Windows 11 WiFi Not Showing? 10 Quick Fixes That Work

Quick Fix

Press Windows + A to open Quick Settings and check if WiFi is enabled. If the WiFi option is missing entirely, run the Network troubleshooter by going to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet.

Understanding Why WiFi Isn’t Showing in Windows 11

When your WiFi option disappears from Windows 11, it’s usually caused by disabled wireless adapters, outdated or corrupted drivers, or system services that aren’t running properly. This issue became more common after certain Windows 11 updates that affected network driver compatibility.

The problem can also stem from BIOS settings where wireless functionality has been disabled, or from third-party software conflicts. In some cases, a recent Windows update may have reset your network configuration or replaced working drivers with incompatible ones.

Hardware issues are less common but can occur, especially on laptops where the physical wireless card may have become unseated or damaged. Understanding these potential causes helps you systematically work through the solutions below.

Method 1: Enable WiFi Adapter in Network Connections

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
3. Look for your WiFi adapter (usually named “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Network Connection”)
4. If it shows as disabled (grayed out), right-click on it
5. Select Enable from the context menu
6. Wait a few seconds for the adapter to initialize
7. Check if WiFi now appears in your taskbar

Method 2: Run the Network Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot
3. Click on Other troubleshooters
4. Find Network and Internet and click Run
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to detect and fix issues
6. Apply any recommended fixes
7. Restart your computer when prompted

Method 3: Restart WLAN AutoConfig Service

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc
2. Press Enter to open the Services window
3. Scroll down and find WLAN AutoConfig
4. Right-click on it and select Restart
5. If the service is stopped, right-click and select Start
6. Double-click the service and set Startup type to Automatic
7. Click Apply and OK

Method 4: Update or Reinstall WiFi Driver

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click your wireless adapter and select Update driver
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers
5. If no update is found, right-click the adapter again
6. Select Uninstall device and check “Delete driver software”
7. Restart your computer – Windows will reinstall the driver automatically

Method 5: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Settings with Windows + I
2. Go to Network & internet
3. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings
4. Click Network reset
5. Click the Reset now button
6. Confirm by clicking Yes
7. Your PC will restart and reinstall all network adapters

Method 6: Check Physical Wireless Switch

1. Look for a physical WiFi switch on your laptop (often on the side or front)
2. Check if there’s a function key combination (usually Fn + F2 or similar)
3. Look for a wireless icon on your function keys
4. Press the appropriate key combination to toggle WiFi
5. Check your laptop’s documentation for the specific key
6. Some laptops have an LED indicator showing WiFi status

Method 7: Enable WiFi in BIOS

1. Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc)
2. Navigate to Advanced or Configuration tab
3. Look for Wireless, WLAN, or WiFi settings
4. Ensure the wireless adapter is set to Enabled
5. Save changes and exit (usually F10)
6. Let Windows boot normally and check for WiFi

Method 8: Run SFC and DISM Scans

1. Press Windows key and type cmd
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
4. Wait for the scan to complete (may take 10-15 minutes)
5. Then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
6. Wait for this process to complete
7. Restart your computer and check WiFi status

Preventing Future WiFi Issues

• Keep your Windows 11 and drivers updated to prevent compatibility issues
• Create a system restore point before major updates
• Download your WiFi driver from the manufacturer’s website as backup
• Avoid using aggressive registry cleaners that might remove network settings
• Consider pausing Windows updates if you notice WiFi issues after recent updates

FAQ

Why did my WiFi option suddenly disappear?

The most common cause is a Windows update that affected your wireless driver or changed network settings. It can also happen after sleep/hibernation cycles or system crashes that corrupt driver files.

Can I use Ethernet while fixing this issue?

Yes, connecting via Ethernet cable is a great temporary solution. It also allows you to download updated WiFi drivers from your manufacturer’s website while troubleshooting.

Will network reset delete my saved WiFi passwords?

Yes, performing a network reset will remove all saved WiFi networks and their passwords. Make sure you have your WiFi password written down before doing a network reset.

My WiFi adapter doesn’t show in Device Manager at all. What should I do?

If your adapter is completely missing from Device Manager, check BIOS settings first. If WiFi is enabled in BIOS but still missing, you may have a hardware failure requiring professional repair or adapter replacement.

Is this a common Windows 11 bug?

Yes, WiFi disappearing has been reported by many Windows 11 users, particularly after specific cumulative updates. Microsoft has acknowledged and patched several related issues, so keeping Windows updated often resolves the problem.

Should I roll back to Windows 10?

Rolling back is usually not necessary. The methods above resolve the issue for most users. Only consider rolling back if you’ve exhausted all options and need WiFi urgently for work.