SOLVED: Windows Can’t Detect Wi-Fi Networks

If your Windows PC can’t detect Wi-Fi networks, you won’t be able to connect to the internet wirelessly. This issue can arise due to various factors, including outdated drivers, incorrect network settings, or hardware-related problems.

Fortect gathers reasons why Windows cannot detect Wi-Fi networks, develops practical solutions, and provides step-by-step instructions for restoring Wi-Fi connectivity.

Why Can’t Windows Detect Wi-Fi Networks?

Several reasons can prevent your Windows 10/11 PC from detecting Wi-Fi networks:

• Disabled Wi-Fi adapter – The wireless adapter may be turned off or malfunctioning.
• Outdated or corrupted drivers – Network drivers that are outdated or damaged can disrupt Wi-Fi detection.
• Airplane Mode enabled – If Airplane Mode is turned on, Windows won’t detect any wireless networks.
• Faulty network settings – Misconfigured network settings can interfere with Wi-Fi detection.
• Interference from third-party applications – VPNs or security software may block network connections.
• Hardware issues – A faulty Wi-Fi adapter or router problem can prevent network detection.

How to Fix Windows Not Detecting Wi-Fi Networks

1. Restart Your PC and Router

A simple restart can fix temporary glitches causing Wi-Fi detection issues.

• Please turn off your router and unplug it for 30 seconds.
• Restart your computer.
• Power on your router and check if your Wi-Fi network appears.

2. Ensure Wi-Fi is Enabled

Check if your Wi-Fi adapter is turned on:

1. Press Win + A to open the Action Center.
2. Click on Wi-Fi to enable it if it’s disabled.
3. Ensure Airplane Mode is turned off.

3. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter to detect and fix network-related problems. To run a network troubleshooter, do the following:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Status.
3. Click Network Troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

4. Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent Windows from detecting Wi-Fi networks. Updating them may resolve the issue:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. If updating doesn’t work, right-click the adapter, select Uninstall device, restart your PC, and let Windows reinstall the driver.

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5. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve configuration errors:

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Scroll down and click Network Reset.
3. Click Reset now and restart your PC.

6. Check for Windows Updates

Pending Windows updates may include bug fixes for network issues:

1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

7. Disable Power Saving Mode for Wi-Fi Adapter

Windows may turn off the Wi-Fi adapter to save power, preventing network detection:

1. Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
3. Go to the Power Management tab.
4. Uncheck: Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

8. Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

If the issue persists, try forgetting and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Manage Known Networks.
3. Select your Network and click Forget.
4. Reconnect by selecting the Wi-Fi network and entering the password.

9. Try a Different Network Adapter

If none of the above methods work, your Wi-Fi adapter may be faulty. Consider using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter to check if the issue is hardware-related.

Final Thoughts

Windows not detecting Wi-Fi networks can be frustrating, but it’s often fixable with the proper troubleshooting steps. Start with basic checks like enabling Wi-Fi and running the troubleshooter, then move to advanced fixes like updating drivers and resetting network settings. If hardware issues are suspected, consider using an external adapter or contacting a technician for further assistance.

Following these solutions, you can restore Wi-Fi detection on your Windows PC and get back online seamlessly.

You may also check our article How to Avoid Public WiFi Security Risks for additional safety precautions when using your Wi-Fi network.