Windows 11 Wi-Fi Not Working? Easy Ways to Fix It

Having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you need a stable internet connection for work, school, streaming, or browsing. Sometimes the problem is temporary, while other issues may be related to your Wi-Fi adapter, network settings, drivers, router, or internet service.

The good news is that most Windows 11 Wi-Fi problems can be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. This guide explains the common causes and easy ways to get your wireless connection working again.

Why Is Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 11?

There can be several reasons why Wi-Fi is not working on Windows 11. Common causes include temporary network problems, outdated or faulty Wi-Fi drivers, incorrect network settings, saved Wi-Fi connection errors, router issues, or problems with your internet service.

Before making major changes to your computer, try some basic checks:

• Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

• Check whether Airplane mode is disabled.

• Restart your Windows 11 PC.

• Restart your router and modem.

• Check whether other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi network.

• Move your computer closer to the router if the signal is weak.

If these quick checks do not help, continue with the troubleshooting methods below.

1. Turn Wi-Fi Off and On

A simple Wi-Fi reset can sometimes fix temporary connection problems.

1. Select the Wi-Fi or network icon on the Windows 11 taskbar.

2. Turn Wi-Fi off.

3. Wait a few seconds.

4. Turn Wi-Fi back on.

5. Select your wireless network and try connecting again.

This can refresh the wireless connection without changing any saved settings.

2. Restart Your Windows 11 Computer

Restarting your PC is one of the easiest ways to resolve temporary network problems.

A restart can refresh Windows networking services, reconnect the Wi-Fi adapter, and clear minor software glitches.

Select Start > Power > Restart, then wait for Windows to load completely before trying the Wi-Fi connection again.

3. Restart Your Router and Modem

If your computer cannot connect but other devices are also having problems, the issue may be with the router or internet connection.

To restart your equipment:

1. Turn off your router.

2. If you have a separate modem, turn it off as well.

3. Wait about 30 seconds.

4. Turn the modem back on first.

5. Wait for its connection lights to stabilize.

6. Turn the router back on.

7. Try connecting your Windows 11 PC again.

If every device in your home remains offline, contact your internet service provider to determine whether there is an outage or service problem.

4. Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

Windows may sometimes have trouble using information saved for a wireless network. Forgetting the network and reconnecting can resolve these connection errors.

Go to:

Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks

Find your Wi-Fi network, select Forget, and then reconnect to it.

You will need to enter the Wi-Fi password again, so make sure you know the correct password before removing the saved connection.

5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can help identify common network problems.

Open:

Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters

Look for the available network or internet troubleshooting option and follow the instructions displayed by Windows.

The troubleshooter may identify problems involving network configuration, adapters, or connectivity.

6. Check Your Wi-Fi Adapter

If the Wi-Fi option is completely missing from Windows 11, your wireless adapter may be disabled or Windows may not be detecting it correctly.

To check:

1. Right-click the Start button.

2. Open Device Manager.

3. Expand Network adapters.

4. Look for your wireless or Wi-Fi adapter.

5. If it is disabled, right-click it and select Enable device.

If you see a warning symbol next to the adapter, there may be a driver or hardware-related problem.

7. Update the Wi-Fi Driver

An outdated, corrupted, or incompatible wireless driver can prevent Windows 11 from connecting to Wi-Fi properly.

Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Update driver.

You can also check your computer manufacturer's support website for the latest Windows 11 wireless driver. When downloading drivers, make sure you select the correct model and Windows version.

8. Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver

If updating the driver does not solve the problem, reinstalling it may help.

In Device Manager:

1. Expand Network adapters.

2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter.

3. Select Uninstall device.

4. Follow the instructions shown on screen.

5. Restart your computer.

Windows may automatically reinstall the necessary driver after restarting. If it does not, you may need to install the appropriate driver from your PC manufacturer's website.

9. Reset Network Settings

Windows 11 provides a network reset option that can help when standard troubleshooting does not work.

Go to:

Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset

Select Reset now and restart your PC when prompted.

Keep in mind that a network reset removes network adapters and resets networking components to their default settings. You may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network afterward.

10. Check Airplane Mode

Airplane mode disables wireless communication and can prevent Wi-Fi from working.

Open the Windows 11 Quick Settings panel and make sure Airplane mode is turned off. Then confirm that Wi-Fi is enabled.

If Wi-Fi still does not appear, check whether your laptop has a physical wireless switch or a keyboard shortcut for controlling wireless connectivity.

11. Check the Wi-Fi Signal

A weak wireless signal can cause slow speeds, frequent disconnections, or difficulty connecting.

Try moving your Windows 11 computer closer to the router. Keep the router away from large metal objects and other devices that may interfere with the wireless signal.

If Wi-Fi works normally near the router but becomes unreliable farther away, the problem may be related to wireless coverage rather than Windows itself.

12. Check Whether the Problem Affects Other Devices

Try connecting another phone, tablet, or computer to the same Wi-Fi network.

• Only your Windows 11 PC has a problem: The issue is likely related to Windows, the Wi-Fi adapter, drivers, or network settings.

• Multiple devices cannot connect: The router, modem, or internet service may be responsible.

• Devices connect but internet access is unavailable: Your internet service or router connection may need attention.

This simple test can help narrow down the source of the problem.

What to Do If Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

If Windows 11 connects to Wi-Fi but repeatedly disconnects, try these steps:

• Restart the router and PC.

• Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.

• Update the wireless driver.

• Move closer to the router.

• Check for Windows updates.

• Disable and re-enable the Wi-Fi adapter.

• Check whether other devices experience the same disconnections.

• Consider resetting network settings if the issue continues.

When Wi-Fi Is Still Not Working

If none of these solutions work, the problem could be related to the wireless adapter, router configuration, Windows networking components, or even a hardware failure.

For a laptop, check whether the manufacturer's diagnostic software reports a wireless hardware problem. For a desktop PC, make sure the Wi-Fi adapter is properly installed and recognized by Windows.

If other devices also cannot access the internet, contact your internet service provider or check for a service outage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Wi-Fi not showing on Windows 11?

Wi-Fi may be missing because the wireless adapter is disabled, its driver is unavailable or corrupted, Airplane mode is enabled, or Windows is not detecting the adapter correctly. Checking Device Manager is a useful first step.

Why does Windows 11 say connected but have no internet?

Your PC may be successfully connected to the router while the router itself has no internet connection. Restart the router and check whether other devices have internet access.

How do I fix Wi-Fi that keeps disconnecting on Windows 11?

Start by restarting your router and computer. Then forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network, update the Wi-Fi driver, and check your signal strength. If the problem continues, consider resetting Windows network settings.

Will resetting network settings delete my files?

A Windows network reset is designed to reset networking components rather than delete personal files. However, it can remove saved network configurations, so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi afterward.

Final Thoughts

When Windows 11 Wi-Fi is not working, the cause may be as simple as a temporary connection problem or as complicated as a driver or network configuration issue. Start with the easiest solutions, such as restarting your PC and router, checking Wi-Fi and Airplane mode, and reconnecting to your wireless network.

If those steps do not work, move on to updating the Wi-Fi driver, checking the network adapter, running Windows troubleshooting tools, or resetting network settings. In many cases, these steps can restore your wireless connection without requiring professional assistance.