Wi-Fi Option Not Showing Up in Windows 11? 11 Fixes To Try
Plus what to do if none of these work
Is the Wi-Fi option missing from the system tray and Quick Settings pane in Windows 11? Do you also have trouble locating your Wi-Fi preferences within the Settings app? This problem can occur due to several factors, such as a malfunctioning Wi-Fi service, an inactive wireless adapter, or a corrupt Wi-Fi driver.
This troubleshooting guide will teach you how to address various underlying causes and restore access to Windows 11’s Wi-Fi connectivity options.
1. Restart the Wi-Fi Service
Begin by restarting the background service related to wireless internet connectivity in Windows 11. This action is highly effective at resolving technical problems behind Wi-Fi issues. Here’s how:
Additionally, check if WLAN AutoConfig is configured to run automatically at system startup. To do that, double-click the service and ensure theStartup typedrop-down is set toAutomatic.
2. Restart Your PC
A system reboot plays a crucial role in clearing out numerous issues caused by unfinalized updates, obsolete temporary data, driver cache corruption, etc. Furthermore, a restart also addresses problems caused byFast Startup.
If you haven’t already, open theStart menuand selectPower>Restart(orUpdate and restartif you see it as an available option).
3. Enable the Wi-Fi Adapter
An inactive Wi-Fi adapter is a common reason preventing Windows 11’s Wi-Fi options from showing up. Use the Network ConnectionsControl Panelapplet to check and enable it. Here’s how:
Important: If you use a laptop device, it may have a physical switch—e.g., above the keyboard or the casing’s front or side—that you must turn on to activate the Wi-Fi adapter inside.
4. Check the Group Policy Editor
If you use the Pro edition of Windows 11, the Wi-Fi icon on the system tray and Quick Settings pane may not appear due to a specific policy setting. To check and disable it:
Note: If Wi-Fi is missing only from Windows 11’s Quick Settings pane (a.k.a. Action Center in Windows 10), you can get it back quickly—just select the pencil-shapedEditquick settingsicon, selectAdd, and pickWi-Fi.
5. Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooting utility that automatically scans and fixes issues with network adapters. To run it:
6. Update Wi-Fi Drivers and Windows
Next, visit your laptop/motherboard manufacturer’s website (HP,Dell,Acer, etc.), search for newer updates for your network adapter (you can find the model name via the Network Connections applet), and download and run the executable driver file.
Since your computer doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity to the internet, you must either:
While you’re at it, we recommend you update Windows 11 to its latest version—go toSettings>Windows Updateand selectCheck for updates. You can alsouse the Microsoft Update Catalogto download Windows updates on a device with internet access, copy them to a flash drive, and install the files offline.
7. Reinstall the Network Adapter Drivers
If the missing Wi-Fi problem in Windows 11 persists, remove and re-add the network adapter to rule out issues that stem from driver corruption. To do that:
8. Roll Back Wi-Fi Drivers
Roll back your PC’s wireless adapter software to an earlier version if the missing Wi-Fi issue occurs after a recent driver update. To do that:
9. Fix Windows File Corruption Issues
The following fix involves using the SFC (System File Checker) utility to scan the operating system for corruption and stability issues. You can run it through anelevated Command PromptorWindows PowerShell console. Here’s how:
sfc /scannow
Follow up with aDISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scanif the System File Checker encounters an issue it can’t repair.
10. Reset Your PC’s Networking Stack
The TCP/IP stack contains protocols for communication and data exchange between devices on a network. Reset it to its default settings and check if that restores Windows 11’s Wi-Fi options. Here’s how:
ipconfig/flushdns
netsh winsock resetcatalog
netshint ip reset
11. Reset the Network Settings
Resetting Windows 11’s network settings is a last-resort measure that resolves Wi-Fi issues caused by an error-prone networking configuration. The procedure reinstalls all network adapters and restores other wireless/wired components to their original settings.
However, it’s important to note that a network settings reset also removes previously saved wireless networks and passwords. If you want to go ahead:
Windows 11 should automatically restart after the reset procedure. If you regain access to your Wi-Fi options, join a Wi-Fi network to get your PC back online.
What Else Should You Do?
If none of the solutions above help restore Windows 11’s missing Wi-Fi options, continue troubleshooting bybooting the operating system in Safe Mode. If that fails, back up your data andreset your PC to factory defaults—the process reverts all settings to their defaults and resolves severe issues with core system functionalities.
However, if a factory reset also fails to fix missing Wi-Fi issues, it could indicate defective wireless networking hardware. Seek assistance from a PC support specialist to diagnose the source of the problem.
Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio
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