WiFi Missing Windows 11/10 (easy fixes) instantly

This is exactly HOW I and 57 other users fixed the Wifi Missing on Windows! This happens with many users generally on Windows 11 but sometimes on Windows 10 too, when the WiFi icon is not showing or has disappeared from the device. Here are 5 easy and ultimate fixes to get this FIXED, ASAP!

Are you facing the frustrating issue of a missing or non-functional WiFi connection on your Windows 11 device? This guide will provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve this problem.

How I Fixed the Wi-Fi Missing Issue on My Windows PC/Laptop

In my case, facing the dreaded “Wi-Fi missing” issue on my Windows laptop was both frustrating and unexpected. The first time this happened, I was caught off guard, but after a lot of trial and error, I found several effective ways to fix the problem. If you’re in the same boat, here are some solutions that I recommend based on my experience and some valuable insights from other users.

Fix 1. Check Wi-Fi Settings

This should always be your first step, as it’s often the quickest fix. When I encountered the Wi-Fi missing problem, the first thing I did was check the settings.

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Click on “Network & Internet.”
• Select “Advanced network settings” from the right sidebar.
• Scroll down and locate the “Wi-Fi” toggle.
• If it’s off, turn it on. If it’s already on, try turning it off and back on.

In my case, simply toggling the Wi-Fi switch worked. A Reddit user shared a similar experience:

“Same thing happened to me… Just follow the steps. It took me an hour to understand, but then it’s fixed!” – @PranjalJatav1

Fix 2. Restart Your Computer

I know it sounds basic, but a simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary network issues. When I restarted my computer, the Wi-Fi suddenly appeared, and everything worked smoothly.

• Click the Windows Start button.
• Select the Power icon and choose “Restart.”
• Wait for your laptop to fully reboot.

Sometimes, the simplest solutions really are the most effective.

Fix 3. 24-Hour Shutdown

This one was a bit unconventional, but it worked wonders for me once. Here’s what I did:

• Shut down your laptop completely.
• Unplug the power adapter.
• Wait for 24 hours (yes, it’s a bit extreme).
• Plug it back in and turn it on.

This method allows the system to fully reset, and I found it helpful for deeper issues that a restart couldn’t fix. A Twitter user had a similar experience:

“Same problem I had weeks ago, but after 24 hours of shutdown, it recovered automatically.” – @GireeshEth

Fix 4. Clean the Network Card

This step involves a bit of hardware maintenance. In my case, I cleaned the network card, and it made a difference. Here’s what I did:

• Shut down your computer and unplug it.
• If possible, remove the back panel (check your laptop’s manual).
• Locate the network card (usually near the edge of the motherboard).
• Clean the card using compressed air or a soft brush.
• Reassemble and restart your computer.

One user reported frequent Wi-Fi disconnections until they cleaned their network card:

Fix 5. Use a Wi-Fi Dongle

When I was in a hurry and needed immediate internet access, a Wi-Fi dongle saved me. It’s a quick and temporary solution:

• Purchase a USB Wi-Fi adapter.
• Plug it into an available USB port.
• Install the drivers (Windows usually does this automatically).

While this isn’t a permanent fix, it works when you’re in a bind.

“This thing happens frequently. I now have a Wi-Fi dongle, and it’s a savior.” – @amitanshsingh85

Fix 6. Update Network Drivers

Outdated drivers were causing my Wi-Fi issues once. To fix this:

• Right-click the Windows Start button and select “Device Manager.”
• Expand the “Network adapters” category.
• Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update driver.”
• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can manually download the latest drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s website.

Fix 7. Run the Network Troubleshooter

If the previous steps didn’t work, running the built-in troubleshooter often helps:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find “Internet Connections” and click “Run.”

Follow the instructions. In my experience, this step alone has sometimes pinpointed the exact issue.

Fix 8. Reset Network Settings

When all else fails, resetting the network settings might help:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
• Scroll down and click on Network reset.

This will reset all network adapters and might solve deeper problems.

Fix 9. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, all you need is an update. I noticed my Wi-Fi worked after a Windows update:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Check for updates and install them if available.

Fix 10. Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

Sometimes, just resetting the adapter can help:

• Right-click the Windows Start button and open Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters category.
• Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Disable.
• Wait a few seconds, then Enable the adapter again.

Fix 11. Check for Physical Wi-Fi Switch

Some laptops have a physical switch or function key that controls Wi-Fi. In my case, the switch was accidentally turned off.

• Look for a physical switch on your laptop.
• If there’s a function key (often F2 or F3), press it while holding the Fn key.

Fix 12. System Restore

I used this once after an update caused issues. You can restore your system to a previous state:

• Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and open it.
• Click on System Restore.
• Choose a restore point from before the Wi-Fi issue started.

Fix 13. BIOS Update

In rare cases, updating the BIOS can help resolve hardware-related issues. But be cautious with this one!

• Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page and download the latest BIOS.
• Follow the instructions carefully to update it.

Fix 14. Reinstall Network Adapter

If all else fails, reinstalling the network adapter might be your solution:

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters category.
• Uninstall the Wi-Fi adapter and restart your computer. Windows will reinstall it automatically.

Fix 15. Check for Conflicting Software

Some security software can interfere with network connections. I once had to temporarily disable my antivirus to fix the issue.

• Disable the antivirus or firewall and see if the problem persists.

Concise Reasons Why the Wi-Fi Icon Disappeared on My Windows Laptop

1. In most cases, it could be due to any bug on the Windows.
2. In my case, it was due to recent Windows updates or incomplete installations.
3. One time, it was caused by corrupted system files affecting network functionality.
4. I also encountered it because of outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers.
5. There was a time it happened because of physical damage or loose connections in the network adapter.
6. I accidentally hid the Wi-Fi icon due to changes in the system tray or taskbar settings.
7. A virus infection once interfered with network settings, making the icon disappear.
8. In my case, aggressive power management settings disabled the Wi-Fi adapter.
9. I noticed it happened due to conflicts with third-party security or network management software.
10. Windows Explorer crashing affected the taskbar and caused my Wi-Fi icon to disappear.
11. One time, it was a registry error related to network settings or the system tray.
12. Misconfigured Group Policy settings hid my system icons, including the Wi-Fi icon.
13. Fast Startup caused a glitch, and I lost the Wi-Fi icon because of it.
14. A corrupted user profile once led to UI issues where the Wi-Fi icon went missing.
15. Essential network-related Windows services were stopped, making the icon disappear.
16. I accidentally turned off the physical Wi-Fi switch, and the icon disappeared.
17. Airplane mode was activated and got stuck, causing my Wi-Fi icon to vanish.
18. Changing my system language or region affected the UI, and the Wi-Fi icon disappeared.
19. Recently installed software created a conflict, and my Wi-Fi icon disappeared.
20. Windows Firewall settings were too restrictive, blocking the Wi-Fi icon.
21. Compatibility mode issues with network management software made the icon disappear in my case.

Conclusion

In my experience, these methods have helped resolve the Wi-Fi missing issue on my Windows laptop. I recommend starting with the simpler steps, like checking your settings or updating drivers, before moving on to more complex solutions like BIOS updates or system restore.

That is it for the blog post today. Today I tried showing you all the proven ways to fix this issue which is happening on most Windows devices. Here is a Twitter or X.com thread, which also shared the same thing. It has more than 370K views and 5.6K likes on September 9, 2024, so it represents that there are a lot of people facing the same issue. I hope you found the blog post informative. If there’s any other issues that you are facing then do let us know in the comment section. Or simply contact us buddy. Have a NICE DAY!

WhatsApp Channel Join Now

Join our WhatsApp channel for instant updates and tips!