Why is Windows 11 not detecting my Wi-Fi network?

Picture this: you’re sitting comfortably on your couch, eager to browse the web or stream your favorite series on your brand-new Windows 11 laptop, only to be greeted by frustration. Your Wi-Fi network is nowhere to be found.

Panic sets in as you try everything, from checking the router to toggling airplane mode on and off. But fear not!

In this article, we will dive into the reasons why Windows 11 might not be detecting your Wi-Fi network. We’ll explore a series of simple steps, from enabling Wi-Fi in your settings to troubleshooting network adapters, allowing you to reconnect to the online world swiftly.

Let’s get started!

1. Make Sure Wi-Fi Is On In Windows 11 Settings

If your Windows 11 device is not detecting your Wi-Fi network, the first step is to ensure that Wi-Fi is turned on in your Windows 11 settings.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. – In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet.

• On the left-hand side, click on the Wi-Fi tab. – Make sure the Wi-Fi toggle switch is turned on.

If Wi-Fi is already turned on and your network is still not detected, proceed to the next step.

2. Show Available Networks And Connect To Desired Network

Sometimes, Windows 11 may not automatically show all available Wi-Fi networks.

To manually search for and connect to your desired network, follow these steps:

• Click on the Network icon in the taskbar, usually located on the bottom-right corner of the screen. – A list of available networks should appear.

If your network is not listed, click on “Show available networks” to refresh the list. – Select your desired network from the list and click on the “Connect” button.

• If prompted, enter your Wi-Fi password and click on “Next” or “Connect” to establish the connection.

If your network is still not showing up or the connection fails, move on to the next step.

3. Check Wi-Fi Settings On Other Devices Using The Same Network

If your Windows 11 device is not detecting your Wi-Fi network, it may be worth checking if other devices connected to the same network are experiencing any issues.

This can help determine if the problem lies with your device or the network itself. Here’s what you can do:

• Check if other devices, such as smartphones or tablets, can connect to the Wi-Fi network. – If other devices cannot connect or are experiencing network issues, there may be a problem with the network router or modem.

In this case, try restarting both the router and modem. – If other devices can connect without any problems, the issue may be specific to your Windows 11 device.

Proceed with the following troubleshooting steps.

4. Restart Modem, Router, And Device If Necessary

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve connectivity issues.

Try the following steps:

• Turn off your Windows 11 device and shut down the router and modem. – Wait for about 1-2 minutes.

• Turn on the modem and wait for all the lights to stabilize. – Turn on the router and wait for it to fully boot up.

• Finally, turn on your Windows 11 device and check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If restarting doesn’t resolve the issue, move on to the next step.

5. Turn Wi-Fi Off And On Again

In some cases, turning the Wi-Fi off and on again can help refresh the connection.

Here’s what you can do:

• Click on the Network icon in the taskbar. – Click on the Wi-Fi toggle switch to turn it off.

• Wait for a few seconds and then click on the Wi-Fi toggle switch again to turn it back on. – Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the Wi-Fi network is still not detected, proceed to the next step.

6. Run Network Commands In Command Prompt

Running network commands in Command Prompt can help resolve common network issues.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)”. – In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:
• netsh winsock reset
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew
• ipconfig /flushdns
• ipconfig /registerdns
• After running these commands, restart your Windows 11 device and check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the issue persists, try the next step.

7. Uninstall Network Adapter Driver And Restart Computer

Corrupted or outdated network adapter drivers can sometimes cause Wi-Fi connection issues.

Uninstalling and reinstalling the driver can help resolve the problem. Here’s what you need to do:

• Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu. – In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network Adapters” category.

• Right-click on your network adapter and select “Uninstall device”. – Follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall the driver.

• After the driver is uninstalled, restart your computer. – Windows 11 should automatically reinstall the network adapter driver upon restart.

Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the Wi-Fi network is still not detected, move on to the next step.

8. Check Compatibility Of Network Adapter With Latest Windows Update

Compatibility issues between the network adapter and the latest Windows 11 update can sometimes lead to connection problems.

To check for compatibility, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. – In the Settings window, click on the “Windows Update & Security” option.

• Click on the “View update history” option. – Check if there are any updates related to network adapters.

• If there are updates available, install them and restart your computer. – Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the issue persists, proceed to the next step.

9. Temporarily Uninstall Recent Windows Update

If the connection issues started after a recent Windows update, it is possible that the update is causing the problem.

Temporarily uninstalling the update can help determine if it is the cause. Here’s what you need to do:

• Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. – In the Settings window, click on the “Windows Update & Security” option.

• Click on the “View update history” option. – Select the recently installed update, right-click on it, and select “Uninstall”.

• Restart your computer. – Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the Wi-Fi network is still not detected, move on to the next step.

10. Visit PC Manufacturer’s Website To Download Latest Network Adapter Driver

If Windows 11 is unable to find a suitable network adapter driver, you can manually download the latest driver from your PC manufacturer’s website.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Identify the make and model of your PC. – Visit the official website of the manufacturer.

• Search for the latest network adapter driver for your specific model. – Download and install the driver according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Restart your computer. – Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the Wi-Fi network is still not detected or you cannot find a compatible driver, move on to the next step.

11. Hide The Update Causing The Network Connection Issue

If you were unable to download and install a newer network adapter driver, hiding the update causing the network connection issue can prevent it from being installed automatically.

Here’s how you can do that:

• Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. – In the Settings window, click on the “Windows Update & Security” option.

• Click on the “Advanced options” link. – Under the “Update options” section, click on the “View your update history” link.

• Click on the “Uninstall updates” link. – Identify the update causing the network connection issue, right-click on it, and select “Hide”.

• Restart your computer. – Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the Wi-Fi network is still not detected, proceed to the next step.

12. Reinstall Latest Updates

After successfully installing an updated network adapter driver or hiding the update causing the network connection issue, it is important to reinstall the latest updates to ensure your Windows 11 device is up to date.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. – In the Settings window, click on the “Windows Update & Security” option.

• Click on the “Check for updates” button. – Install any available updates.

• Restart your computer. – Check if the Wi-Fi network is now being detected.

If the Wi-Fi network is still not detected, proceed to the next step.

13. Use Network Reset As A Last Resort

If all else fails, you can try resetting your network settings to their default configurations.

This should only be used as a last resort, as it will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and other network settings. Here’s how you can do it:

• Click on the Start button and select the Settings gear icon. – In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet”.

• On the left-hand side, click on the “Status” tab. – Scroll down and click on the “Network reset” option.

• In the Network reset window, click on the “Reset now” button. – You will be asked to confirm the network reset.

Click on the “Yes” button. – Wait for your computer to restart.

• After the restart, set up your Wi-Fi connection again and check if the network is now being detected.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Windows 11 not detecting your Wi-Fi network.