If Wi-Fi is missing from Windows 11, first check whether Airplane mode is off and whether Wi-Fi is disabled in Settings; then restart the PC and router. If the Wi-Fi option or available networks still do not appear, work through the checks below to find whether the cause is a Windows setting, the wireless adapter, its driver, or the network itself.
1. Check the quick settings and Windows settings
Click the network, sound, or battery area at the right end of the taskbar to open Quick Settings. Make sure Airplane mode is off and, if a Wi-Fi control is present, turn Wi-Fi on. Some laptops also have a physical wireless switch or a keyboard shortcut marked with an antenna or airplane; the key combination varies by model.
- Open Settings > Network & internet and check whether a Wi-Fi page or switch is available. Turn Wi-Fi on if it is off.
- Open Airplane mode on the same page and make sure it is off. If you switch it off, wait a few seconds for the wireless adapter to start.
- If Wi-Fi is on but no networks appear, move closer to the router and select the network icon in the taskbar again.
Menu labels can shift slightly with Windows updates, but Settings search is a useful shortcut: press the Windows key and search for “Wi-Fi settings.” If the Wi-Fi control itself is absent—not merely the name of your network—continue to the adapter checks.
2. Restart the PC and check the router
A restart can clear a temporary Windows or adapter hang. Choose Start > Power > Restart, rather than relying only on closing the laptop lid. If Wi-Fi is missing on several devices, or the router’s wireless network is unavailable to other devices too, restart the router according to its instructions and check its power and status lights.
Compare the situation with another phone or computer near the same router. If that device sees the network, the issue is more likely with the Windows PC. If no device sees it, check whether the router’s Wi-Fi is enabled and whether its network name (SSID) has been changed. A hidden network will not appear in the normal list, but can usually be joined by entering its name and password through Windows’ network settings.
3. Check whether Windows detects the Wi-Fi adapter
Device Manager can show whether Windows recognizes the wireless hardware. Right-click Start, select Device Manager, and expand Network adapters. Look for an entry that identifies a wireless, Wi-Fi, or WLAN adapter; names differ by computer and adapter.
- Down-arrow icon: The device is disabled. Right-click it and choose Enable device.
- Warning icon or error message: Windows has detected a device problem. Open Properties to read the device status, then try the driver steps below.
- No wireless adapter listed: In Device Manager, choose View > Show hidden devices, then check again. If it remains absent, Windows may not be detecting the hardware or its driver.
Do not confuse a missing Wi-Fi adapter with a missing network name. The adapter is the PC’s wireless hardware; the network name is the router’s advertised connection. If the adapter appears and works but only one network is absent, investigate the router, its signal, and whether the network is hidden before changing drivers.
4. Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver
A damaged, outdated, or incompatible driver can make the Wi-Fi option disappear or stop the adapter from working. If Windows has internet access through Ethernet or another connection, open Settings > Windows Update and check for updates, including available driver updates under Advanced options > Optional updates. Install relevant updates and restart.
You can also right-click the wireless adapter in Device Manager and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Windows may not find the newest driver this way. If the problem began immediately after a driver update, open the adapter’s Properties > Driver tab and use Roll Back Driver if that option is available.
If updating does not help, you can uninstall the adapter in Device Manager and restart the PC; Windows may detect it and reinstall its driver. Before uninstalling, make sure you have a way to get online or obtain the correct driver from your computer or adapter maker using another device. Match the driver to the exact PC model and Windows version, transfer it with removable storage if needed, and avoid unofficial driver-download sites.
5. Run Windows troubleshooting and reset the network
Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the network-related troubleshooter if it is listed. You can also search Windows Settings for “network troubleshooter.” The available options may vary; follow the prompts and restart if Windows asks.
If ordinary checks fail, use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, where available. A reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and returns networking components to default settings. It can also remove saved network details and affect VPN or other networking software, so note any setup information you need first. Restart after the reset, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and enter the network password again.
6. When to suspect hardware or router settings
If Device Manager never shows a wireless adapter after a restart and the correct driver has been installed, the adapter may be disabled in firmware, disconnected, or faulty. On some computers, firmware settings can control wireless hardware; consult the computer’s documentation before changing them. For a desktop PC, check that any external wireless adapter is firmly connected. If the adapter still does not appear, contact the computer’s support service or a qualified repair technician.
If other devices can connect but this PC cannot see one particular network, check distance and obstructions, and confirm the router is broadcasting the expected network name. Router band or compatibility settings can also affect whether an older adapter sees a network; consult the router and PC documentation rather than changing unfamiliar settings at random. A network that is simply hidden will not show in the scan list, but hiding its name is not the same as turning Wi-Fi off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Wi-Fi option missing from Windows 11?
The adapter may be disabled, its driver may be missing or malfunctioning, or Windows may not be detecting the hardware. Check Airplane mode first, then inspect Network adapters in Device Manager.
Why can my phone see Wi-Fi but my PC cannot?
The router is probably broadcasting, so focus on the PC: check its wireless switch, adapter status, driver, and distance from the router. If only one network is missing, verify its name and router compatibility settings.
Will restarting my router delete my Wi-Fi password?
A normal restart usually does not erase the router’s saved configuration. Avoid using a factory-reset button unless you intend to restore its settings and know how to set it up again.
Can I reinstall the Wi-Fi driver without internet?
Yes, if you can download the correct driver on another device and transfer it to the PC. Confirm the computer model and Windows compatibility, and keep the installer available before removing a working driver.
Does Network reset delete files?
It is not intended to erase personal files, but it resets network configuration. You may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and reconfigure VPN or other networking software.
When should I get the computer checked?
If the wireless adapter remains absent from Device Manager after checking hidden devices, restarting, and installing the correct driver, hardware or firmware may be involved. Seek support for the computer or adapter.
Related
General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.
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