Windows 11 Wi-Fi Not Working: 16 Ways to Fix It

byKona -
0

Is your Windows 11 Wi-Fi not working? You may be unable to connect to your wireless network, see a missing Wi-Fi option, experience frequent disconnections, or see “Connected, no internet.”

Wi-Fi problems can be caused by a disabled wireless adapter, driver problems, incorrect network settings, DNS errors, Windows services, power-management settings, wireless interference, router problems, or a recent Windows update.

This guide explains 16 ways to fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows 11. Start with the simple checks first. If they do not work, continue through the more advanced fixes.

Windows 11 Wi-Fi not working troubleshooting guide
Windows 11 Wi-Fi troubleshooting.

Quick Answer: If Wi-Fi is not working in Windows 11, first make sure Wi-Fi is enabled and Airplane mode is off. Restart the PC and router, then try forgetting and reconnecting to the wireless network. If that does not help, check the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager, restart WLAN AutoConfig, update the Wi-Fi driver, reset TCP/IP and DNS, and use Network Reset only as a final software troubleshooting step.

Table of Contents

Quick Diagnosis: What Is Your Wi-Fi Problem?

Before changing advanced Windows settings, identify what is actually happening.

  • Wi-Fi option is missing: Check Airplane mode, Device Manager, WLAN AutoConfig, and the Wi-Fi driver.
  • Wi-Fi is visible but will not connect: Restart the router, forget the network, and reconnect.
  • Connected but no internet: Test another device, restart the router, and check TCP/IP, DNS, and proxy settings.
  • Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting: Check the driver, power-management settings, wireless signal, and router.
  • Only this PC has the problem: Concentrate on Windows, the Wi-Fi adapter, drivers, and network settings.
  • Every device has the problem: The router, modem, or internet service may be responsible.

Why Is Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 11?

Windows 11 Wi-Fi problems can have several causes. Common causes include:

  • Wi-Fi is disabled.
  • Airplane mode is enabled.
  • The wireless adapter is disabled.
  • The Wi-Fi driver is outdated, incompatible, or corrupted.
  • Windows cannot obtain an IP address from the router.
  • TCP/IP or DNS settings are corrupted.
  • The WLAN AutoConfig service is not working correctly.
  • Power-management settings are turning off the wireless adapter.
  • The wireless signal is weak.
  • Wireless interference is affecting the connection.
  • The router or modem has a problem.
  • A Windows update changed network behavior.
  • Proxy or VPN settings are interfering with the connection.

If your entire computer is also running slowly, see our guide on how to fix a slow Windows 11 PC.

1. Check Whether Wi-Fi Is Turned On

Start with the simplest check. Windows 11 may have Wi-Fi disabled even though the wireless adapter is working correctly.

  1. Click the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on the taskbar.
  2. Open the Wi-Fi controls.
  3. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
  4. Select Manage Wi-Fi connections.
  5. Select your wireless network.
  6. Click Connect.
  7. Enter the Wi-Fi password if requested.
Windows 11 Wi-Fi settings showing available wireless networks
Check that Wi-Fi is enabled in Windows 11.

2. Restart Your PC and Router

A temporary network problem can often be cleared by restarting both the computer and router.

Restart the PC

Go to Start → Power → Restart.

Restart the router

  1. Turn off the router.
  2. Unplug its power cable.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds.
  4. Plug the router back in.
  5. Wait several minutes for the connection to return.
  6. Try connecting the Windows 11 PC again.

If other devices also cannot access the internet, the problem may be with the router, modem, or internet service provider rather than your PC.

3. Run Windows Network Diagnostics

Windows 11 provides network diagnostics through the Get Help app.

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for Get Help.
  3. Search for Connect to network and internet.
  4. Select the network diagnostics option.
  5. Follow the instructions.

If Windows identifies a problem, apply the recommended solution and test the Wi-Fi connection again.

4. Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

A damaged or incorrect saved Wi-Fi profile can prevent Windows 11 from connecting correctly. Forgetting the network creates a fresh connection profile.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network & internet.
  3. Select Wi-Fi.
  4. Select Manage known networks.
  5. Find your wireless network.
  6. Select Forget.
  7. Return to the Wi-Fi list.
  8. Select the network.
  9. Enter the Wi-Fi password.
  10. Select Connect.

Important: Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password before forgetting the network.

5. Check Airplane Mode

Airplane mode can disable wireless communication.

  1. Open Windows 11 Quick Settings.
  2. Make sure Airplane mode is turned off.
  3. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

Some laptops also have a physical wireless switch or keyboard function key that can disable Wi-Fi. Check your laptop if the Wi-Fi option is still unavailable.

6. Check the Wi-Fi Adapter in Device Manager

If Windows 11 does not show the Wi-Fi option, check whether the wireless adapter is disabled.

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Select Device Manager.
  3. Expand Network adapters.
  4. Find the wireless adapter.
  5. Right-click it.
  6. If Enable device appears, select it.
Windows 11 Wi-Fi adapter shown in Device Manager
Check the wireless adapter in Device Manager.

If you need to identify your wireless adapter or check other hardware details, see our guide on how to check system information in Windows.

If the adapter has a yellow warning icon, double-click it and check Device status. The message can help identify a driver or hardware problem.

7. Restart WLAN AutoConfig

The WLAN AutoConfig service manages wireless network connections in Windows.

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type services.msc.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Find WLAN AutoConfig.
  5. Right-click it.
  6. Select Restart.

If the service is stopped:

  1. Right-click WLAN AutoConfig.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Set Startup type to Automatic.
  4. Select Start.
  5. Select Apply and OK.
WLAN AutoConfig service in Windows 11 Services
Restart the WLAN AutoConfig service.

Restart Windows and test the Wi-Fi connection again.

8. Update the Wi-Fi Driver

An outdated, incompatible, or corrupted wireless driver can cause connection failures, random disconnects, or a missing Wi-Fi option.

Update through Windows or Device Manager

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.
  4. Select Update driver.
  5. Select Search automatically for drivers.

You can also check Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates for available driver updates.

When Windows Update does not provide the required driver, download the correct driver from the computer manufacturer's official support website or the official hardware manufacturer's website.

Use the Official Manufacturer Website

If your PC cannot access the internet, use another device to download the correct Wi-Fi driver and transfer it with a USB drive.

Important: Whenever possible, download drivers directly from the computer manufacturer's official support website or official hardware manufacturer's website. Avoid unknown third-party driver-download websites.

For Intel wireless adapters, make sure the driver supports your exact adapter model. If possible, check the computer manufacturer's support page first because the manufacturer may provide a driver specifically selected for that computer.

Tip: If you have a Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, or Acer laptop, the laptop manufacturer's support website is usually the best place to start.

9. Reinstall the Wi-Fi Adapter Driver

If updating the driver does not solve the problem, reinstalling it can repair a corrupted driver installation.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.
  4. Select Uninstall device.
  5. If offered, select the option to remove the driver.
  6. Select Uninstall.
  7. Restart the computer.

Windows may detect the wireless adapter after restarting and reinstall the driver.

Important: If the PC has no other internet connection, download a backup Wi-Fi driver before uninstalling the existing one.

10. Reset TCP/IP and DNS

Corrupted network configuration can cause Windows 11 to connect incorrectly or display No Internet.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one at a time:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart the PC after running the commands.

Windows 11 Command Prompt running TCP IP and DNS reset commands
Use Windows networking commands to reset TCP/IP, renew the IP address, and clear the DNS cache.

For more DNS-specific troubleshooting, see our guide on how to fix DNS Server Not Responding.

What Do These Commands Do?

  • netsh winsock reset — resets the Windows network socket configuration.
  • netsh int ip reset — resets TCP/IP.
  • ipconfig /release — releases the current IP address.
  • ipconfig /renew — requests a new IP address.
  • ipconfig /flushdns — clears the DNS cache.

11. Disable Wi-Fi Adapter Power Saving

Windows can turn off the wireless adapter to save power. This can cause intermittent Wi-Fi disconnections, especially on laptops.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.
  4. Select Properties.
  5. Open the Power Management tab.
  6. Clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  7. Select OK.
  8. Restart Windows.

12. Check the Wi-Fi Frequency Band

Wireless connection problems can sometimes be related to the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.

2.4 GHz

  • Longer range.
  • Better wall penetration.
  • Usually lower maximum speeds.
  • Can experience more interference.

5 GHz

  • Higher speeds.
  • Shorter range.
  • Less effective through walls.

If your router provides both bands, try connecting Windows 11 to the other network and compare the results.

13. Check Proxy Settings

An incorrect manual proxy can interfere with internet access even when Wi-Fi itself is working.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network & internet.
  3. Select Proxy.
  4. Check the proxy configuration.
  5. Turn off a manual proxy if you do not intentionally use one.

If your computer uses a company, school, or VPN-managed connection, do not change network settings without checking with the administrator.

14. Install Windows 11 Updates

A Windows update can include fixes for networking, drivers, and device compatibility.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Select Check for updates.
  4. Install available updates.
  5. Restart the computer.

If the Wi-Fi problem started immediately after a Windows update, check for additional updates and investigate the Wi-Fi driver before making major system changes.

If you are troubleshooting a specific Windows 11 update problem, see our guide to Windows 11 KB5121003 problems and fixes.

15. Use Windows 11 Network Reset

Network Reset should be one of your final troubleshooting steps. It removes installed network adapters and resets their settings.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Network & internet.
  3. Select Advanced network settings.
  4. Select Network reset.
  5. Select Reset now.
  6. Restart the PC when prompted.
Windows 11 Network Reset settings
Important: Network Reset can remove network adapters and reset their settings. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure VPN or other network software afterward.

16. Perform a Complete Power Reset

If you have tried the previous troubleshooting steps and Windows 11 still cannot detect or use the Wi-Fi adapter, a complete power reset is worth trying.

A power reset can sometimes clear a temporary hardware or power-management state that a normal Windows restart does not clear.

For Laptops With a Removable Battery

  1. Shut down Windows completely.
  2. Disconnect the AC power adapter.
  3. Remove the laptop battery.
  4. Wait for a few minutes.
  5. Press and hold the power button for about 15–30 seconds.
  6. Reinstall the battery.
  7. Reconnect the AC power adapter.
  8. Start the laptop and check whether the Wi-Fi option has returned.

Important: Do not open the laptop or disconnect an internal battery unless you are familiar with the manufacturer's procedure. For laptops with a built-in battery, use the manufacturer's recommended power-reset or battery-reset procedure instead.

A Real-World Troubleshooting Tip

In one real-world case, Wi-Fi remained unavailable even after several troubleshooting methods had been tried. After the laptop was completely shut down, the removable battery was taken out for a short time and then reinstalled before the laptop was started again. Wi-Fi returned to normal.

This suggests that a temporary hardware or power-management state may sometimes affect the wireless adapter. It is not a guaranteed fix for every Wi-Fi problem, but it can be useful as a last-resort step before assuming that the wireless adapter has failed.

If the Wi-Fi adapter is still missing from Device Manager after a complete power reset, the problem may involve the driver, firmware, wireless hardware, or motherboard. At that point, check the laptop manufacturer's support information or have the hardware professionally inspected.

What If Windows 11 Says “Connected, No Internet”?

This is different from Wi-Fi being completely unavailable. Your PC may be connected to the router but unable to reach the internet.

Try these steps:

  1. Restart the router.
  2. Test another device on the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
  4. Run Windows network diagnostics.
  5. Reset TCP/IP and DNS.
  6. Check proxy settings.
  7. Renew the IP address.
  8. Test the connection using Ethernet if available.

If other devices also have no internet, the problem is more likely to be the router, modem, or internet service.

For DNS-specific problems, see our guide on how to fix DNS Server Not Responding.

What If the Wi-Fi Option Is Missing?

If the Wi-Fi toggle does not appear in Windows 11:

  1. Check Airplane mode.
  2. Restart the PC.
  3. Check Device Manager.
  4. Enable the wireless adapter.
  5. Restart WLAN AutoConfig.
  6. Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver.
  7. Check for a physical Wi-Fi switch or keyboard key.
  8. Check whether Windows detects the wireless adapter.
  9. Perform a complete power reset if the previous fixes have failed.

If the adapter is not listed in Device Manager, Windows may not be detecting the hardware or its driver.

If a third-party driver or application is interfering with Windows, you can also try booting Windows 10 and Windows 11 in Safe Mode.

How to Find Out Whether the Problem Is Your PC or Router

One of the fastest ways to identify the source of a Wi-Fi problem is to test another device.

Test Another Device

Connect a smartphone, tablet, or another laptop to the same Wi-Fi network.

If other devices work: The problem is probably your Windows 11 PC.

If other devices also fail: The router, modem, or internet service may be the problem.

Try Ethernet

If your computer supports Ethernet, connect it directly to the router.

If Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, focus on the Wi-Fi adapter, driver, wireless settings, router Wi-Fi configuration, and wireless interference.

16-Fix Quick Checklist

  • ☐ Check that Wi-Fi is enabled.
  • ☐ Turn off Airplane mode.
  • ☐ Restart the PC.
  • ☐ Restart the router.
  • ☐ Run Windows network diagnostics.
  • ☐ Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
  • ☐ Check the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager.
  • ☐ Restart WLAN AutoConfig.
  • ☐ Update the Wi-Fi driver from Windows Update or the official manufacturer website.
  • ☐ Reinstall the Wi-Fi driver if necessary.
  • ☐ Reset TCP/IP and DNS.
  • ☐ Disable Wi-Fi adapter power saving.
  • ☐ Try another Wi-Fi frequency band.
  • ☐ Check proxy settings.
  • ☐ Install available Windows 11 updates.
  • ☐ Use Network Reset as a final software troubleshooting step.
  • ☐ Perform a complete power reset if the Wi-Fi adapter remains unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Wi-Fi not working on Windows 11?

Common causes include a disabled wireless adapter, driver problems, incorrect network settings, router problems, DNS errors, Windows services, power-management settings, and wireless interference.

Why is the Wi-Fi option missing in Windows 11?

The Wi-Fi adapter may be disabled, its driver may be missing or corrupted, WLAN AutoConfig may have a problem, or Windows may not be detecting the wireless hardware.

Why does Windows 11 say connected but no internet?

Your PC may be connected to the router but unable to reach the internet. Test another device, restart the router, renew the IP address, flush DNS, and check proxy settings.

Why does Windows 11 Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Possible causes include a weak signal, wireless interference, outdated drivers, power-saving settings, router problems, or incompatible wireless settings.

Where should I download a Wi-Fi driver?

Start with Windows Update. If the required driver is not available there, download it from your computer manufacturer's official support website or the official hardware manufacturer's website. Avoid unknown third-party driver websites.

Can a power reset fix Wi-Fi problems on a laptop?

Sometimes. A complete power reset can clear a temporary hardware or power-management state that may prevent a wireless adapter from initializing correctly. It is not a guaranteed solution, but it is worth trying when normal Windows troubleshooting has failed.

Should I remove my laptop battery to fix Wi-Fi?

Only if the laptop has a removable battery and you can safely follow the manufacturer's recommended procedure. Do not open a laptop or disconnect an internal battery unless you know the correct procedure for that model.

Should I reset network settings in Windows 11?

Yes, but use Network Reset as a last resort after trying simpler fixes. It removes network adapters and resets their settings.

How do I fix Wi-Fi after a Windows update?

First, restart the PC, check Windows Update for additional updates, and check the Wi-Fi driver. If necessary, reinstall the network adapter driver.

How can I tell whether the Wi-Fi problem is my PC or router?

Connect another device to the same Wi-Fi network. If other devices work, the problem is more likely to be your Windows 11 PC. If other devices also fail, check the router, modem, or internet service.

Final Thoughts

When Windows 11 Wi-Fi is not working, start with the simplest checks. Confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled, turn off Airplane mode, restart the PC and router, and test another device.

If the problem is limited to your PC, move on to the Wi-Fi adapter, WLAN AutoConfig service, driver, TCP/IP settings, DNS, and power-management settings. Keep Network Reset as a final software troubleshooting step.

When downloading drivers, use Windows Update first and then the official support website for your computer or Wi-Fi hardware. Avoid unknown third-party driver websites and download pages that bundle unrelated software.

If those methods do not work, a complete power reset is another option, especially when the Wi-Fi adapter appears to be stuck or is not being detected correctly. A power reset will not repair failed hardware, but it can sometimes clear a temporary hardware or power-management state.

The most important step is to determine whether the problem is with Windows 11, the Wi-Fi adapter, the router, or the internet connection. This can prevent unnecessary changes and make troubleshooting much faster.

More Windows 11 Help from Computerdok

If you are dealing with another Windows 11 problem, you may also find these guides useful:

Tags

You may like these posts

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post