Laptop Not Connecting to WiFi? 10 Quick Fixes
Quick Fix
Toggle Airplane mode on and off using the keyboard shortcut (usually Fn + F2 or the WiFi key). Then click the WiFi icon in the taskbar and try reconnecting to your network. This resets the wireless adapter and fixes most connection issues.
Understanding Laptop WiFi Problems
When your laptop won’t connect to WiFi, you might see “Can’t connect to this network,” no networks available, or connection drops repeatedly. This affects work, streaming, and everything online.
Common causes include disabled wireless adapters, outdated drivers, incorrect passwords, router issues, or IP conflicts. Sometimes Windows updates reset network settings or break WiFi drivers.
Most WiFi problems are software-related and fixable without hardware repair.
Method 1: Toggle Airplane Mode
- Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
- Click Airplane mode to turn it ON
- Wait 10 seconds
- Click again to turn it OFF
- Wait for WiFi to reconnect
- Or use keyboard shortcut (Fn + airplane key)
Method 2: Forget and Reconnect to Network
- Click WiFi icon in taskbar
- Right-click your network name
- Select Forget
- Click the network again
- Enter password carefully
- Click Connect
- Check “Connect automatically” box
Method 3: Run Network Troubleshooter
- Press Windows + I for Settings
- Go to System > Troubleshoot
- Click Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to Network and Internet
- Follow the prompts
- Apply suggested fixes
- Restart if prompted
Method 4: Update WiFi Driver
- Press Windows + X > Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your WiFi adapter
- Select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically
- If no update found, visit manufacturer’s website
- Restart after updating
Method 5: Reset Network Settings
- Go to Settings > Network & internet
- Scroll down and click Advanced network settings
- Click Network reset
- Click Reset now
- Computer will restart
- Reconnect to WiFi with password
- This resets all network adapters
Method 6: Disable and Re-enable WiFi Adapter
- Press Windows + R, type
ncpa.cpl - Right-click your WiFi adapter
- Select Disable
- Wait 10 seconds
- Right-click again and select Enable
- Try connecting to WiFi
Method 7: Change DNS Settings
- Open Network Connections (ncpa.cpl)
- Right-click WiFi adapter > Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 > Properties
- Select Use the following DNS
- Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Click OK
- Try connecting
Method 8: Restart Router and Modem
- Unplug router from power
- Wait 30 seconds
- Plug back in
- Wait for lights to stabilize (2 minutes)
- Try connecting from laptop
- Check if other devices can connect
Preventing Future WiFi Issues
- Keep WiFi drivers updated
- Don’t disable WiFi adapter unless necessary
- Position laptop within good range of router
- Restart router monthly
- Use 5GHz band when close to router
FAQ
Why does my laptop see WiFi networks but won’t connect?
Usually a password issue, IP conflict, or driver problem. Forget the network and reconnect with the correct password. If that fails, reset network settings.
Why does WiFi work on phone but not laptop?
The laptop likely has a driver or adapter issue. Update or reinstall WiFi drivers. Try connecting to a different network to confirm the adapter works.
Why does my laptop keep disconnecting from WiFi?
Check power settings – WiFi may be set to turn off to save power. Go to Device Manager > WiFi adapter > Properties > Power Management and uncheck “Allow computer to turn off this device.”
How do I find my WiFi password?
On a connected device, go to network settings and show password. Or check your router’s label for default password. You can also log into router settings to see/change it.
Can Windows updates break WiFi?
Yes, occasionally. If WiFi stopped working after an update, try rolling back the WiFi driver or uninstalling the recent update.
Should I use 2.4GHz or 5GHz?
5GHz is faster but has shorter range. Use 5GHz when near the router, 2.4GHz when farther away or through walls.
