Wi-Fi Not Showing in Windows 11? Fix It

If the Wi-Fi option is missing entirely, the adapter is off, disabled or missing its driver. Work down this list.

1. Airplane mode and the Wi-Fi switch

Open Quick Settings (Windows + A); turn Airplane mode off and Wi-Fi on. Some laptops have an Fn key for Wi-Fi.

Win + A

2. Enable the adapter

Device Manager > Network adapters. If the Wi-Fi adapter has a down arrow, right-click > Enable device. Missing? Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Win + X > Device Manager > Network adapters

3. Reinstall the driver

Right-click the adapter > Uninstall device, then restart; Windows reinstalls it. Or get the driver from your laptop maker.

4. Network reset

Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. It removes saved networks; you'll re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.

Advanced network settings > Network reset

FAQ

Wi-Fi shows but won't connect?

See our 'connected, no internet' fix: ipconfig /release, /renew, /flushdns and netsh winsock reset.

Will network reset delete files?

No. It only resets network adapters and saved networks.