While working on an important project, if your Internet keeps fluctuating or you witness poor bandwidth, you first move your eyes to check your Wi-Fi icon. When it is not displaying the signals, we can truly understand how annoying the experience could be. But don’t worry. It might be a temporary glitch and can be resolved quickly.
For starters, you can try re-enabling the Wi-Fi and see if it resolves the Wi-Fi network not showing up on Windows 11 and 10. If the problem persists, try other workarounds stated below and resolve the issue in a couple of clicks.
Must Read: How To Fix Slow Buffering Despite a High-Speed Internet
Causes for Wireless Network Not Showing Up -Windows
- Problem with ISP, router, or device.
- The device is not within the router range. This means it is more than 30 feet away from the router.
- The router is not correctly restored after being unplugged.
- The network adapter is disabled.
- A virus has infected the device.
- Objects like wireless mice, thick walls, and others interfere with the wireless connection.
How Do I Fix Windows 10 Wi-Fi Not Showing Up Problem? (2023)
Fortunately, certain basic workarounds can help resolve a laptop not connecting to Wi-Fi. Some of the most effective ones are shared below:
Method 1: Enable the Wi-Fi via Shortcut
There are some shortcuts to turn On and off the Wi-Fi on your laptop and desktop. If you’ve pressed the wrong key and turned your Wi-Fi off, Windows won’t show the Wi-Fi network. The specific key to enable Wi-Fi may vary depending on your laptop model. So, look for a small wireless icon, as shown in the image below of an F12 key.
Method 2: Turn Wi-Fi Off and On again
Sometimes, due to common technical problems, you might face glitches and witness Wi-Fi not showing up. Simply disable and enable Wi-Fi on your device to restore your Wi-Fi network. To do so, follow the steps here.
- In your taskbar, find the Internet icon. Right-click on the icon.
- Click on “Open Network and Sharing Centre”
- Click on “Change Adapter Settings”
- Right-click on the Wi-Fi and click on Disable.
- Now again, right-click on the Wi-Fi and “Enable” your Wi-Fi after a few seconds.
This method should bring your Wi-Fi network back, and you should not face a Laptop not connecting to the Wi-Fi problem on Windows 10.
Must Read: How To Solve The “Wi-Fi connected but no internet” Problem in Windows PC?
Method 3: Restart System
The simplest method to resolve the Wi-Fi network not showing up on Windows 10 is to restart your computer. This helps if some software puts too much load on the disk and affects other functions of your computer or laptop, like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks.
So, consider restarting your PC. This is one of the most significant ways if your laptop is not connecting to Wi-Fi in Windows 10.
You might want to read: How Do I Fix The Wi-Fi On My Lenovo Laptop?
Method 4: Update Your PC Drivers
A driver updater program like Advanced Driver Updater will help you get your computer’s most compatible and latest drivers. This professional software optimizes your computer to work smoothly and hassle-free by updating all the system drivers in one go. The application is trusted by millions of users worldwide and is rated as one of the best solutions to fix all driver-related issues.
Since outdated network drivers can cause various problems related to the Internet, and Wi-Fi not showing your laptop is one of them, we recommend updating the Wi-Fi drivers. Follow the instructions stated below to learn how Advanced Driver Updater works:
- Launch Advanced Driver Updater on your desktop/laptop.
- Initiate a quick driver scan and let Advanced Driver Updater do its job to discover old, corrupted, damaged, incompatible, and missing drivers on your PC.
- When the list of faulty drivers appears on the screen, take a quick preview and select the ones you wish to update. You can also consider installing batch updates for all the problematic drivers simultaneously.
- As soon as Advanced Driver Updater replaces your current outdated drivers with the right and most compatible versions, a message like the one below will appear in front of you.
Using Advanced Driver Updater is undoubtedly the most straightforward and quickest solution for Wi-Fi networks not showing up in Windows 10. Besides this, Advanced Driver Updater helps your machine and laptop function well and prevents Wi-Fi or Bluetooth glitches.
Read Review: Advanced Driver Updater Review – Is it Safe to Use a Driver Updating Utility.
Method 5: Reset Modem or Router
For Wi-Fi not showing up on the laptop, there might be a problem with the router’s end, not your PC/laptop. So first try to turn the switch off and then turn it on. Wait for a few seconds and check again. Consider resetting the router or modem if your computer or laptop is not showing Wi-Fi.
It would take some time to get the job done. Further, after resetting, you need to configure the router’s settings and modem again. You can check with the device manual or read the information on the manufacturer’s website to learn the process.
Method 6: Turn On the WLAN AutoConfig Service
This is undoubtedly an advanced solution, but it will help you to fix “Laptop not connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 10” in a couple of clicks.
- Press Windows + R simultaneously to invoke Run.
- Type “Services.msc” in the Run box and click “OK”
- Find “WLAN AutoConfig” in the new window.
- Right-click on “WLAN AutoConfig” and click on “Properties.”
- Find” Startup type” in the new dialogue box and select “Automatic.”
- Click on the “Apply” button, followed by “OK.”
- Once done, reboot your system and check if the Wi-Fi network shows up.
Hopefully, this easily fixes the “laptop not connecting to Wi-Fi” problem!
Method 7 – Run Network Troubleshooter
To fix network and other hardware-related issues, Windows offers a built-in troubleshooter. To fix Wi-Fi not showing up, use a network troubleshooter.
- Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
- In the search bar, troubleshoot and select the best search result.
- Click Troubleshoot from the left pane > Additional troubleshooters.
- Click Internet Connections > Run the troubleshooter. Next, click Network Adapter under Additional Troubleshooter and run it too.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to run both troubleshooters.
- Now, try to connect to Wi-Fi.
Method 8 – Contact ISP
If nothing has helped and you see a red or orange light flashing on your router, check the cables and ensure they are securely connected. If everything is set and you still get orange, red, or flashing lights, the problem might be with your ISP. In that case, you might have to contact your provider to fix your Wi-Fi issues.
Sometimes, this happens when wireless hardware is turned off or not working properly. Make sure it is turned on.
Also, ensure you are within the range of the network. Try moving closer to the wireless base station/router and see if the network appears in the list after a while.
The list of wireless networks takes time to update. If you have just turned on your computer or moved to a different location, wait a minute and then check if the network has appeared in the list.
Method 9 – Make Sure the Network is Not Hidden
When the network is hidden, you might not see the Wi-Fi in the list of Wi-Fi networks. To connect to a hidden network, follow these steps:
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray.
- Click Network Settings > Wi-Fi > Hidden Network > Connect.
- Enter the SSID (network name) > Next.
- Enter the network security key (password) > click Next.
Your computer connects to the network.
Method 10 – Use the Ethernet Cable To Check that the Router is Working
When you cannot connect to Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi isn’t working, connect the PC using an Ethernet cable with your router.
To connect to a router, plug the Ethernet cable into the available LAN ports on the back of the router. If this doesn’t work, the problem might be with the ISP. Contact the ISP to solve the issue.
Method 11 -Disable VPN
If you are using a VPN, we suggest disabling it and seeing if it helps with the Wi-Fi connection issue. Sometimes, VPNs create issues with connection. Therefore, to ensure that is not the case, disable the VPN.
Method 12 – Scan PC for virus
Virus and malware also block your device from connecting to Wi-Fi networks. We suggest scanning the PC for infection. If you don’t have an antivirus program on your PC, we suggest using T9.
Alternatively, you can run Windows Defender.
- Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
- Click Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection and click Quick Scan.
Fixed – Wi-Fi Not Showing on Windows
So, these were a few solutions for the Wi-Fi network not displayed in your Windows 11 and 10. With a few basic things, such as restarting your computer often and keeping a driver Updater software handy, you can keep your computer free from such errors.
With the help of Advanced Driver Updater, you can easily keep your computer’s drivers up-to-date and enjoy optimal performance and speed. As far as software is concerned, Advanced Driver Updater has Free and Premium versions. Even though the free version will come with limited resources and tools, it is pretty promising. Comment your thoughts in the comment section for suggestions or reviews.
FAQs-Wi-Fi Network Not Showing Up
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I’m having trouble connecting to the WiFi I’ve tried everything and when I click on show available networks the plane mode icon shows but nothing else. I just upgraded my router and I don’t have a modem just router because we have fiber optic please help
Hello Claire
It seems the issue is either with the physical switch for Airplane Mode on your PC or with the Network Adapter Drivers. We recommend updating the network adapter driver and restarting the system for the best results. To update drivers you can use Advanced Driver Updater, the best driver updating tool for Windows PC.
If the issue is still unresolved, you might have to resort to a complete Windows reset.
Thanks and Regrads
I have a new internet connection in 5g. The network is available in phone no other devices. But I have a dell laptop. The wifi is not showing in that system. How to resolve it.
Hello Vidya,
We suggest you reboot the computer because you cannot get the Wi-Fi option on your Dell laptop. If this does not work, download and install the latest Dell Wireless Network Adapter driver. The easiest way that you can follow to update drivers is to use Advanced Driver Updater. It is one of the most reliable and robust drivers updating tools that allows updating drivers on Windows.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards
My wifi network (only one connection, other wifi connection are showing in list)is not showing in windows 10.
What could be that reason,
Hello Fasi,
If you cannot see your Wi-Fi connection in the list, we suggest you disable Airplane Mode and then re-enable it.
Alongside, run Network Adapter Troubleshooter and enable Network Discovery.
This should help.
Thanks and Regards
When I go to try to connect to Wi-Fi it doesn’t even show a Wi-Fi like it’s supposed to what do I do
Hello Harleigh
Thank you for writing to us.
We hope you have tried the following fixes –
– Update your windows to the latest available version
– Check for Driver updates for WiFi adapter via Device manager
– Reset your PC to an older restore point (to the time when the WiFi was visible).
If you haven’t please try them. However, if you have tried them but no luck, chances are that there’s an issue with the Wi-Fi adapter (physical) being used in your CPU.
Try contacting the service center and get it checked for any issues.
Thanks and Regards
Hi,
My wifi network suddenly is not visible in my phone or laptop or any other device. I have tried everything, checked my phone for any problems, switched off my wifi router and switched it on again but it’s still not working. It was working fine but suddenly the wifi stopped working and I could see red lights and then i switched off and switched on the router and after that it stopped showing its name on any device.
Hello Sunil
Please note if orange, or red, lights are flashing steadily, the problem might be with your ISP. In such a case, you might have to contact your provider to fix your Wi-Fi issues.
In addition to this we suggest running network troubleshooter and also ensure wireless hardware is enabled and there is no interference between the router and your device. Moreover, try moving closer to the wireless base station/router and see if the network appears in the list after a while.
To run network troubleshooter follow these steps:
1. Press Windows + S and in the search bar type Network Troubleshooter.
2. Select Identify and repair network problems.
3. This will open Network Troubleshooter. Follow on screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
4. Restart the modem. Now try to connect to Wi-Fi this should help.
Thanks and Regards
I’m having a problem with my pc I can’t find my networks when I press to the networks it just appears the plane mode and I don’t have a network adapter
Dear Rukia,
Thank you for writing to us.
There are a number of reasons why you might not be able to network on the list of available networks.
1. Your wireless hardware could be turned off, or it may not be working properly. Make sure it is turned on.
2. You could be out of range of the network. Try moving closer to the wireless base station/router and see if the network appears.
If this doesn’t help reset network.
1. Reset Network
Go to Settings > Network & Internet. Here, you will see the Network reset option in the right pane. Reset it and see if it helps.
2. Disable the Radio Management Service.
Press Windows R to open Run window.
Type services.msc and press the Enter key.
Look for the Radio Management Service in the list.
Right-click on it and select Properties. You will find Startup type under the General tab set to Manual by default. Change this to Disabled.
Restart the PC and see if it helps.
3. Change Your Wi-Fi Adapter’s Power Management Settings
Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and choosing Device Manager from the menu.
In the list of devices, look for Network adapters. Double click to expand the list.
Look for your wireless adapter in the expanded list, right-click on it, and click on Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab from the top.
You will see that the box next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power is checked by default. Uncheck the box and press OK.
Reboot your system and see if this resolves the issue.
Hope this helps.
Thanks and Regards