Fix WiFi Not Showing in Windows 11: No WiFi Option Missing? (10 Proven Methods)

Is your Wi-Fi option missing from your Windows 11 settings? Don’t worry, this is a common issue that many users face. Whether it’s a driver issue, a Windows glitch, or even a hardware problem, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll walk you through nine step-by-step methods to bring back that missing Wi-Fi option and get you back online.

Method 1: Reset Advanced Internet Settings

Sometimes, a simple reset of your internet settings is all it takes to resolve the issue.

1. In your search bar, type « control panel » and press Enter.
2. In the Control Panel, click Network and Internet, then Internet Options.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Restore advanced settings.
4. Click Apply, then OK.

This resets your internet settings, which may bring back the Wi-Fi option. Check the bottom right corner of your taskbar to see if the Wi-Fi icon is now available.

Method 2: Check Wi-Fi-Related Services

Certain Windows services are essential for Wi-Fi functionality. If they’re not running, you might encounter issues.

1. Click the search bar, type « services », and press Enter.
2. In the Services app, switch to Extended view.
3. Scroll to find WLAN AutoConfig.
4. If it’s not running, right-click it, select Properties, set Startup type to Automatic, click Start, then Apply and OK.
5. If it’s already running, right-click and select Restart.
6. Next, find WWAN AutoConfig and ensure it’s running and set to Automatic.

Method 3: Toggle the Wi-Fi Adapter

Toggling the Wi-Fi adapter can often resolve connectivity issues.

1. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter settings.
3. If you see a Wi-Fi adapter, right-click it.
4. If it’s enabled, select Disable. Wait a moment, then right-click again and select Enable.
5. If it’s already disabled, simply Enable it.
6. Restart your PC and check if the Wi-Fi option has reappeared.

Method 4: Update or Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver

An outdated or corrupted driver can cause your Wi-Fi to disappear.

1. In the search bar, type « device manager » and press Enter.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Look for your Wi-Fi driver (e.g., Intel, Broadcom, or Qualcomm).
4. If listed, right-click it and select Scan for hardware changes.
5. If not, click your computer’s name at the top, go to the Action menu, and select Scan for hardware changes.
6. If Wi-Fi still doesn’t appear, right-click the Wi-Fi driver, select Update driver, and choose Browse my computer for drivers, then Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
7. Ensure Show compatible hardware is checked, select the first driver, and click Next.

Method 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix network issues.

1. Click the Start menu and open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Network and Internet and click Run.
4. Follow the prompts, which may suggest reinstalling the Wi-Fi driver or enabling the adapter.

Method 6: Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can resolve deeper connectivity problems.

1. In Settings, go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Click Network reset and then Reset now.
3. Confirm with Yes. Your PC will restart.

Method 7: Reset Network Commands

You can also reset network settings using the Command Prompt.

1. Open the Start menu, type « cmd », right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
3. Then, type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
4. Restart your PC.

Method 8: Enable All Services

If some services are disabled, it can affect your Wi-Fi.

1. Click the search bar, type « msconfig », and press Enter.
2. Under the General tab, select Normal startup.
3. Go to the Services tab and ensure all services are checked. If unsure, click Disable all, then Enable all.
4. Click Apply, then OK, and restart your PC.

Method 9: Download the Latest Wi-Fi Driver

If all else fails, you may need to manually download and install the latest driver.

1. On another device with internet access, search for your PC’s model number followed by « Wi-Fi driver. »
2. Visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP) and download the latest WLAN or Wi-Fi driver.
3. Transfer the driver to a USB drive and insert it into the affected PC.
4. Locate the driver file and double-click to install it.
5. Restart your PC and check for the Wi-Fi option.

We hope one of these methods helped you restore your missing Wi-Fi option on Windows 11. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Passionate About Tech, for more fixes and tutorials. Your support keeps our channel going