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Windows Can’t Find WiFi Network [Step-By-Step Guide]
Having outdated drivers is a common cause, but consider all solutions
13 min. read
Updated onSeptember 4, 2024
updated onSeptember 4, 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:
Problems with WiFi and the internet connection are probably the most common issues Windows 10 users face. And we’ll agree that there’s nothing more annoying for an average user than Wi-Fi issues while browsing the internet.
There are various Wi-Fi errors that can eventually occur, and in this article, we’ll try to address as many as possible.
There are literally tens if not hundreds of various Wi-Fi issues you can encounter while using Windows 10. Here are some of the most common issues:
This is a rather peculiar case, but not impossible to tackle. While for some users, theirWindows 10 laptops can’t find WiFi at all, for others, the issue is contained at their home network level.
One user has reported the following:laptop not detecting my WiFi but detecting others. Don’t worry, the solutions below will also work when Windows 10 does not show all WiFi networks available.
So, let’s get to it, shall we?
What can I do if my computer/laptop can’t find the WiFi network?
1. Update network drivers
Another common solution for various network issues is to update your WiFi driver. In case you don’t know how to do that, follow these instructions:
IfWindows can’t automatically find and download new drivers, read our complete guide on manually doing that.
If the problem is still there, go back toDevice Manager>Network Adapters, and do the following:
In addition, another helpful way to resolve driver issues is with the help of specialized programs. You can thus update drivers automatically after scanning your PC and see which drivers are out of date and which are not.
In order to do so, you can rely on athird-party solutionthat will do it for you in minutes. Driver issues are the perfect task for a powerful solution.
Keeping the network drivers up to date can help you prevent other network connectivity issues likeno network connectivity in Safe mode with networking.
2. Reset TCP/IP
Can’t access TCP/IP on Windows 10?Check out this quick guideto fix the issue.
The first thing we’re going to try is resetting the TCP/IP stack. This is, indeed, one of the most common solutions for network problems in Windows, and can be helpful with other internet issues.
3. Change the wireless SSID and password on your modem
Another solution that’s quite common when troubleshooting WiFi and network issues are changing the wireless SSID and password of your modem.
Even though we’re talking about resolving the problem with your wireless network, for this workaround you’ll have to connect your computer to the modem using theEthernet cable.
Since changing the SSID varies from modem to modem, we can’t tell you what to do precisely. Therefore, we recommend you check your modem’s manual or look online for more info.
4. Check for malware
Contrary to the previous workaround, some malware may corrupt your connection. So, it would be a good idea to run your security scan once again.
If your computer has connection-blocking malware, your antivirus will surely eliminate it.
Choosing a powerful antivirus that can eliminate advanced types of malware is highly recommended. Hence, to secure your system more, you can choose from thebest antivirus software available for Windows 10 PC.
5. Reset your modem (and more)
Now, let’s switch to more basic solutions, which are probably the first thing you’ll do anyway. Here are some of the actions you need to do to troubleshoot your modem/router:
Once again, if you’re not sure how to do any of this, check your router/modem manual for more detailed instructions.
You can also try toupdate your router’s firmware. If you don’t know how to do that, we’ve prepared a nifty guide that will help you.
6. Use the Internet Connection troubleshooter
If you’re on at least Windows 10 version 1703 (Creators Update), you have a new troubleshooting option on the Settings app. This Troubleshooter can be used for resolving various problems within the system, including the WiFi issue we’re talking about.
If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app,take a look at this articleto solve the issue.
7. Make sure DHCP is on
Now, let’s talk about DHCP. In short words, DHCP is a Windows process that assigns the IP address to your computer when you connect to a network.
So, if this process is disabled, your computer won’t be able to obtain the IP address, and therefore, you won’t be able to connect to the internet using your WiFi connection.
So, the first thing we’re going to do is make sure if this process is running. And here’s how to do that:
8. Set your IP address manually
9. Change the number of DHCP users
And finally, the last solution that involves the DHCP process is changing the number of DHCP users. More precisely, you’ll have to increase the number of DHCP users in your router settings. Usually, the limit is50 DHCP users, and if you go over, WiFi issues may occur.
Once again, since the process of changing the number of DHCP users varies from router to router, it’s better to check the manual for detailed instructions.
10. Disable Windows Firewall temporarily
Even though Windows Firewall is a useful feature for the overall security of your system, it can cause issues with your network connection. Because of that, we’re going to disable Firewall temporarily and see if there are any changes. Here’s how to do that:
Youcan’t open Control Panel on Windows 10? Take a look at this step-by-step guide to find a solution.
11. Disable the Airplane mode
As unlikely as it seems, many people have reported that the Airplane mode blocked their WiFi connection. So, make sure the Airplane mode is disabled.
You can find the Airplane mode icon in the Notification panel in the right corner of the taskbar. However, if the icon is missing, there’s an alternative way to disable it:
12. Use ipconfig /release command
13. Set the channel width to Auto
14. Disable IPv6 on your computer and router
In some cases, enabling the IPv6 protocol solves internet issues, but sometimes this protocol can cause problems.
15. Delete your wireless profile
If your Wireless Profile got corrupted, the best way to get things back to where they used to be is to simply delete your Wireless Profile, and create it once again.
16. Disable the Family Safety feature
Ifthere’s a need for the Family Safety feature, we don’t recommend disabling it. However, there’s a chance this very feature blocks your wireless connection. In that case, you have no other choice than to disable it.
17. Disable your antivirus software
You’ve probably heard about this one before. Windows 10 and its components and features don’t get along with third-party antivirus programs.
Because of that interference, various problems may occur. Including our problem with the WiFi network. So, go and temporarily disable your antivirus program and check if the connection is working.
If you’re able to normally connect to your WiFi network with your antivirus program disabled, consider changing your antivirus solution or switching to Windows Defender completely.
If you’re worried about the lack of antivirus, read this article to find out whyWindows Defender is the only malware protection you’ll ever need.
18. Change the wireless network mode
Your router and wireless adapter need to be on the same network mode to work seamlessly. If that’s not the case, you’ll experience problems with your WiFi connection.
So, you should check the wireless networking mode on your computer in order to make the connection work again.
19. Change Fiddler settings
This one, obviously, only applies to Fiddler users. Some users suggest that changing Fiddler settings can also resolve this issue. Here’s how to do that:
20. Check that all required services for Internet connection sharing are Enabled
To do so, go toSearch> typeservices.msc> openServices. And now, just make sure these services are running:
As mentioned in some previous solutions, the WiFi network requires certain services to work properly. So, you need to make sure each one of these services is running.
Users also reported that thelaptop won’t connect to Wi-Fibut other devices will, however, we have a guide that tackles this issue.
That’s about it. We certainly hope at least one of these solutions helped you resolve the problem with your WiFi connection. If you have any additional comments, questions, or suggestions, please let us know in the comments below!
More about the topics:Fix WiFi problems,internet connection errors
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
