7 Fixes for Windows 11 Wi-Fi Networks Not Showing Up

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Basic Fixes:

Fix 1: Check if the Wi-Fi Adapter Is Enabled

To detect Wi-Fi networks, your Windows 11 device’s Wi-Fi adapter must be enabled. To check this, open the Control Panel and use the Network and Sharing Center option. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1:OpenControl Paneland click onNetwork and Internet.

Step 2:Then, click onNetwork and Sharing Center.

Step 3:From the side options, click onChange adapter settings.

Step 4:Right-click on yourWi-Fi adapterand, if available, click onEnable.

Fix 2: Forget and Reconnect Network

If you have been facing issues with Windows 11 not detecting a specific Wi-Fi network that was previously connected, try forgetting and reconnecting to it. This can also remove any networks that might have been known by a different name formerly. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1:OpenSettingsusing the Windows + I key and click onNetwork & internet. Click onWi-Fi.

Step 2:Scroll down and click onManage known networks.

Step 3:Go through this list and click onForgetin front of the relevant networks.

Step 4:Go back to the Wi-Fi page and click onShow available networks. Go to the relevantnetworkand click onConnect.

Step 5:Enter theWi-Fi passwordand click onNext. Wait for the Wi-Fi network to connect.

Fix 3: Run Network Troubleshooter

Capable of self-scanning and diagnosing issues, you can use the Windows troubleshooter to fix any network-related errors on your device. Once run, the troubleshooter will scan your device for any possible change or error and suggest ways to fix or resolve it. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1:OpenSettingsand click onSystem. Click onTroubleshoot.

Step 2:Then, click onOther troubleshooters.

Step 3:Go to Network and Internet and click onRun.

Once the network troubleshooter finishes diagnosing the issue, a list of possible solutions will be available on your screen. Apply those fixes and check again.

Fix 4: Check for Driver Updates

Network drivers help ensure your device stays compatible with all external network devices. And even though driver updates are usually installed automatically, you can check and install these updates manually. Do this if your Windows 11 laptop is still not showing available networks. Here’s how.

Step 1:OpenDevice Managerand click onNetwork adapters. Right-click on yourWi-Fi driverand click onUpdate driver.

Step 2:Then, click onSearch automatically for drivers.

Windows will now search for driver updates online. If an update is available, install it and restart Windows. Then, see if the Wi-Fi networks are visible on your device.

Fix 5: Perform a Network Reset

As the name suggests, performing anetwork reset on your Windows devicewill delete all network-related components. Then, a default copy of your network drivers and adapters will be reinstalled. This will also delete any third-party app or service causing interference on your Windows 11 device. Here’s how.

Step 1:OpenSettingsand click onNetwork & internet. Click onAdvanced network settings.

Step 2:Go to More settings and click onNetwork reset.

Step 3:Click onReset nowandconfirmif prompted. Then, try finding your Wi-Fi network.

Fix 6: Set Services to Automatic

Services help ensure your device’s processes work well, even in the background. While it is usually set to run automatically at device boot, you can manually set Services to automatic as well. Do this if you’ve been facing issues with Wi-Fi networks not appearing on Windows 11. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1:OpenServiceand double-click onWLAN AutoConfig.

Step 2:Click on theStartup typedrop-down menu and selectAutomatic.

Step 3:Click onApplyandOK. This will apply and save the changes.

Fix 7: Reset TCP/IP and Flush DNS Cache

TCP/IP helps your device communicate with other devices over the internet. However, a wayward setting or bug can prevent it from working properly. In this case, you can reset TCP/IP on your Windows 11 device to its default settings. Here’s how.

Step 1:Open theCommand Promptwith administrator privileges. Type the belowcommandand pressenter.

Step 2:Then, type the followingcommandand pressenterto execute.

Once done, close the window andrestart Windows 11. This will also help youflush the DNS cache on Windows 11. Now, try finding your Wi-Fi network again.

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Last updated on 24 July, 2024

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