Gear up: WiFi adapter not working in Windows 10 & Windows 11

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate marvel, Ivan has delved deep into agreement this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting. When he's not tackling... Read more

  • When the Wi-Fi adapter is not working in Windows x, you only have the wired selection at your disposal unless you accept activity.
  • Some users reported wireless connection issues immediately afterward a Windows update.
  • The about ofttimes encountered cause is related to network adapter drivers.

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Various software and hardware-related issues may occur after a Windows ten update. 1 of these issues is that the WiFi adapter is non working any longer for some users.

Namely, they reported that their computers weren't even able to detect and recognize the wireless network adapter, which worked fine before. Don't worry, we have plenty of solutions for this problem.

If you tin can't connect when using whatsoever device to the same network, endeavor to troubleshoot the local network, starting with your router.

Nosotros likewise have an excellent guide on how to detect the home network in Windows 10, in case you need assistance in that regard.

What can cause the Wi-Fi adapter to end working?

If the WiFi adapter is non working, you will either take to discover an external WiFi adapter to employ temporarily or connect to a wired network.

Either way, you volition all the same demand to troubleshoot the problem, and then allow's see some common reasons for this issue:

➡ Malfunctioning drivers – Especially after an Bone update yous can encounter bug with the drivers that are non working properly. Updating them as revealed below will solve the issue.

➡ Improper settings – Some adaptor settings may have changed without warning and this can affect its functionality.

➡ The adapter is damaged – Although highly unlikely, if the trouble coincides with a driblet of your laptop, you might consider that this component is damaged.

What are other common Wi-Fi adapter issues?

Here are some similar issues you can also resolve with the fixes presented beneath:

  • Windows 10 no Wi-Fi choice– Sometimes, the Wi-Fi push in the taskbar may exist missing. All the same, you tin still use the same solutions to resolve this problem.
  • Windows 10 Wi-Fi adapter missing– If your figurer fails to recognize the adapter, you won't be able to see information technology in Device Managing director.
  • My Windows ten Wi-Fi disconnects oft – If your connectedness is unstable, one of the solutions below will fix that also.
  • Windows ten no Wi-Fi selection in settings– Only like it'south the case with the taskbar, the Wi-Fi choice may also disappear from the Settings folio.
  • Windows x Wi-Fi continued just no Internet– This one's the worst – when everything seems right, you just can't connect to the Internet. Merely don't worry, y'all'll be able to resolve this when applying the solutions presented beneath.
  • Realtek WiFi adapter not working

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Tip

Since Realtek bug seem to be more frequent than others (either the Realtek WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting, it has disappeared completely or it's merely not showing in the Device manager, many are wondering how to tackle this particular situation. Hither are some quick tips:

How do I fix the Realtek WiFi driver?
➡ Make sure the Realtek network adapter is enabled (you tin besides try to disable and re-enable it a few times from the Control Panel)
➡ If your Realtek network adapter has gone missing afterwards installing Windows 10 or 11 updates, you might want to revert and uninstall those detail upgrades
➡ Uninstalling and reinstalling the network adapter via the Device Manager can also assist
➡ Finally, don't forget to update your drivers or, if such is the instance, try rolling back to a previous version (where it worked fine)

What can I do if the Wi-Fi adapter stops working on Windows 10 & 11?

  1. Update the network drivers (Internet needed)
  2. Use the Network troubleshooter
  3. Reset network adapters
  4. Perform a registry tweak with Command Prompt
  5. Change the adapter settings
  6. Reinstall the network adapter
  7. Reset your router
  8. Update the router firmware
  9. Switch to the Maximum Operation mode
  10. Clear whatever Wi-Fi disruptions

i. Update the network drivers (Net needed)

  1. Correct click the Start button and select Device Managing director.
  2. Click on the Network adapters section, locate the Wi-Fi adapter, right-click on it and select Update driver.
  3. Now select the starting time choice, Search automatically for drivers.
  4. If the system finds a new driver it will install it and you will be prompted for a restart.

This solution volition work only if yous have an Ethernet cable connection besides your Wi-Fi. If that is not bachelor either, download the necessary drivers from another calculator or device.

To brand this procedure faster, we advise using commuter updater software, such as DriverFix to automatically update all drivers on your PC.

2. Use the Network troubleshooter

  1. Printing the Windows key + I to open up Settings.
  2. Head over toUpdates & Security.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane and click on Boosted troubleshooters.
  4. SelectInternet Connections and click theRun the troubleshooter button.
  5. Follow farther on-screen instructions and allow the process finish.
  6. Restart your computer.

3. Reset network adapters

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Annotation

Resetting the network adapter tin be very effective just keep in mind that this procedure will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections. Annotation downward the passwords and settings before applying the below steps.

  1. Right-click on the Start push and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Blazon or paste the post-obit lines into Windows Powershell and press Enter after each i:
    netsh winsock reset
    netsh int ip reset
    ipconfig /release
    ipconfig /renew
  3. Restart your figurer and see if you're able to connect to Wi-Fi at present.

4. Perform a registry tweak with Command Prompt

  1. Type command prompt in Windows search and click on Run as ambassador to outset Command Prompt with total privileges.
  2. Paste the following line and press Enter: netcfg –south northward
  3. This command will evidence a list of network protocols, drivers and services. Check if DNI_DNE is in the listing, if it is, then you have a problem.
  4. If DNI_DNE is listed, in the same Control Prompt window type the post-obit line and press Enter:
    reg delete HKCR\CLSID{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /f
    netcfg -v -u dni_dne

This should solve the issue, but if you receive the mistake 0x80004002 after entering the command, then this value needs to be deleted slightly differently.

Here's what to do, if yous receive this mistake code:

  1. Go to Search, blazon regedit and open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to the post-obit path: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3}
  3. Delete DNI_DNE if it nevertheless exists.

v. Change the adapter settings

  1. Click on the Start button, type control console in the search tab and click on Command Panel from the results.
    control panel search
  2. Select Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click on Change adapter settings.
  4. Correct-click the wireless adapter and select Properties.
  5. Search for theInternet Protocol Version vi (TCP/IPv6) under the options that show upward and uncheck IPv6 to disable it.
  6. Click onOK and restart the computer to enforce the changes y'all made.

six. Reinstall the network adapter

  1. Correct-click the Showtime push and chooseDevice Manager from the listing.
  2. Click on the Network adapters section to aggrandize it.
  3. Correct-click your network adapter and selectUninstall device.
  4. Follow further on-screen instructions.
  5. Restart your computer.
  6. At present, go along and install the network adapter commuter again, as shown in the first solution.

7. Reset your router

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NOTE

Afterwards y'all reset your router, yous must reconfigure information technology. Therefore, before resetting information technology, take notes on the present configuration.

  1. Look for the Reset button at the back of the device.
  2. Press and hold it for more than 10 seconds, until the SYS led starts flashing speedily and release the button.

Resetting your network adapter tin can practise wonders, equally cliche as it sounds. So, detect the instructions that employ to your router.

Nosotros included a guide on how to reset a TP-Link router but the procedure for your router may be different and then consult the manual of the device or the manufacturer.

8. Update the router firmware

  1. Use an Ethernet cablevision to connect the router to your PC.
  2. Visit your router's manufactuer website.
  3. Locate your model on the list.
  4. Download the latest firmware version for your model.
  5. Open your web browser and type the IP address or the link of the router (as an example, our router's IP address is 192.168.0.1 but yours may be different).
  6. At present enter the username and password provided by the manufacturer (in the manual or on the lesser of the device) or the ones y'all set the last time if yous've changed them in the meantime.
  7. Navigate to the Firmware section and find the Choose file or Scan button that will let you add the firmware you've downloaded.
  8. Expect for the process to terminate and avert interrupting it.

For more information, we suggest that y'all visit our how to update your router firmware guide.

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NOTE

Router update tin can be a dangerous procedure if not performed correctly, so always check your educational activity manual for detailed instructions.

ix. Switch to the Maximum Performance mode

  1. Press Windows key + S and enter power plan. Now navigate to Choose a ability program.
  2. Once thePower Options window opens, locate your current plan and clickChange plan settings.
  3. Go toChange advanced power settings.
  4. LocateWireless Adapter Settingsand prepare thePower Saving Mode toMaximum Performance.
  5. ClickEmploy andOK to relieve the changes.

Just keep in mind that the Maximum Performance way will put some extra pressure level on your device, so your laptop battery might last shorter.

10. Clear any Wi-Fi signal disruptions

Some appliances and hardware non related to your computer tin disrupt the Wi-Fi signal. For example, it'southward known that microwave weakens the signal.

So, make sure you don't have any appliances that can disrupt the betoken near your router.

What practise I do if the WiFi adapter is not working on Windows 11?

Bank check the adapter'south power settings

  1. Printing Windows cardinal + X and select Device Manager from the listing.
    device manager windows 11 realtek audio driver
  2. Locate your wireless adapter on the list and double-click it to open its properties.
  3. Navigate to Power Management tab and disable Allow the computer to plow off this device to save power option.
  4. Save changes.

In case you lot're still having problems, you should visit our Wi-Fi disappeared in Windows 11 guide for more solutions.

How to avoid Wi-Fi connection issues?

➡ Choose a less crowded channel

  1. Open up your router'south configuration page.
  2. Navigate to the Wirelss section.
  3. Select your network and choose a different channel for it.

➡ Movement between two.four GHz and five GHz

If you have a dual-band router, it's can exist a proficient idea to switch between the ii frequencies.

Y'all tin can usually find the frequency settings in the Wireless Settings menu on your router, simply like in the image above.

Merely similar we mentioned before, they may differ on your device. Therefore, experience free to consult the manual of your device.

➡ Remove unwanted devices

You might have forgotten that you gave the router password to some friends and specially neighbors that may still connect to your Wi-Fi network.

To go them off your network, go into your router'due south settings, await for connected devices, and delete the ones y'all don't recognize.

➡ Upgrade your device (modify your Wi-Fi card)

The Wi-Fi carte or adapter is usually embedded in your motherboard just that doesn't mean that you can't use an external i.

If you lot conclude that the one you have is not working properly, yous can go for a new Wi-Fi adapter that volition fit your needs better.

In case your adapter is damaged, you should visit our Ralink WiFi adapter isn't working guide for more information.

➡ Get the correct router for your needs

When nosotros're talking virtually your domicile network, brand certain that the router tin can provide point coverage wherever you are in the house.

If the connexion keeps failing from fourth dimension to fourth dimension, it'southward either a problem with the router itself or the signal power to your device.

You can even choose ane of the best routers with an internal antenna just recollect to stay with your device within range.

➡ Proceed your drivers updated

Every bit you've read in our guide, drivers can cause a lot of mess when it comes to Wi-Fi adapters, and not only, so information technology's ideal to go on them updated at all times.

➡ Choice the right Wi-Fi hotspot

Although it may audio hilarious, sometimes we can connect to another network by mistake, a slower or a more crowded 1.

So, make sure y'all connect to the fastest network bachelor, preferably your network, as the neighbors might not be so happy that you hook to theirs for a alter.

Nosotros all have, at some bespeak, problems with the Wi-Fi hotspot only they are ordinarily caused by signal issues or the ISP itself.

That is why, when you encounter an Internet connexion trouble, yous starting time demand to brand sure that you take a right link from the ISP and that your router or access signal is working properly.

Subsequently that, bank check if other devices can connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot and if they do, then you tin can conclude that there might be a trouble with your device.

Should I use 5GHz or 2.4GHz wireless network?

5GHz networks offer greater speed and less latency, so if you want a fast connection with low ping, this is the improve option.

However, 2.4GHz offers a improve range and its bespeak is improve at penetrating through obstacles, such equally walls for example. Also, keep in mind that many devices aren't fully compatible with 5GHz networks.

Every bit a basic rule, troubleshoot the about common possible bug and gradually motility on to the more complex ones.

If you didn't manage to solve the problem after performing all of these solutions, check our commodity nearly Internet problems in Windows x, and yous'll find more useful tips and tricks in that location.

In instance you accept whatsoever comments, questions or suggestions, just permit usa know in the comments down beneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can tweak its settings (TCP/IPv6) or completely reinstall the adapter. For a clean install, make sure you remove all leftovers by using a specialized uninstaller tool.

  • The Wi-Fi adapter usually causes issues after a major Windows update. Alternatively, we take a complete guide on how to set up wireless adapter bug.