapter is detected:
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
services.msc. - Press Enter.
- Find WLAN AutoConfig.
- Right-click it.
- Select Restart.
Then reopen the available Wi-Fi network list.
Microsoft includes restarting WLAN AutoConfig in its current Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guidance.
Do not randomly change startup settings for unrelated Windows services.
Reset TCP/IP and DNS With Network Commands
If Windows connects inconsistently or cannot obtain a working network configuration, Microsoft recommends several network commands before using a full Network reset.
Search for:
Command Prompt
Select:
Run as administrator
Run these commands in order:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsRestart the PC afterward and test Wi-Fi again.
These commands reset parts of the Windows networking stack, renew the IP configuration, and clear the DNS resolver cache.
Microsoft currently includes these commands in its official Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting sequence.
Connected to Wi-Fi but No Internet
If Windows successfully connects to Wi-Fi but displays No Internet, test another device on the same network.
Every device has no internet
This points toward:
- Router
- Modem
- ISP
- Service outage
Use our router connected but no internet guide for network-wide failures.
Only the Windows PC has no internet
Focus on:
- Forget and reconnect
- VPN
- IP configuration
- DNS
- Wi-Fi driver
- Windows networking stack
If the internet works but is simply much slower than expected, use our Wi-Fi connected but internet slow troubleshooting guide.
Temporarily Test Without a VPN
If Wi-Fi says Connected but websites and apps cannot reach the internet, a VPN connection can sometimes be responsible.
Temporarily disconnect your VPN and test the connection again.
If the internet immediately begins working, troubleshoot the VPN application rather than repeatedly reinstalling the Wi-Fi adapter.
If the PC belongs to your employer or school, do not remove required VPN or security software without administrator approval.
Try Another Wi-Fi Band
Microsoft currently recommends trying another wireless frequency band when connection problems affect one network.
If your router exposes separate network names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, connect to the other band and test again.
Neither band is universally better:
- 2.4 GHz generally reaches farther and penetrates obstacles better.
- 5 GHz generally provides more capacity at shorter range.
- 6 GHz requires compatible hardware and a compatible router.
Microsoft's Wi-Fi and home layout guide explains current Windows wireless-band considerations.
Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting or Stops After Sleep
If Wi-Fi works after restarting but repeatedly disconnects or disappears after sleep, check the wireless adapter's power-management behavior.
Open:
Device Manager > Network adapters > Wi-Fi adapter > Properties
If your adapter includes a Power Management tab, look for:
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Microsoft currently recommends clearing this option when diagnosing certain Wi-Fi connectivity problems.
Not every adapter exposes this tab, so do not worry if it is absent.
Also install current:
- Windows updates
- Wi-Fi drivers
- Chipset drivers
- BIOS or firmware updates recommended by the PC manufacturer
Use Network Reset as a Last Step
Network reset should not be your first Wi-Fi fix.
Microsoft currently describes it as a last troubleshooting step.
On Windows 11, open:
Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset
Select:
Reset now
Windows removes installed network adapters and their settings, restarts the PC, and reinstalls the adapters with default settings.
Important: After Network reset, you may need to reconfigure networking software such as:
- VPN clients
- Virtual network adapters
- Hyper-V virtual switches
- Special network profiles
Microsoft also notes that network connections may be returned to a public network profile afterward.
Use Network reset only after the simpler checks have failed.
When the Wi-Fi Adapter May Have a Hardware Problem
Wireless hardware becomes more likely when:
- The Wi-Fi adapter is completely missing from Device Manager.
- Correct manufacturer drivers do not restore it.
- The adapter repeatedly disappears from Windows.
- Wi-Fi does not work in manufacturer hardware diagnostics.
- The problem began after physical or liquid damage.
- An external USB Wi-Fi adapter works normally while the internal adapter does not.
Test an external adapter if available
An external USB Wi-Fi adapter can be useful as a diagnostic comparison.
If the USB adapter connects normally while the internal Wi-Fi adapter remains missing despite correct drivers, the problem becomes more specific to the internal adapter or its connection.
This is not proof by itself, but it is useful evidence before repairing or replacing hardware.
Wi-Fi Fixes You Should Avoid
Most Windows 11 Wi-Fi problems do not require aggressive networking changes.
Avoid blindly:
- Assigning random static IP addresses
- Changing DNS before identifying a DNS problem
- Disabling IPv6 from old tutorials
- Changing MTU values randomly
- Editing the Windows Registry
- Deleting every network adapter
- Installing third-party driver updater programs
- Factory-resetting your router as an early fix
- Using Windows Network reset before simpler troubleshooting
Changing several advanced settings at the same time makes it harder to determine what actually fixed or broke the connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Wi-Fi not working on Windows 11?
Possible causes include Wi-Fi being disabled, Airplane mode, a saved network problem, router failure, a missing or damaged wireless driver, Windows Update, VPN software, or Wi-Fi adapter hardware.
Why did the Wi-Fi option disappear from Windows 11?
Windows may no longer be detecting the wireless adapter. Check Device Manager, make sure the adapter is enabled, install current drivers, and check the manufacturer's support page.
Why is my Wi-Fi network not showing up on Windows 11?
Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled, move closer to the router, refresh the network list, restart the router, and try another available Wi-Fi band. If no networks appear at all, check the Windows Wi-Fi adapter.
Why can my phone connect to Wi-Fi but my laptop cannot?
If another device connects normally to the same network, the problem is more likely to involve the laptop's saved Wi-Fi connection, wireless adapter, Windows settings, or driver.
Why does Windows say Connected but No Internet?
Your PC may be connected to the router while the router has no internet connection, or the PC may have a VPN, IP, DNS, or network-driver problem. Test another device on the same network first.
How do I reinstall my Wi-Fi driver?
Download a backup driver first, then open Device Manager > Network adapters, uninstall the confirmed Wi-Fi adapter, and restart Windows. Windows should attempt to reinstall it automatically.
Should I uninstall my Wi-Fi adapter?
Only after simpler troubleshooting fails. Microsoft recommends having a replacement driver available before uninstalling the adapter, especially if the PC currently has no internet access.
Why did Wi-Fi stop working after Windows Update?
A driver compatibility issue may be involved. Check for newer Windows and manufacturer updates first, then consider reinstalling or rolling back the Wi-Fi driver.
Why does Wi-Fi work after restart but stop after sleep?
The Wi-Fi driver's power-management behavior, firmware, or chipset software may be involved. Check for driver and BIOS updates and inspect the adapter's Power Management setting if available.
Should I reset TCP/IP?
It can help with damaged Windows network configuration. Microsoft includes Winsock, TCP/IP, IP renewal, and DNS cache commands in its current Wi-Fi troubleshooting sequence.
Should I change DNS to fix Wi-Fi?
Not automatically. DNS changes help only when DNS resolution is the problem. They will not repair a missing Wi-Fi adapter, weak signal, bad password, or router outage.
Should I use a static IP address?
Usually not for normal home troubleshooting. DHCP automatically assigns addresses and is appropriate for most users. A random static IP can introduce an address conflict or incorrect gateway settings.
Should I disable IPv6?
Not as a routine Wi-Fi fix. Modern Windows and networks are designed to support IPv6, and disabling it without a specific diagnosis can create additional connectivity problems.
What does Network reset do in Windows 11?
Network reset removes installed network adapters and resets their configuration before reinstalling them after restart. It can also require VPN and virtual-network software to be configured again.
Should I use Network reset first?
No. Microsoft describes Network reset as a last step after other Wi-Fi troubleshooting fails.
Why is Windows Wi-Fi extremely slow?
A slow connection is different from Wi-Fi being completely broken. Signal strength, congestion, router placement, interference, Wi-Fi band, background traffic, and ISP performance may all be involved.
How do I know if my laptop's Wi-Fi card is broken?
Hardware becomes more likely if the adapter remains missing after the correct drivers are installed, repeatedly disappears, fails manufacturer diagnostics, or an external USB Wi-Fi adapter works normally on the same PC.
Final Thoughts
If Wi-Fi is not working on Windows 11, identify the symptom before resetting anything. A missing Wi-Fi option, a network that will not connect, and a connection that shows No Internet all require slightly different troubleshooting.
Start with Wi-Fi and Airplane mode, restart the PC, and test another device on the same network. Then forget and reconnect to Wi-Fi and run Microsoft's Network and Internet troubleshooter.
If only the Windows PC continues to fail, move to Device Manager and the wireless driver. Install Windows and manufacturer updates before uninstalling the adapter, and keep a backup driver available if the computer cannot access the internet.
Use command-line network resets only after the basic checks, and save Windows 11's full Network reset for last because it removes network adapters and resets their configuration.