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FIX: Wi-Fi is showing limited access in Windows 7

8 min. read

Updated onAugust 6, 2024

updated onAugust 6, 2024

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To fix various driver issues on your PC, you will need a dedicated tool to find the freshest and the original drivers. You can use PC HelpSoft Driver Updater to do it in 3 easy steps:

There’s only so much that can go wrong whenever you’re using a wireless connection. It gets worse when the connection drags, drops, orcannot connect at all.

Some of the common causes whenWiFiis showing limited access inWindows 7include:

Here are some tips and solutions you can use whenWiFiis showing limited access inWindows 7.

What to do if WiFi is showing limited access in Windows 7

If your computer has a wireless key or button, press it to enable your wireless adapter. Once the wireless activity comes on or a light turns on, it is enabled. Try connecting to theinternetagain.

However, if you don’t have a wireless key or the lights are off, try the solutions below.

1. Use automatic troubleshooting

Use the automatedtroubleshooterbuilt intoWindows 7. TheWindows 7Network andInternetTroubleshooter tests your network for problems and tries to repair any issues found, automatically.

If any problems are found, you will see detailed information on these issues, or actions you can take. Windows can also show you what it fixed.

Try connecting again, and ifWiFiis showing limited access inWindows 7, go the next step.

2. Reinstall wireless network adapter driver

This clears registry values and resets configurations so that drivers can set up properly for access by Windows. You can do this via Device Manager as described below:

2.1 Update drivers automatically

However, manual updates can be very stressful, if you want to do it quickly and securely, we strongly recommend using a specialized tool designed for that use.

Moreover, this tool avoids PC damage from updating the wrong version of drivers and compromising system functionality.

⇒Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

3. Update wireless network drivers

When you download and install the latest driver for your wireless adapter, it resolves any issues such as whenWiFiis showing limited access inWindows 7.

You can either get driver updates from your device’s manufacturer website, or from other sites, or install using Device Manager (but this is when an internet connection is available).

Here’s how to use Device Manager to update your wireless network drivers:

4. Check and reset hardware

If this doesn’t help whenWiFiis showing limited access inWindows 7, try performing aSystem Restore.

5. Perform a System Restore

To go back to a restore point, do the following:

6. Change your wireless environment

You can do the following when Windows WiFi is showing limited access inWindows 7:

Note:IfWiFiis showing limited access inWindows 7after doing these things, you can buy a different antenna for your router or set up a different router as asignal repeater.

7. Update router firmware

When your firmware is outdated, it can affect performance, your computer’s security or prevent the router from connecting to theinternet.

To update the firmware, log in to the configuration men on your router, and use it to update. Check your router’s user guide for instructions on how to do this.

Connect your computer directly to the router using the network cable when performing the firmware update.

8. Boot in Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode with Networking starts Windows in safe mode, including the network drivers and services you need to access the internet or other computers on the same network.

Restart your PC and beforeWindows 7splash screen appears on your computer’s display, hit F8 to enable Advanced Boot Options.

The Advanced Boot Options screen should now be available. Select ‘Safe Mode withCommand Prompt‘.

Keep in mind that if you are not fast enough when pressing F8,Windows 7will boot up normally. In this case, restart your computer and try to press F8 faster.

Once you’re in Safe Mode, run aSystem File Checker(SFC) scan

How to run an SFC scan

Do the following to exit Safe Mode:

9. Configure WLAN settings

10. Check router settings

Ensure that your router is set to broadcast its SSID or network name and you are connecting to the correct SSID, using the correct WEP/WPA passkey on both devices.

Once you confirm this, use ‘Windows Connect Now orWiFiProtected setup if available on your router. If you’re trying to use WPA or WPA2, ensure the network adapter and your router support this protocol.

If you can only connect using WEP, then your hardware needs a firmware upgrade (see solution 7).

11. Configure WinHTTP proxy setting to use direct access

Has any of these 11 solutions helped fix theWiFilimited access issue onWindows 7? Let us know in the comments section below.

Important note:Microsoft officially ended Windows 7 support. If you’re planning to upgrade to Windows 10, make sure to check outour wide collection of guideson how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

FIX: Wi-Fi is showing limited access in Windows 7#

What to do if WiFi is showing limited access in Windows 7#

1. Use automatic troubleshooting#

2. Reinstall wireless network adapter driver#

3. Update wireless network drivers#

4. Check and reset hardware#

5. Perform a System Restore#

6. Change your wireless environment#

7. Update router firmware#

8. Boot in Safe Mode with Networking#

9. Configure WLAN settings#

10. Check router settings#

11. Configure WinHTTP proxy setting to use direct access#