Windows 11 Wi-Fi not working? 8 fixes to try

2 min read · 8 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Turn Wi-Fi off and on from the taskbar, restart the PC and the router, and run the network troubleshooter in the Get Help app. If that fails, forget the network and rejoin, then use Network reset under Settings, Network & internet, Advanced network settings.

Check whether other devices work on the same Wi-Fi. If they do, the PC is the problem and the steps below apply. If nothing works, restart the router or call your provider.

Step by step

  1. Turn Wi-Fi off and on

    Click the network icon at the right end of the taskbar and click the Wi-Fi button to switch it off, then on. Check that Airplane mode is off.

  2. Check the Wi-Fi key on a laptop

    Some laptops have a function key or a small switch that turns the wireless radio off. Look for an aerial symbol on the F keys.

  3. Restart the PC and the router

    Restart the PC from the Start menu. Unplug the router for 30 seconds and wait a few minutes.

  4. Run the troubleshooter

    Open the Start menu, type Get Help and open it. Type "network troubleshooter" and follow the steps. Windows resets the adapter and tests the connection.

  5. Forget the network and rejoin

    Open Settings, Network & internet, Wi-Fi, Manage known networks. Click Forget next to your network, then connect again with the password.

  6. Restart the Wi-Fi adapter

    Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager. Open Network adapters, right-click the wireless adapter, choose Disable device, wait a moment, then Enable device.

  7. Update the adapter driver

    In Device Manager, right-click the wireless adapter and choose Update driver. Better still, download the latest Wi-Fi driver from your PC maker's support page, using another connection if needed.

  8. Use Network reset

    Open Settings, Network & internet, Advanced network settings, Network reset, Reset now. Windows removes and reinstalls all network adapters and restarts. Saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings are deleted.

Good to know

If Wi-Fi disappeared right after a Windows update, the driver is the likely cause. Installing the maker's current driver usually fixes it.

If the Wi-Fi option is missing completely and no wireless adapter is listed in Device Manager, the adapter may have failed. A small USB Wi-Fi adapter is a cheap workaround.

Need the password to reconnect? See how to find a saved Wi-Fi password on Windows 11.

In short: Wi-Fi off and on, restart PC and router, troubleshooter, forget and rejoin, Network reset.

Sources
  • Microsoft Support: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows

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