Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 10/11: If you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you’re not alone. Countless users run into connectivity problems sometimes right after a system update, other times out of nowhere. Whether your device shows “Connected, no internet,” can’t detect any networks, or disconnects randomly, it’s frustrating especially when you’re in the middle of something important. If you need help, this guide specifically addresses how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11.
The good news? You can fix most Wi-Fi problems yourself no tech skills required.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 quick, proven solutions to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11. These steps are easy to follow, packed with screenshots and tips, and arranged from simplest to most advanced.
Many users often wonder how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 after updates or changes. This article aims to provide comprehensive solutions for those issues.
By the end of this article, your PC should be back online, and you’ll know exactly what to do the next time Wi-Fi acts up.
Let’s dive in.
Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 10/11
Table of Contents
As we tackle these solutions, remember that knowing how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 can save you time and prevent frustration.
Solution 1: Restart Your Router and PC
Why this works:
Sometimes the simplest fix is the best. Routers can freeze or experience temporary glitches, and restarting clears out bugs and resets connections.
How to do it:
- Turn off your router — press the power button or unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This lets the router fully power down and clear its memory.
- Turn your router back on or plug it back in. Wait until all lights stabilize (usually a few minutes).
- Restart your Windows PC as well to reset its network stack.
- Try connecting to your Wi-Fi again.
Pro tip:
If your router has a battery backup, make sure it’s disconnected during the restart to ensure a full power reset.
Solution 2: Run the Built-in Network Troubleshooter
If your Wi-Fi suddenly stops working, one of the fastest ways to identify the issue is by using the network troubleshooter built into Windows. This tool automatically checks for problems with your network configuration, hardware, or drivers and attempts to fix them without requiring any technical knowledge.
To run the troubleshooter in Windows 10, click on the Start menu and open Settings. Then go to Update & Security and select Troubleshoot from the left-hand panel. Click on Internet Connections and then select Run the troubleshooter.
If you are using Windows 11, go to Settings, then System, and select Troubleshoot. Click on Other troubleshooters, find the Internet Connections option, and click Run next to it.
Once the troubleshooter launches, it will scan for common problems. If it finds an issue, it will offer suggestions or automatically apply a fix. This method is simple, quick, and often effective at resolving basic Wi-Fi problems.
Using the built-in troubleshooter is an effective method on how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 by diagnosing common issues.
Solution 3: Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
Sometimes your computer may hold on to an outdated or corrupted version of your Wi-Fi network’s settings. This can cause connection issues, such as constant disconnections or failure to connect at all. The solution is to forget the network and reconnect to it as if for the first time.
To do this in Windows 10 or 11, click on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar. Then right-click on the name of your Wi-Fi network and choose Forget. This will erase all saved data related to that network, including your password.
Next, click on the Wi-Fi icon again, find your network in the list of available connections, and click Connect. You will be prompted to re-enter your Wi-Fi password. Once you do that, your system will attempt to establish a fresh connection.
This simple reset often clears up minor software glitches that might be interfering with your wireless connection.
When you forget a network, it serves as a troubleshooting step on how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11, allowing your system to establish a fresh connection.
Solution 4: Update Your Wi-Fi Driver
Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers are a common cause of connection issues, especially after a Windows update. These drivers control how your computer communicates with the wireless adapter. Updating them can fix problems like slow speeds, dropped signals, or failure to detect networks.
To update your Wi-Fi driver, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters section. Look for the device that contains the word “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi.” Right-click on it and choose Update driver.
Updating drivers is crucial for those looking to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11, as outdated drivers can hinder connectivity.
If you’re wondering how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11, make sure to check your driver updates regularly to enhance connectivity.
Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will check online for any available updates and install them if found. After the update is complete, restart your computer and try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
If Windows reports that the best drivers are already installed but your problem persists, you can visit your computer or wireless adapter manufacturer’s website to manually download the latest driver for your model.
Keeping your drivers updated is essential for maintaining a stable and secure wireless connection.
10 Common Wi-Fi Issues & How to Fix Them
Solution 5: Reset the Network Settings
When nothing else seems to work, resetting your network settings can give your system a clean slate. This process removes all saved networks, network adapters, and related configurations, then reinstalls everything from scratch. It’s like hitting the reset button on your network stack.
In Windows 10, go to Settings, then Network & Internet. Scroll down to the Status tab and click on Network reset. You will see a warning that this will remove and reinstall all your network adapters and reset other networking components to their default settings. Click Reset now to proceed.
In Windows 11, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, and click on Advanced network settings. Under More settings, choose Network reset, and then click Reset now.
Your PC will restart automatically after a short delay. Once it reboots, reconnect to your Wi-Fi network by entering the password again. This method is especially useful when you suspect that network settings have become corrupted or misconfigured over time.
Resetting your network settings is another step in knowing how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11, as it clears potential conflicts.
Solution 6: Disable and Re-enable the Wi-Fi Adapter
Sometimes the Wi-Fi adapter itself can act up, especially after waking from sleep mode or switching between networks. Disabling and then re-enabling the adapter forces it to reset and reinitialize its settings. This quick action can often fix connectivity problems instantly.
Re-enabling your Wi-Fi adapter can also provide solutions for how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11, ensuring it’s properly initialized.
To do this, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Network adapters section and locate your wireless device. It will usually include the word “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi” in its name. Right-click on it and choose Disable device. A warning message will appear; click Yes to confirm.
Wait a few seconds, then right-click on the same adapter and select Enable device. Once it reactivates, check your taskbar for the Wi-Fi icon and try connecting to your network again.
This technique helps resolve temporary glitches that might prevent your adapter from functioning correctly. It’s a simple fix that can restore wireless connectivity without restarting your entire system.
Solution 7: Check Power Management Settings
Windows sometimes disables your Wi-Fi adapter to save power, especially on laptops. While this feature is meant to extend battery life, it can unintentionally cause your wireless connection to drop or stop working altogether. Adjusting the power management settings ensures your adapter stays active when needed.
To check this, right-click on the Start button and choose Device Manager. Expand the Network adapters section, then right-click your wireless adapter and select Properties. In the Properties window, go to the Power Management tab.
Look for the checkbox that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” If it is checked, uncheck it. Then click OK to apply the change.
Changing your DNS settings can also enhance your ability to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11, improving response times for web requests.
Disabling this setting prevents Windows from turning off your Wi-Fi adapter during periods of inactivity. This small adjustment can make a big difference, especially if you’ve noticed your connection dropping when your device sits idle for a few minutes.
Solution 8: Change Your DNS Settings for Faster and More Reliable Connections
Sometimes, slow or unreliable Wi-Fi is caused by the Domain Name System (DNS) your network uses to translate website names into IP addresses. By default, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) assigns a DNS server, but it may be slow or unreliable at times. Changing your DNS to a faster, more stable service like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can improve your connection speed and reliability.
To change your DNS settings in Windows 10 or 11, open the Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center. Click on your active Wi-Fi connection, then select Properties. Scroll down and double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred DNS servers:
- For Google DNS:
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 - For Cloudflare DNS:
Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1
Click OK to save your changes, then restart your browser or reconnect your Wi-Fi. This change can help resolve browsing issues and speed up the way your device communicates with websites.
Windows 10 won’t connect
Solution 9: Check for IP Address Conflicts
When checking for IP address conflicts, remember that resolving these is essential in knowing how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 effectively.
An IP address conflict occurs when two devices on the same network are assigned the same IP address. This can cause connection drops, limited access, or inability to connect to the internet. IP conflicts confuse your network, preventing your device from communicating properly.
To check and fix this, start by restarting your router and your device. This often assigns new IP addresses automatically. If the problem persists, you can manually renew your IP address.
On Windows, open Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Start menu and pressing Enter. Then type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
This will release your current IP address and request a new one from the router. Afterward, check your Wi-Fi connection.
If you continue to experience issues, you can also set a static IP address manually in your network settings. Make sure to choose an IP address outside your router’s DHCP range to avoid further conflicts.
Updating your router’s firmware is another important aspect of how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 to maintain reliable connectivity.
Resolving IP conflicts ensures your device has a unique address on the network, maintaining a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Solution 10: Update Your Router’s Firmware
Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve security, and enhance performance. Using outdated firmware can lead to connectivity problems, slow speeds, or security vulnerabilities that affect your Wi-Fi.
To update your router’s firmware, first log into your router’s admin interface. This is usually done by typing the router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into your web browser’s address bar. You’ll need your admin username and password, which is often found on the router label or in its manual.
Once logged in, look for a section named Firmware Update, Router Update, or something similar. Check for the latest version and follow the instructions to download and install the update. Do not turn off or unplug the router during the update process, as this could damage it.
If you’ve tried these methods and still struggle, understanding how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 allows you to communicate effectively with tech support.
Updating firmware keeps your router running smoothly, improves compatibility with devices, and can resolve issues causing Wi-Fi to stop working unexpectedly.
For persistent issues, always remember the importance of knowing how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 as it’s crucial for maintaining productivity.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi connectivity issues can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, knowing how to fix Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10/11 can empower you to resolve them quickly.
Remember that keeping your system and networking hardware updated, regularly checking your settings, and understanding how your devices communicate with your network are key to maintaining a stable connection. If one solution doesn’t fix the problem, don’t hesitate to try the others systematically.
By following these tips, you can minimize downtime, improve your internet speed, and enjoy a reliable wireless experience. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite shows, or gaming online, a strong Wi-Fi connection is essential. Bookmark this guide for future reference, and share it with friends and family who might also benefit from these troubleshooting techniques.
If your Wi-Fi issues persist after trying all these solutions, consider reaching out to your Internet Service Provider or a professional technician, as the problem might be related to hardware faults or service disruptions beyond your control.