Introduction: Wi-Fi Adapter Problems

When the Wi-Fi adapter is not working in Windows 10, you may find yourself limited to a wired connection unless you take action. Many users have reported wireless connection issues, especially after a Windows update. In most cases, updating drivers or modifying settings can resolve the problem.

Why is my Wi-Fi adapter not working?

There are several common reasons for Wi-Fi adapter issues:

1. Malfunctioning drivers: Especially after an OS update, you may encounter problems with drivers that are not working correctly. Updating the drivers usually solves the issue.
2. Improper settings: Sometimes, adapter settings may change without warning, affecting its functionality.
3. The adapter is damaged: Though highly unlikely, if the problem coincides with a drop of your laptop, the Wi-Fi adapter might be damaged.

Common Wi-Fi Adapter Issues in Windows 10:

Users have reported various Wi-Fi adapter issues after a Windows update. Some of these include:

1. Windows 10 Wi-Fi adapter missing, not showing, not working: If your computer fails to recognize the adapter, you won’t see it in Device Manager.
2. My Windows 10 Wi-Fi disconnects frequently: If your connection is unstable, there are solutions to fix that too.
3. Windows 10 has no Wi-Fi option in settings: Just as with the taskbar, the Wi-Fi option may disappear from the Settings page.
4. Windows 10 Wi-Fi connected but no Internet: This is the worst scenario – when everything seems right, but you can’t connect to the Internet. Rest assured, there are solutions for this too.
5. Realtek Wi-Fi adapter not working: It is possible that your Wi-Fi adapter’s failure is due to its driver being recently removed.
6. The Wi-Fi adapter stopped working: On certain laptops, Wi-Fi may be turned on and off using either a dedicated hardware button or a set of keys on the keyboard.
7. No Wi-Fi adapters available Cisco AnyConnect: In the NAM section of the Anyconnect client, the message “No network adapters” appears.
8. No Wi-Fi adapters available in Windows 11: Start the Network Adapter troubleshooter on your Windows PC if you can’t find your Wi-Fi adapter on that machine.
9. Wi-Fi adapter not showing in Device Manager: If the wireless adapter still does not appear in Device Manager, you may use the System Restore point to roll back to a previous functional state.

How to Fix Wi-Fi Adapter Issues on Windows 10:

1. Update the network drivers (Internet needed):

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

  

• Click on the Network adapters section, locate the Wi-Fi adapter, right-click on it, and select Update driver.

  

• Select “Search automatically for drivers.”
• If the system finds a new driver, it will be installed, and you will be prompted for a restart.

  

2. Use the built-in troubleshooter:

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then head to Updates & Security.

  

• Select Troubleshoot from the left pane and click on Additional troubleshooters.

  

• Choose Internet Connections and click the Run the troubleshooter button.

  

• Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
• Restart your computer.

3. Reset network adapters:

• Right-click on the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).

  

• Type or paste the following lines into Windows Powershell and press Enter after each one:
  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh int ip reset
  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /renew
• Once done, restart the computer and verify whether the Wi-Fi adapter is still not working.

4. Perform a registry tweak with Command Prompt:

• Type Command Prompt in the search bar and click on Run as administrator.

  

• Paste the following line and press Enter: netcfg –s n
  First, go to Search, type regedit, and open the Registry Editor.

  

  Navigate to the following path:

  

Note: If the command returns the error 0x80004002, follow the additional steps mentioned in the article.

5. Change the adapter settings:

• Click on the Start button, type Control Panel, and then click on the relevant search result.

  

  Go to the top right corner and change the View by option to Large icons.

  

• Select Network and Sharing Center.

  

• Click on Change adapter settings.

  

• Right-click the wireless adapter and select Properties.

  

• Search for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), and uncheck the option to disable it.

  

• Click on OK and restart the computer to enforce the changes.

6. Reinstall the network adapter:

• Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager from the list.

  

• Click on the Network adapters section to expand it.
• Right-click your network adapter and select Uninstall device.

  

• Follow further on-screen instructions.
• Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically install the best available drivers for the device.

7. Reset your router:

• Locate the Reset button at the back of the router.

  

• Press and hold it for more than 10 seconds until the SYS LED starts flashing quickly, and release the button.

8. Update the router firmware:

• Use an Ethernet cable to connect the router to your PC.
• Visit your router’s manufacturer’s website.
• Locate your model on the list.
• Download the latest firmware version for your model.

  

• Open your web browser and type the IP address or the router’s link (e.g., 192.168.0.1, but yours may be different).
• Enter the username and password provided by the manufacturer or the ones you set.
• Navigate to the Firmware section and find the Choose file or Browse button to let you add the downloaded firmware.

  

• Wait for the process to finish, and do not interrupt it at any cost.

9. Switch to the Maximum Performance mode:

• Press the Windows key + S and enter power plan. Now click on Choose a power plan.

  

• Once the Power Options window opens, locate your current plan and click Change plan settings.

  

• Go to Change advanced power settings.

  

• Expand Wireless Adapter Settings, and set the Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance.

  

• Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Adapter Problems on Windows 11:

To troubleshoot Wi-Fi adapter problems on Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
• Locate your wireless adapter from the list and double-click it to open its Properties.
• Navigate to the Power Management tab and disable the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
• Click OK to save the changes.

Expert Tips to Avoid Wi-Fi Connection Problems:

1. Choose a less crowded channel: Open your router’s configuration page, navigate to the Wireless section, and select your network. Choose a different channel for it.
2. Move between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz: If you have a dual-band router, switching between the two frequencies can be a good idea.
3. Remove unwanted devices: Ensure you have not given the router password to any unauthorized users, and delete the devices you don’t recognize from your router’s settings.
4. Upgrade your device (change the Wi-Fi card): If your current Wi-Fi adapter is not working correctly, consider using a new Wi-Fi adapter that fits your needs better.
5. Get the right router for your needs: Choose a router that provides signal coverage throughout your home. If the connection fails from time to time, it might be a problem with the router itself or the signal power to your device.
6. Keep your drivers updated: Regularly update the network drivers to prevent Wi-Fi adapter issues.
7. Pick the correct Wi-Fi hotspot: Ensure you are connected to the correct network, as sometimes devices can mistakenly connect to slower or more crowded ones.

Conclusion:

Wi-Fi adapter issues in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps and solutions, you can get your Wi-Fi back up and running. By updating drivers, using the built-in troubleshooter, resetting network adapters, performing registry tweaks, changing adapter settings, reinstalling the network adapter, and updating router firmware, you can overcome various Wi-Fi adapter problems. Additionally, following expert tips and choosing the right frequency and router can help you avoid Wi-Fi connection problems in the future. With these fixes and solutions, you can enjoy seamless internet connectivity on your Windows 10 PC.