Fix Wi-Fi Network Not Showing Up Issue On Windows 10/11 PC

You need the Internet to work on your PC today. Without an internet connection, you would probably not be able to carry out most of your tasks. There is a peculiar issue that has been faced by many people across the globe which includes Wi-Fi networks not showing up on Windows 11/10. This is not a serious issue but if your internet connectivity is hampered then you have to fix it at the topmost priority. Let us discuss all the methods that can help you fix Wi-Fi not showing up in the list of available network issues in no time.

Read Also : How To Fix Slow Buffering Despite a High-Speed Internet

Why Does The Wireless Networks Not Showing Up on Windows Occur?

If you are facing Wi-Fi not showing up in the list of available networks then it could be due to the following reasons.

• Network Driver – Your network driver may be outdated or corrupted.
• Device Issues – Your router/modem may have developed a fault.
• Network Outage – The fault could be with your ISP’s Server.
• Range Issues – If you have moved far away from your router’s range (more then 30 feet) then you may not be able to see your Wi-Fi network name. 
• Network Adapter – Your network adapter may have been disabled.
• Malware Infections – Some experts have suggested that malware infections can also affect Wi-Fi networks. 

How to Fix Wi-Fi Network Not Showing Up Problem on Windows 10/11 PC

Fortunately, certain basic workarounds can help resolve a laptop not detecting Wi-Fi. Some of the most effective ones are shared below:

Method 1: 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Since outdated network drivers can cause various problems related to the Internet, and Wi-Fi network not showing your laptop is one of them, we recommend updating the Wi-Fi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.

Method 2: 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 3: 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 Wi-Fi problems on Windows 10.

Method 4: Restart System

The simplest method to resolve the issue 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.

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.

Read Also: Understanding Wi-Fi Router Logging- Risks & How to Avoid

Method 6: Turn On the WLAN AutoConfig Service

This is undoubtedly an advanced solution, but it will help you to fix the network problem 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 will easily fix the wifi 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 Troubleshoot settings

• Click Troubleshoot from the left pane > Additional troubleshooter 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 – Turn On The SSID Broadcast option

The SSID is the Wi-Fi network name for your Wi-Fi connection. If the broadcast option is disabled, then your Wi-Fi connection will not show up when anyone searches for nearby networks. Here are the steps to enable this option

• Log in to your Router’s webpage using the default IP address, username, and password provided on a sticker located at the back of the router.
• Navigate to the Wireless Settings option and locate the Enable SSID Broadcast option.
• Check the box next to it and click on Save. 
• Exit the Router webpage and disconnect your PC.
• Reboot your PC and check if the Wi-Fi network is now visible.

Method 9 – Avoid Device Interference

Some experts have recommended that you check for device interference that may be caused by Microwave, cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, etc since these devices also use 2.4 GHz frequencies. We suggest that you turn off these devices for a few minutes, and check if you can view your Wi-Fi network. If yes, then you will have to change the location of your router within the house to avoid interference.

Method 10 – 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.

Read Also: How to Tell If Your ISP is Throttling Your Internet

Method 11 – 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 12 – 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.

Read Also: How To Fix Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet Issues

Method 13 -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 14 – 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.

• Press Windows + I to open Windows settings.
• Click Update & Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.
• Select Virus & threat protection and click Quick Scan.

Conclusion

So, these were a few solutions for the Wi-Fi network not showing/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.

Frequently Asked Questions –

Q1.Why is my Wi-Fi network not showing?

The Wi-Fi network not visible issue can be due to incompatible network drivers, ISP issues, router issues or malware. You can follow the steps above to resolve this issue.

Q2.How do I fix my Wi-Fi icon not showing?

If the Wi-Fi icon is now showing then you need to restart your PC and router as the first step. Then update the drivers if the issue persists and make changes to a few settings as described above.

Q3.How Can I Secure My Wi-Fi Connection?

To secure the Wi-Fi connection, you must access your router’s admin page and enable WPA2 encryption settings. Also, change your SSID and create a strong new password. If your router has a built-in firewall then you must enable it at once.

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