How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 11

PCFlare August 26, 2026 easy

Solutions

A Windows 11 PC that suddenly cannot connect to Wi-Fi can be frustrating, especially when other devices on the same network are working normally.

The problem may be caused by a temporary Windows issue, a disabled network adapter, incorrect network settings, an outdated driver, or a problem with your router.

The good news is that you can usually troubleshoot the problem without reinstalling Windows.

In this guide, we’ll start with the simplest solutions and gradually move to more advanced fixes.

Quick Fixes

Before changing any advanced settings, try these simple steps:

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Check that Airplane mode is disabled.
Restart your PC.
Restart your Wi-Fi router.
Move closer to the router.
Try connecting another device to the same Wi-Fi network.

If other devices also cannot connect, the problem may be with your router or internet connection rather than Windows 11.

1. Make Sure Wi-Fi Is Enabled

Windows can sometimes have Wi-Fi disabled.

To check:

Press Windows + A.
Find the Wi-Fi button.
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Click the arrow next to Wi-Fi to view available networks.
Select your network and click Connect.

If the Wi-Fi option is completely missing, continue with the next solutions.

Screenshot suggestion: Show the Windows 11 Quick Settings panel with the Wi-Fi option highlighted.

2. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can resolve temporary network problems.

Click:

Start → Power → Restart

After Windows starts again, try connecting to your Wi-Fi network.

If the problem continues, move to the next step.

3. Restart Your Wi-Fi Router

If your computer sees the Wi-Fi network but cannot connect to the internet, restarting your router may help.

Turn off your router.
Wait about 30 seconds.
Turn it back on.
Wait for the connection lights to stabilize.
Try connecting your Windows 11 PC again.

If your phone and other devices also have no internet connection, contact your internet provider if restarting the router doesn’t help.

4. Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect

Windows may have saved incorrect network information.

To forget a network:

Open Settings.
Select Network & internet.
Select Wi-Fi.
Choose Manage known networks.
Find your Wi-Fi network.
Click Forget.
Return to the Wi-Fi settings.
Select the network again.
Enter your Wi-Fi password.

This creates a fresh connection between your PC and the wireless network.

5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can identify some common network problems.

Open:

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters

Look for the available network-related troubleshooter and follow the instructions shown by Windows.

If Windows identifies a problem, apply the recommended fix and test the connection again.

6. Check the Wi-Fi Adapter

If Windows does not show any Wi-Fi networks, your wireless adapter may be disabled.

To check:

Right-click the Start button.
Open Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters.
Look for a wireless adapter.
If it is disabled, right-click it.
Select Enable device.

The adapter name can vary depending on your computer manufacturer and hardware.

Screenshot suggestion: Show Device Manager with the Network adapters section expanded.

7. Update the Wi-Fi Driver

An outdated or corrupted network driver can cause connection problems.

In Device Manager:

Expand Network adapters.
Right-click your wireless adapter.
Select Update driver.
Follow the instructions provided by Windows.

For laptops and prebuilt PCs, you can also check the manufacturer’s official support website for the latest driver for your exact model.

Avoid downloading drivers from unknown third-party websites.

8. Reset Network Settings

If the previous solutions didn’t work, Windows 11 includes a network reset option.

Go to:

Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset

Read the information Windows provides before continuing.

A network reset can remove and reinstall network adapters and return certain network settings to their defaults.

Because this changes network configuration, use it after trying the simpler solutions above.

9. Check Whether the Problem Is Your PC or Your Network

This simple test can help narrow down the cause.

If other devices also cannot connect

The problem may be:

Router
Internet service
ISP outage
Wi-Fi configuration

If other devices work normally

The problem is more likely related to:

Your Windows PC
Wi-Fi adapter
Driver
Network configuration
Saved Wi-Fi settings

This distinction can save you a lot of troubleshooting time.

10. When to Contact Your Internet Provider

If your PC and other devices cannot access the internet, and restarting the router does not help, the issue may be outside your computer.

Check your provider’s service-status information or contact their support team.

Before contacting them, note:

Whether all devices are affected
Whether the router shows an error
When the problem started
Whether the connection works intermittently

This information can help support identify the problem faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Wi-Fi not showing up on Windows 11?

Possible causes include a disabled wireless adapter, a driver problem, Airplane mode, Windows configuration issues, or hardware problems.

Why does my Windows 11 PC connect to Wi-Fi but have no internet?

Your PC may successfully connect to the router while the router itself has no internet connection. Check another device on the same network to determine whether the problem is specific to your PC.

Should I reinstall Windows if Wi-Fi isn’t working?

Usually, no. Try the troubleshooting steps above before considering a Windows reinstallation.

Can an outdated Wi-Fi driver cause connection problems?

Yes. Driver problems can affect wireless connectivity, so checking for an appropriate driver update is worthwhile.

Will resetting network settings delete my personal files?

A network reset is intended to reset network-related configuration rather than your personal files. However, it can remove saved network information and reset network adapters, so make sure you understand the changes before using it.

Final Thoughts

When Wi-Fi stops working on Windows 11, don’t immediately assume that your hardware has failed.

Start with the basics: restart your PC and router, make sure Wi-Fi is enabled, and reconnect to your network. If that doesn’t work, check the wireless adapter, investigate the driver, and consider resetting Windows network settings.

The most important step is to determine whether the problem affects only your PC or every device on the network. That can quickly tell you whether to focus on Windows or your internet connection.