Fix Windows 11 Wi-Fi Not Working (2026 Guide)

Wi-Fi is how most of us connect to the internet on Windows 11 laptops and desktops. When Windows 11 Wi-Fi stops working—the Wi-Fi option is missing, networks don't appear, or connections keep dropping—you can't access the internet, which is critical for work and entertainment.

This guide covers 9 proven solutions to fix Wi-Fi issues in Windows 11.

PAGE CONTENT

• Common Windows 11 Wi-Fi Problems
• Fix 1: Check if Wi-Fi Is Enabled
• Fix 2: Restart Your Router and PC
• Fix 3: Run the Network Troubleshooter
• Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Drivers
• Fix 5: Forget and Reconnect to the Network
• Fix 6: Reset Network Settings
• Fix 7: Check WLAN AutoConfig Service
• Fix 8: Run SFC and DISM Scans
• Fix 9: Check for Windows Updates
• FAQs About Windows 11 Wi-Fi Issues
• Back Up and Restore Windows with Qiling Disk Master

Common Windows 11 Wi-Fi Problems

Users report various Wi-Fi issues in Windows 11:

• Wi-Fi option is missing from Settings or Action Center
• No Wi-Fi networks are showing up
• Wi-Fi won't connect to any network
• Wi-Fi connects but has no internet access
• Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting frequently
• Wi-Fi speeds are very slow
• Wi-Fi adapter is missing from Device Manager
• Wi-Fi icon shows a yellow exclamation mark or red X

Fix 1: Check if Wi-Fi Is Enabled

First, make sure Wi-Fi is turned on in Settings.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to "Network & Internet".

Step 3. Make sure the "Wi-Fi" toggle is turned on.

Step 4. Click "Wi-Fi" > "Show available networks" to see if any networks appear.

Step 5. You can also check in the Action Center: press Win + A and look for the Wi-Fi icon.

Step 6. If you don't see the Wi-Fi toggle, try the other fixes below.

Fix 2: Restart Your Router and PC

The simplest fix often works: restart your router and PC.

Step 1. Unplug your router/modem from the power outlet.

Step 2. Wait 30 seconds.

Step 3. Plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 4. Restart your PC.

Step 5. After your PC boots up, check if Wi-Fi networks appear and if you can connect.

Fix 3: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common Wi-Fi issues.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to "System" > "Troubleshoot" > "Other troubleshooters".

Step 3. Find "Network Adapter" and click "Run".

Step 4. The troubleshooter will ask which adapter to diagnose. Select "Wi-Fi" and click "Next".

Step 5. Wait for the troubleshooter to scan for issues. It will try to fix them automatically.

Step 6. After it completes, check if Wi-Fi works.

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Wi-Fi Drivers

Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers are the most common cause of Wi-Fi issues. Updating or reinstalling them usually fixes the problem.

Update Wi-Fi Drivers

Step 1. Press Win + X and select "Device Manager".

Step 2. Expand "Network adapters".

Step 3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., "Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200" or "Realtek RTL8822CE") and select "Update driver".

Step 4. Choose "Search automatically for drivers" and follow the prompts.

Step 5. Alternatively, download the latest driver from your PC manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, etc.) or from the Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer (Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, Qualcomm).

Reinstall Wi-Fi Drivers

Step 1. In Device Manager, expand "Network adapters".

Step 2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select "Uninstall device".

Step 3. Check "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" if available.

Step 4. Click "Uninstall".

Step 5. Restart your PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the Wi-Fi driver.

Fix 5: Forget and Reconnect to the Network

If you can't connect to a specific network, try forgetting it and reconnecting.

Step 1. Press Win + I > "Network & Internet" > "Wi-Fi".

Step 2. Click "Manage known networks".

Step 3. Find the network you can't connect to and click "Forget".

Step 4. Go back to "Wi-Fi" and click "Show available networks".

Step 5. Select your network and enter the password to reconnect.

Fix 6: Reset Network Settings

If Wi-Fi still doesn't work, resetting all network settings can fix deep-seated issues. This will remove all Wi-Fi passwords and network configurations, so you'll need to reconnect to networks afterward.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to "Network & Internet" > "Advanced network settings".

Step 3. Click "Network reset" under "More settings".

Step 4. Click "Reset now" and confirm.

Step 5. Your PC will restart. After restarting, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.

Fix 7: Check WLAN AutoConfig Service

The WLAN AutoConfig service manages Wi-Fi connections. If it's not running, Wi-Fi won't work.

Step 1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2. Scroll down and find "WLAN AutoConfig".

Step 3. Right-click and select "Properties".

Step 4. Set "Startup type" to "Automatic".

Step 5. Under "Service status", if it shows "Stopped", click "Start". If it shows "Running", click "Stop" then "Start" to restart it.

Step 6. Click "OK" and check if Wi-Fi works.

Fix 8: Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can cause Wi-Fi to malfunction. Run SFC and DISM to repair them.

Step 1. Press Win + X and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)".

Step 2. Run DISM:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3. Run SFC:

sfc /scannow

Step 4. Wait for both scans to complete. If corrupted files are found and repaired, restart your PC.

Fix 9: Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft regularly releases Wi-Fi driver updates through Windows Update. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to "Windows Update" > "Check for updates".

Step 3. Install any available updates, including optional driver updates.

Step 4. If a recent update caused the Wi-Fi issue, uninstall it: go to "Update history" > "Uninstall updates" and remove the most recent update.

FAQs About Windows 11 Wi-Fi Issues

Why is my Wi-Fi not working in Windows 11?

Common causes include the WLAN AutoConfig service being disabled, outdated or corrupted drivers, or a problematic Windows update. Try restarting the service and updating the drivers first.

Why is there no Wi-Fi option in Windows 11?

If the Wi-Fi option is missing from Settings, it may be due to a disabled Wi-Fi adapter, missing drivers, or a hardware issue. Check Device Manager for the Wi-Fi adapter, and reinstall the drivers if needed.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?

Frequent disconnections are usually caused by driver issues, power management settings, or router problems. Update your Wi-Fi drivers, and in Device Manager, go to the Wi-Fi adapter's Properties > Power Management and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power". Also restart your router.

How do I reset Wi-Fi on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click "Reset now" and confirm. Your PC will restart, and all network settings will be reset. You'll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks afterward.

How do I know if my Wi-Fi adapter is broken?

If you don't see the Wi-Fi adapter in Device Manager (even after showing hidden devices), it may be disabled or broken. Try enabling it in BIOS/UEFI, or if it's a USB adapter, try a different USB port. If it still doesn't appear, the adapter may need replacement.

Back Up and Restore Windows with Qiling Disk Master

Before you reset the network stack, reinstall the wireless adapter driver, or run a full network reset, create a full system backup. A network reset clears saved profiles and drivers, so a system image is the fastest way back to a working setup if Wi-Fi still refuses to connect. Qiling Disk Master handles both the backup and the restore.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Part 1: Create a Full System Backup

Step 1. Install and open Qiling Disk Master. On the home screen, open "Backup and Recovery" and choose "System Backup". This option automatically includes Windows and the hidden boot partitions, so you do not have to select them one by one.

Step 2. Check the source. The disk where Windows is installed and its system partitions are already ticked for you. If you only need your personal documents, run a separate "File Backup" task instead.

Step 3. Click the destination box and choose where the image should be saved. Use an external HDD or SSD, a NAS, or any drive other than the one you are about to repair, and make sure it has enough free space.

Step 4. Review the task summary and click "Proceed". Wait until the progress bar reaches 100%. Do not unplug the drive or turn off the PC while the backup is running.

Part 2: Restore Windows from the Backup

Step 1. Open Qiling Disk Master again, go to "Backup and Recovery", and select the recovery option. Your backup images are listed, so pick the one you created before the repair.

Step 2. Choose the target disk or partition. Normally you restore to the original system disk. If the drive was replaced, select the new disk instead, and the restore rebuilds Windows together with its boot partitions.

Step 3. Preview the restore plan, click "Proceed", and confirm the warning. The PC restarts to finish the job, and Windows comes back exactly as it was on the day the image was created.

Conclusion

Windows 11 Wi-Fi not working is usually fixable by restarting your router and PC, updating the Wi-Fi drivers, or running the network troubleshooter. If the issue persists, try resetting network settings, checking the WLAN AutoConfig service, running SFC and DISM scans, or checking for Windows updates. For most users, one of these fixes will resolve the issue.

For more Windows 11 troubleshooting, see our guides on Bluetooth Not Working, Windows 11 24H2 Problems, and Windows 11 25H2 Problems.

Related Articles

• Fix Windows 11 Bluetooth Not Working (2026 Guide)
• Windows 11 24H2 Problems and How to Fix Them (2026 Guide)
• Windows 11 25H2 Problems and How to Fix Them (2026 Guide)
• Fix Windows 11 Taskbar Not Working (2026 Guide)
• How to Fix Windows 11 Slow Startup
  If Windows 11 starts up slowly after a Wi-Fi issue, learn how to speed up boot time with these proven solutions including disabling startup programs.
• 3 Ways | How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without CD
  Need to reinstall Windows after persistent Wi-Fi issues? Learn 3 ways to reinstall Windows 10/11 without a CD using Reset, installation USB, or system image.
• Fix MULTIPLE_IRP_COMPLETE_REQUESTS 0x44 in Windows 11