15 Quick Fixes When WiFi Not Showing Up on Windows 11 (2025 Guide)

 

Wi-Fi problems on Windows 11 can interrupt your workflow and leave you disconnected from important online activities. From missing network adapters to incorrect settings or driver glitches, several factors can cause your Wi-Fi to stop showing up. Thankfully, Windows 11 offers multiple built-in tools and settings to help you diagnose and fix these issues quickly—often without needing any advanced technical skills.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most effective methods to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 11. You’ll learn step-by-step solutions—from running the Network Troubleshooter to resetting your network stack—to restore seamless wireless connectivity.

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

The Network Troubleshooter becomes your best friend when WiFi disappears from Windows 11. This helpful diagnostic tool identifies and fixes common network connection problems without needing technical know-how.

Network troubleshooter overview

Windows Network Troubleshooter works as an automated tool that detects and repairs network-related problems. The tool runs tests to find issues with your WiFi adapter, connection settings, and network setup. It applies fixes automatically and saves you time with manual repairs.

The troubleshooter handles multiple problems at once and often solves issues you might not spot right away. It works especially well with common WiFi connection problems and gives you a great starting point before trying complex fixes.

How to access the troubleshooter

Windows 11 gives you several ways to start the Network Troubleshooter:

1. Via Settings app: Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Then find and select Run next to Network Adapter or Internet Connections.

2. Using the Get Help app: The Get Help app in Windows 11 offers troubleshooting options. Open it and type "network and internet troubleshooter" in the search bar. Select "Launch the network troubleshooter" and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. From Command Prompt: Advanced users can launch the troubleshooter by pressing Win+R, typing "msdt.exe -id NetworkDiagnosticsWeb" and pressing Enter.

What issues it can fix

The Network Troubleshooter tackles many WiFi problems such as:

• Missing or disabled WiFi adapters in Device Manager
• Wrong network adapter settings
• IP address conflicts or setup problems
• DNS resolution issues
• WiFi adapter driver problems
• Airplane mode turned on by accident
• Simple router connection issues

The tool shows what problems it found and fixed after scanning. It suggests next steps for issues it couldn't fix automatically. More advanced solutions exist if your WiFi still doesn't show up after using the troubleshooter.

Check if Wi-Fi is Enabled in Settings

The most effective solution is often the simplest one. Your Windows 11 WiFi might not appear because it's turned off in system settings. Let's start with this basic check.

How to verify Wi-Fi status

You should first check if your WiFi is enabled in Windows 11. Here are some quick ways to check:

1. Check the taskbar icons: Look at the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on the right side of your taskbar. A disconnected icon or airplane icon might mean your WiFi is disabled.

2. Access Quick Settings: Click on the network icon in the system tray (lower-right corner). Your current connection status and WiFi state will appear.

3. Check Settings app: Press Windows key + I to open Settings, then go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi. A toggle switch shows if WiFi is enabled or disabled.

Steps to enable Wi-Fi

Here's how to turn on your WiFi if you find it's disabled:

1. Using Quick Settings:

• Click the Network icon in the taskbar
• The Wi-Fi button should turn blue once you click it to activate

2. Through Settings app:

• Press Windows key + I for Settings
• Select Network & internet > Wi-Fi
• Switch the toggle to On

3. If Airplane mode is on:

• Open Network & internet > Airplane mode in Settings
• Turn off Airplane mode
• Make sure WiFi is on if Airplane mode was previously active

Common mistakes to avoid

Users often miss these crucial points while fixing WiFi problems:

1. Physical wireless switches: Your laptop might have a dedicated WiFi switch or function key (usually F2 or F12 with a wireless icon). Double-check this switch's position.

2. Power management settings: Windows can disable WiFi to conserve power. Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your WiFi adapter, choose Properties, select the Power Management tab, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".

3. Checking incorrect locations: Microsoft moved several network settings in Windows 11. The Settings app now houses most WiFi options, not the Control Panel.

4. Assuming hardware failure: Your WiFi adapter's status in Device Manager deserves a check before you replace any hardware. Look under Network adapters to confirm it's enabled.

Restart Your Modem and Router

Restarting your networking hardware is one of the best ways to fix your WiFi when it doesn't show up in Windows 11. This basic power cycle can solve problems that software fixes can't handle.

Why restarting helps

Your router and modem work like small computers with their own processors, memory, and operating systems. These devices can run into several problems over time:

Your devices build up temporary files in memory that use up working space and slow things down. A restart clears this cache and gives you better performance.

Your router might face IP address conflicts if multiple devices try to use the same address, which breaks connectivity. A restart will fix these conflicts by giving out new addresses.

Your network hardware can get too hot from running non-stop, which hurts its performance. A quick power cycle lets everything cool down.

A restart also changes your public IP address, which makes it harder for hackers to target your network.

Step-by-step restart process

Here's the best way to restart your equipment:

1. Unplug both devices: Take your modem and router off their power sources. Don't use reset buttons because they usually restore factory settings.
2. Wait 30 seconds: This pause drains all memory and tells your ISP that your devices are offline.
3. Plug in modem first: Connect your modem to power and wait about 60 seconds until the lights stop blinking.
4. Reconnect router: Once your modem runs normally, plug in your router and give it 2 minutes to start up fully.

What to check after restart

Look at the indicator lights on both devices after the restart. Most modems should show steady power, receive, send, and activity lights.

Your devices should automatically reconnect to WiFi if they're set to remember your network.

Open a website to test your connection. If WiFi still doesn't appear in Windows 11, you'll need to try the advanced troubleshooting steps in the next sections.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Your WiFi connection troubles can be fixed with the "forget network" feature in Windows 11. This feature gives you a clean slate by wiping your connection history and lets you create a fresh connection to your wireless network.

How to forget a network

Windows 11 gives you several ways to forget a WiFi network:

Using Settings app:

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
2. Go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi
3. Click Manage known networks
4. Select the problematic network
5. Click Forget to remove the saved profile

Through Quick Settings:

1. Press Windows key + A or click the network icon in taskbar
2. Click the Manage Wi-Fi connections arrow
3. Right-click on the network you want to forget
4. Select Forget from the context menu

Via Command Prompt (for advanced users):

1. Open Windows Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator
2. Type netsh wlan show profiles to see all saved networks
3. Then enter netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName" (replace NetworkName with your actual network name)

Reconnecting with correct credentials

You'll need to set up your network again after forgetting it:

1. Click the network icon in the taskbar or open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi
2. Select your network from the available networks list
3. Click Connect and enter your password when prompted
4. Make sure all credentials are correct to establish a fresh connection to your router

When to use this fix

This solution works best in these situations:

• Password changes that Windows hasn't picked up yet
• Connection profiles that might have broken during Windows 11 upgrades
• Authentication errors that persist despite correct passwords
• Devices that connect but can't reach the internet
• Systems showing "No Internet" while being connected

The process of forgetting and reconnecting rebuilds your network profile completely. This fixes many hidden configuration issues that other troubleshooting steps might miss.

Switch Between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bands

Your WiFi router broadcasts on two different frequency bands, which helps solve connectivity problems that prevent networks from showing up in Windows 11. You can fix many connection issues by switching between these bands.

Understanding frequency bands

WiFi's operation depends on two frequency bands that work in substantially different ways:

The 2.4 GHz band reaches further distances and maxes out at about 100 Mbps. Walls and floors don't block this band's signals as much, which makes it perfect to cover your entire home. The biggest problem comes from interference with other devices like microwaves, baby monitors, and Bluetooth equipment.

The 5 GHz band delivers substantially faster speeds—up to 1 Gbps—and experiences less interference. This band's 23 channels (compared to 2.4 GHz's 11) reduce network congestion. The signal doesn't travel as far or pass through solid objects as easily.

How to switch bands in Windows 11

Your Windows 11 PC can be set to use a specific band:

1. Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your WiFi adapter
3. Select Properties and switch to the Advanced tab
4. Look for Preferred band setting (names may vary by adapter)
5. Change the value to Prefer 5GHz band or Prefer 2.4GHz band

Another method through Settings:

1. Press Windows key + I > Network & internet > Wi-Fi
2. Click Hardware properties > Edit (under More adapter options)
3. Click Configure > Advanced tab
4. Select Preferred band and choose your desired band

When this fix is effective

Band switching works best especially when you have:

• Strong signals but slow speeds
• Many nearby networks in apartments or offices that cause interference
• New devices that won't connect to WiFi
• HD streaming needs that require more bandwidth (use 5 GHz)
• Large homes needing consistent coverage (use 2.4 GHz)

Hidden networks might become visible again if your adapter supports only one band while your router broadcasts on both.

Use Command Prompt to Reset Network Stack

Command Prompt is a great way to reset your network stack when WiFi doesn't show up in Windows 11. Basic fixes only solve surface problems, but these commands deal with deeper network configuration issues.

List of useful commands

You can use several command-line instructions to reset your network when WiFi disappears:

• netsh winsock reset - Rebuilds the Windows socket catalog, restoring network communications when corrupted
• netsh int ip reset - Resets the entire TCP/IP stack to default settings, fixing IP configuration errors
• ipconfig /release - Releases your current IP address
• ipconfig /renew - Gets a new IP address from the DHCP server
• ipconfig /flushdns - Clears the DNS resolver cache, resolving name resolution issues

How to run them safely

Here's how to execute these commands safely:

1. Click Start, type "command prompt" in the search box
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
3. Type each command individually, pressing Enter after each one
4. Restart your computer after running all commands

Running Command Prompt as administrator is essential. The commands won't work right without admin privileges and might fail silently or show "Access is denied" errors.

Expected outcomes

Your system should show several improvements after running these commands and restarting. Network adapters should reappear if they've disappeared from Windows 11. The reset removes corrupted settings that might hide WiFi from view.

The system restores any misconfigured TCP/IP settings to their default values. This fixes unusual connection problems that troubleshooters don't deal very well with.

These commands work well when other methods fail, especially after removing malware, fixing VPN installation issues, or dealing with failed Windows updates.

The problem likely stems from hardware issues if WiFi still doesn't appear after this reset. You might need to reinstall the adapter or check the physical components.

Uninstall and Reinstall Network Adapter

Network adapter driver issues in Windows 11 can be stubborn. A complete uninstall and reinstall of your network adapter drivers might fix deeper problems that other methods can't resolve. This process gives your network setup a fresh start.

Right Time to Remove Drivers

You should think over removing network adapter drivers in several situations. Your WiFi connection might keep dropping despite trying other fixes. Malware removal often leaves corrupted network drivers behind. Device Manager might show a yellow triangle icon next to your network adapter, showing driver problems.

This fix works best when the Windows troubleshooter finds "Default gateway is not available" but can't permanently solve it. Network problems right after a Windows update usually mean you need fresh drivers to fix compatibility issues.

Safe Reinstallation Steps

The quickest way to remove and reinstall your network adapter safely includes:

1. Download the latest driver from your manufacturer's website beforehand
2. Open Device Manager (right-click Start button and select it)
3. Expand "Network adapters," right-click your WiFi adapter, select "Uninstall device"
4. Check "Delete the driver software for this device" box
5. Restart your computer
6. Windows will typically detect and reinstall the adapter automatically

No internet after uninstalling? You can connect through an Ethernet cable or grab drivers using another device and a USB drive.

Smart Driver Backup

Before you touch those drivers, back them up using PowerShell (run as Administrator):

Export-WindowsDriver -Online -Destination "C:\Drivers"

You can restore your backups with:

pnputil /add-driver "C:\Drivers\*.inf" /subdirs /install /reboot

Driver backups become invaluable with specialized equipment or limited manufacturer support. A good backup will give a working configuration to fall back on during major system changes.

Check for Windows Updates

Your Windows 11 WiFi might disappear because of outdated system files. A current system enhances security and fixes connectivity problems that lurk beneath the surface.

Why updates matter for Wi-Fi

Windows Updates pack essential fixes for network components that control WiFi visibility. These updates fix security gaps and make your adapter work better with the system. Your hardware gets fresh driver updates that solve various connection problems. The system performs better with fewer network-related bugs after major Windows updates.

How to check and install updates

Here's how to check for available updates

1. Click Start and select Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Select Check for updates

Click Download and install when updates show up. Your device needs a restart to finish the installation. Windows Update often spots optional updates, such as network adapter drivers that might fix your WiFi problems.

What to do if update fails

Your update might fail sometimes. Try these solutions:

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters)
• Make sure you have at least 16GB (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit) of free disk space
• Empty the update cache by stopping the Windows Update service and deleting files in the SoftwareDistribution folder
• Update through Safe Mode if regular methods fail

Updates might briefly disconnect your WiFi. However, they boost stability and help your network components work correctly over time.

Disable Power Saving for Wi-Fi Adapter

Your WiFi might suddenly disappear from Windows 11 because of power saving settings. Yes, it is possible that these helpful features quietly disable your wireless connection.

How power settings affect Wi-Fi

Windows 11's power management features can automatically shut down your WiFi adapter to save battery life. Modern computers employ energy-saving features that sometimes create problems with network connections. Your WiFi adapter might fail to wake up properly when needed after Windows puts it in power-saving mode.

Your computer will likely drop WiFi connections more frequently while running on battery power. Windows switches to "Medium Power Saving" mode for wireless adapters and activates the 802.11 power save protocol. This can lead to connection problems with some access points.

Steps to disable power savingOpen Device Manager (right-click Start button)

1. Expand Network adapters
2. Double-click your wireless adapter
3. Select the Power Management tab
4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
5. Click OK

You can also modify power plan settings:

1. Open Power Options in Control Panel
2. Select Change plan settings for your active plan
3. Click Change advanced power settings
4. Expand Wireless Adapter Settings → Power Saving Mode
5. Change settings to Maximum Performance
6. Click OK

When to use this fix

Laptops that randomly disconnect from WiFi respond well to this solution, especially while running on battery power. You'll find it works best when WiFi disappears after your device enters sleep mode or when battery-saving features kick in.

Perform a Network Reset

A network reset gives your Windows 11 system a fresh networking start and ended up being the best solution when other fixes don't solve your WiFi problems.

What network reset does

A network reset wipes your network configuration clean. It removes and reinstalls all network adapters on your computer while returning other networking components to their original settings. This reset is more thorough than targeted fixes and deals with hidden configuration issues that troubleshooters might miss. Note that your system will forget all saved networks and passwords.

How to perform it

Here's how to reset your network in Windows 11:

1. Click the Start menu, then open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Scroll down and select Advanced network settings
4. Find and click on Network reset
5. Click the Reset now button
6. Select Yes to confirm

Your computer will restart automatically after about five minutes to finish the process.

Post-reset steps

The reset requires some follow-up actions. You'll need to enter passwords again to reconnect to your wireless networks. On top of that, you might need to reinstall and adjust networking software like VPN clients, virtual switches, or customized network configurations. Your system will need manual updates if you used static IP settings or custom DNS configurations.

Check for Proxy or VPN Conflicts

WiFi connectivity problems in Windows 11 often stem from proxy servers and VPNs that work silently in the background, even when other network components seem fine.

How proxies affect Wi-Fi

Proxy settings direct your internet traffic through intermediate servers that can create connection conflicts. Your Windows system might fail to establish a direct WiFi connection due to incorrect proxy configuration. This biggest problem surfaces when proxy servers stop responding or create conflicts with your network setup. Your device could connect to the local network but display "No Internet" status because the proxy blocks the connection.

Disabling proxy settings

Windows 11 users can disable proxy settings by following these steps:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy
2. Under "Automatic proxy setup," turn off the "Automatically detect settings" toggle
3. Under "Manual proxy setup," click Set up and ensure "Use a proxy server" remains off
4. Click Save

Proxy settings tend to reset automatically, so checking these configurations becomes essential whenever WiFi problems occur.

VPN-related issues

VPNs create virtual network adapters that might conflict with your WiFi's physical connection. These tools route traffic through different paths and could show incorrect connection status icons despite having working internet. The "kill switch" feature in VPNs blocks all connections after unexpected disconnections. Users should disable their VPN temporarily to check if it causes WiFi visibility problems.

Run a Ping Test to Router

Ping tests help you diagnose connectivity issues in Windows 11 when WiFi doesn't show up. This command-line tool lets you test how your device and router communicate. You can quickly find out if network problems exist in your local network or somewhere else.

How to perform a ping test

Running a ping test to your router requires these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search "cmd" in Start menu, right-click and select "Run as administrator")
2. Type ipconfig and press Enter
3. Find your active connection and note the "Default Gateway" address (usually 192.168.1.1 or similar)
4. Type ping <DefaultGateway> with your router's IP address instead of <DefaultGateway>
5. Press Enter and check the results

Let's say your gateway is 192.168.1.1, you would type: ping 192.168.1.1

Interpreting results

A successful ping test shows results like:

Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64

You should get into these key values:

• Response time (measured in milliseconds) - anything under 100ms works great
• Packet loss percentage - local connections should show 0%
• TTL (Time-to-Live) - local network devices usually show 64

"Request timed out" messages point to connectivity problems.

What it reveals about your connection

Good ping results tell you your network adapter works properly and connects to your local network, even when WiFi doesn't appear in Windows 11. This helps you figure out if your local network setup or external internet connection causes the problem.

Your router's successful replies paired with Windows not showing WiFi suggest the problem lies with adapter settings or drivers, not physical connectivity.

Check DNS and IP Configuration

DNS and IP configuration issues silently cause WiFi problems in Windows 11. Your system fails to translate domain names into IP addresses when network settings become misconfigured. This breaks your internet connection completely.

How to view DNS/IP settings

You can check your current DNS configuration easily:

1. Press Win+I to open Settings
2. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
3. Select your WiFi connection and click View additional properties
4. Look for IPv4 DNS servers and IPv6 DNS servers

Command Prompt offers another way - just type ipconfig /all to see detailed network configuration.

Fixing misconfigurations

Your Windows might show incorrect DNS settings or display "DNS server not responding." These solutions should help:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to flush your DNS cache
• Reset TCP/IP stack by typing netsh int ip reset and restart your system
• Make sure IP assignment uses automatic settings (DHCP) in network settings

Using public DNS servers

Connection issues often resolve by switching to reliable public DNS servers:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

The DNS servers can be changed through Settings > Network & Internet. Click your connection > Edit next to DNS server assignment > select Manual > enable IPv4/IPv6 > enter preferred DNS > Save.

Enable Wi-Fi Adapter in Device Manager

Your Windows 11 system might have a working WiFi adapter that's simply turned off. The Device Manager provides quick access to hardware settings that can solve this problem.

How to access Device Manager

Windows 11 gives you multiple ways to open Device Manager:

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the menu
2. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager
3. Type "Device Manager" in the search box and select it from results
4. The keyboard shortcut method lets you press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter

Steps to enable adapter

After opening Device Manager:

1. Expand the Network adapters section by clicking the arrow beside it
2. A grayed-out WiFi adapter indicates it's disabled
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Enable device
4. Check the power management tab and remove the checkmark from "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"

What to do if adapter is missing

When you can't see your WiFi adapter:

1. Click View in the top menu and select Show hidden devices
2. Click Action then Scan for hardware changes
3. Difficult cases might need Add Legacy Hardware from the Action menu
4. Select Network adapters and pick your adapter type from manufacturer lists

Flush DNS and Renew IP Address

A quick DNS cache flush works like a reset button when your WiFi doesn't show up in Windows 11. This simple fix removes old network information that blocks your connection.

Why flushing DNS helps

Your computer keeps a local DNS cache that converts website names to IP addresses. These records can go stale or break down over time and cause connection issues. A cache clear makes your system fetch new DNS information. Many websites that won't load or seem unreachable start working again. Your browsing speed can improve too - research shows DNS resolution delays can slow down page loads by up to 30%.

Command line steps

Here's how to flush DNS and refresh your IP address in Windows 11:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start menu > select "Command Prompt (Admin)")
2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to clear DNS cache
3. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter to release current IP
4. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter to get a new IP address

You can run netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset commands before restarting your computer for a complete cleanup.

When to use this fix

Try this solution if you see "DNS server not responding" errors or if websites suddenly stop loading. The fix works best when you've changed network settings, joined new networks, or Windows shows "No Internet" despite being connected. This approach fits well with other network fixes and doesn't need any hardware changes.

Comparison Table

Fix Method	Complexity Level	Requires Admin Rights	Primary Purpose	Key Steps	Best Scenario
Run Network Troubleshooter	Simple	No	Automatically identify and fix common network issues	1. Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters 2. Run Network Adapter troubleshooter	Network shows simple connectivity issues without clear cause
Check Wi-Fi Settings	Simple	No	Verify if Wi-Fi is turned off	1. Check taskbar icons 2. Access Quick Settings 3. Verify Wi-Fi toggle in Settings	System startup or sudden Wi-Fi disconnection
Restart Modem/Router	Simple	No	Clear device memory and refresh network connections	1. Unplug both devices 2. Wait 30 seconds 3. Plug in modem first 4. Wait 60 seconds 5. Plug in router	Connection drops or slow speeds occur
Forget/Reconnect Network	Intermediate	No	Reset network profile and credentials	1. Go to Wi-Fi settings 2. Manage known networks 3. Forget network 4. Reconnect with fresh credentials	Password changes or corrupted profiles need fixing
Switch Frequency Bands	Intermediate	Yes	Change between 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections	1. Device Manager > Network adapters 2. Adapter Properties > Advanced 3. Set Preferred band	Interference affects connection quality
Reset Network Stack	Advanced	Yes	Reset all network components to default state	Run commands: netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew	Other fixes fail to resolve connection problems
Reinstall Network Adapter	Advanced	Yes	Remove and reinstall network drivers	1. Download latest drivers 2. Uninstall current adapter 3. Restart PC 4. Reinstall drivers	Driver-related problems affect connectivity
Check Windows Updates	Simple	No	Update system and network components	1. Settings > Windows Update 2. Check for updates 3. Install available updates	System needs updates after long periods
Disable Power Saving	Intermediate	Yes	Prevent Wi-Fi from turning off to save power	1. Device Manager > Network adapters 2. Adapter Properties > Power Management 3. Uncheck power saving option	Wi-Fi disconnects during battery use
Network Reset	Advanced	Yes	Complete reset of all network settings	1. Settings > Network & Internet 2. Advanced network settings 3. Network reset	Multiple network problems persist
Check Proxy/VPN	Intermediate	No	Find conflicts with proxy or VPN services	1. Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy 2. Disable proxy settings 3. Check VPN connections	VPN services or corporate networks cause issues
Run Ping Test	Simple	Yes	Test basic network connectivity	1. Open Command Prompt 2. Type "ping" followed by router IP 3. Analyze results	Local or external connection problems need diagnosis
Check DNS/IP Config	Intermediate	Yes	Verify network addressing settings	1. View network properties 2. Check DNS settings 3. Verify IP configuration	Websites become inaccessible
Enable Wi-Fi Adapter	Simple	Yes	Ensure adapter remains active	1. Open Device Manager 2. Locate network adapter 3. Enable if disabled	Windows cannot detect Wi-Fi adapter
Flush DNS/Renew IP	Intermediate	Yes	Clear cached DNS and refresh IP address	Run commands: ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew	DNS resolution problems occur

Conclusion

WiFi connectivity issues on Windows 11 can be frustrating, but most problems have straightforward solutions. This piece explores multiple ways to troubleshoot and fix the "WiFi not showing up" problem.

Simple fixes often work best. You should first check if WiFi is enabled, restart your router, or run the Windows Network Troubleshooter. These simple steps can resolve common issues without technical expertise.

Stubborn problems might need intermediate solutions. You can forget and reconnect to networks, switch between frequency bands, or disable your WiFi adapter's power-saving features to address complex issues.

Advanced techniques become essential when simpler approaches don't work. You can use Command Prompt commands to reset your network stack, reinstall network adapters completely, or perform a full network reset to tackle deeper system issues that hide WiFi networks.

A methodical approach through these solutions, starting with the simplest fixes before trying advanced troubleshooting, saves time and prevents complications.

The comparison table helps you quickly find which solution might work best for your specific situation. Different scenarios need different approaches, based on your WiFi problem's mechanisms.

Software configurations cause most WiFi visibility issues rather than hardware failures. You can likely fix the problem yourself without professional help or replacing hardware.

Windows 11 WiFi problems might look overwhelming at first, but these 15 solutions give you the tools to diagnose and fix almost any WiFi visibility issue. Your wireless connection will be back online quickly.

FAQs

Q1. Why is my Wi-Fi not showing up in Windows 11? 

There are several possible reasons, including disabled Wi-Fi adapters, outdated drivers, power-saving settings, or network configuration issues. Running the Windows Network Troubleshooter or checking Wi-Fi settings in the taskbar are good first steps to diagnose the problem.

Q2. How can I reset my network settings in Windows 11? 

You can perform a network reset by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. This will remove and reinstall all network adapters and set other networking components back to their original settings. Remember to back up any custom network configurations before proceeding.

Q3. What should I do if my Wi-Fi adapter is missing in Device Manager? 

First, try showing hidden devices in Device Manager by clicking View > Show hidden devices. If it's still not visible, scan for hardware changes or use the "Add Legacy Hardware" option. If these steps don't work, you may need to update or reinstall your Wi-Fi adapter drivers.

Q4. Can power-saving settings cause Wi-Fi to disappear in Windows 11? 

Yes, power management features can sometimes disable your Wi-Fi adapter to conserve battery. To prevent this, go to Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, open its properties, go to the Power Management tab, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

Q5. How do I switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands in Windows 11? 

To switch bands, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, select Properties, go to the Advanced tab, look for "Preferred band" setting, and change the value to either "Prefer 5GHz band" or "Prefer 2.4GHz band" as needed.