Computer Can\'t Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

Susan Sarandon
Release: 2024-11-19 19:41:03
Original
603 people have browsed it

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help MSPoweruser sustain the editorial team Read more

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

A message from our partner

Fix all your driver issues with PC HelpSoft Driver Updater:

Easily update and fix driver issues on your PC in just three steps with PC HelpSoft Driver Updater:

  • Download and install PC HelpSoft Driver Updater.
  • Scan your PC to find outdated or missing drivers.
  • Click on Update Now to quickly install the latest and original drivers.
Keep your PC running at its best - update your drivers now! PC HelpSoft has been downloaded by 0 readers this month

Your computer can’t find Wi-Fi? I’ll show you how to resolve this.

This issue can have multiple causes, including software glitches, outdated or corrupted drivers, incorrect network settings, or hardware malfunctions. Fortunately, this guide covers all the solutions.

So, let’s dive in!

Quick Fixes

    Start with these steps first:
  • Restart Wi-Fi Router
  • : Power cycle your router by turning it off for 10 seconds, then turning it back on to refresh the connection.
  • Ensure your Wi-Fi is turned on
  • : Double-check that your router is plugged into power and working.
  • Restart your PC
  • : Tap the Start menu > Power > Restart.
  • Try using an Ethernet cable
  • : Connect your computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable to bypass Wi-Fi issues and restore internet access.
  • Turn on the Wi-Fi button on your computer
: Some computers have a physical button or switch that you have to turn on.

Enable Wi-Fi Service

    First, make sure that you haven’t turned off the Wi-Fi feature by mistake. Follow the steps below:
  1. Press the Windows Key I to open
  2. Settings
  3. Tap Network & Internet >
  4. Advanced network settings.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi button reads “Disable.” If not, tap
  2. “Enable.”

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

Turn on the WLAN AutoConfig Service

WLAN AutoConfig is a crucial Windows service that manages your computer’s wireless networks. If this service is turned off or not functioning properly, do this:
  1. Press Windows R to open the Run dialog. Type services.msc and hit Enter.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Scroll down to WLAN AutoConfig in the Services window, double-click it, and set the Startup type to Automatic.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. If the service isn’t running, right-click on it and tap Start.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Click Apply and then OK to save your settings.

Update Network Driver

An outdated or corrupted network driver is one of the most common reasons why your computer might not be able to find Wi-Fi networks. Here’s how to update it:

  1. Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Expand the Network adapters section. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will look for the latest ones online.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

Alternatively, you can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater. This tool automatically scans and updates your drivers, streamlining the process and saving you time.

After updating, restart your computer and check if Wi-Fi networks are visible.

Run the Internet Connections Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and resolve many common network issues. Follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows Key I to open Settings
  2. Scroll and click Troubleshoot.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Select Other trouble-shooters.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Tap Run beside the Network and Internet button. Follow the prompts to let Windows diagnose and fix potential problems with your connection.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

Reset TCP/IP Stack

Sometimes, network settings can become corrupted, preventing your computer from properly detecting Wi-Fi networks. Resetting the TCP/IP stack often resolves these issues. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows Key X, then tap Terminal (Admin).

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Type netsh int ip reset and hit Enter.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

After the command completes, restart your computer to reset the TCP/IP stack.

Reset Network Settings

If you’re still having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi, try restoring all networking components to their default settings. Follow the steps below:

  1. Press the Windows Key I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet on the left sidebar, scroll down, and click on Advanced network settings.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Under More settings, select Network reset.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Click Reset now and confirm your choice.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

After the reset, confirm if you can find Wi-Fi.

Check Wi-Fi Adapter Power Settings

Sometimes, your Wi-Fi adapter may be set to power-saving mode, which can cause it to stop scanning for available networks. Disabling power-saving features might help:

  1. Open Device Manager again (right-click Start > Device Manager).
  2. Under Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Tap the Power Management tab. Uncheck the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” box, and click OK to save changes.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

This ensures your Wi-Fi adapter is always active and can detect available networks.

Perform a System Restore

If none of the above solutions work and the issue started recently, try restoring your system to a previous point in time when the Wi-Fi connection was working. It’s helpful if a recent update or software installation caused the problem. Follow the steps below:

  1. Type “Create a restore point,” on the search bar and tap Open.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Click on System Restore.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Select a restore point and tap Next.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

  1. Click Finish to begin the restore process.

Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems

After restoring your system, check if your network is visible and working again.

So, now you know what to do if your computer can’t find Wi-Fi. Start with the simple fixes before moving on to more advanced solutions. These steps should help you get your connection back up and running.

Also, learn how to fix issues like no Wi-Fi on a new laptop, a malfunctioning adapter, or Wi-Fi constantly disconnecting on Windows 11.

The above is the detailed content of Computer Can\'t Find Wi-Fi - How To Fix Connectivity Problems. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

source:mspoweruser.com
Statement of this Website
The content of this article is voluntarily contributed by netizens, and the copyright belongs to the original author. This site does not assume corresponding legal responsibility. If you find any content suspected of plagiarism or infringement, please contact admin@php.cn
Latest Articles by Author
Popular Tutorials
More>
Latest Downloads
More>
Web Effects
Website Source Code
Website Materials
Front End Template