Problem with wireless adapter Windows 10

With our solutions, recovering your Wi-Fi adapters is impossible to fail

by Ivan Jenic

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and... read more

Updated on September 2, 2022

Reviewed by Vlad Turiceanu

Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming... read more

• When the Wi-Fi adapter is not working in Windows 10, you only have the wired option at your disposal unless you take action.
• Some users reported wireless connection issues immediately after a Windows update.
• The most frequently encountered cause is related to network adapter drivers.

XINSTALL BY CLICKING THE DOWNLOAD FILE

Various software and hardware-related issues may occur after a Windows 10 update. One of these problems is that the WiFi adapter is no longer working for some users.

Namely, they reported that their computers couldn’t detect and recognize the wireless network adapter, which had worked fine before. But, don’t worry, we have plenty of solutions for this problem.

If you can’t connect when using any device to the same network, try troubleshooting the local network, starting with your router.

We also have an excellent guide on detecting the home network in Windows 10, in case you need assistance.

What does a no WiFi adapters available error mean?

When you launch the program, if you get an error notice that states No WiFi Adapters Detected, this indicates that a wireless adapter is either not present or is deactivated on the device.

Ensure your computer has a wireless LAN adapter or a WiFi adapter installed. Unfortunately, most desktop PCs, in contrast to laptops, do not come equipped with a WiFi adaptor.

What can cause the WiFi adapter to stop working?

If the WiFi adapter is not working, you will either have to find an external WiFi adapter to use temporarily or connect to a wired network.

Either way, you will still need to troubleshoot the problem, so let’s see some common reasons for this issue:

➡ Malfunctioning drivers – Especially after an OS update, you can encounter problems with the drivers that are not working correctly. Updating them, as revealed below, will solve the issue.

➡ Improper settings – Some adaptor settings may have changed without warning, which can affect its functionality.

➡ The adapter is damaged – Although highly unlikely, if the problem coincides with a drop of your laptop, you might consider that this component is damaged.

What are other common WiFi adapter issues?

Here are some similar issues reported by our users that you can also resolve with the fixes presented below:

• Windows 10 has no WiFi option – Sometimes, the WiFi button in the taskbar may be missing. Nevertheless, you can still use the same solutions to resolve this problem.
• Windows 10 WiFi adapter missing – If your computer fails to recognize the adapter, you won’t be able to see it in Device Manager.
• My Windows 10 WiFi disconnects frequently – If your connection is unstable, one of the solutions below will fix that too.
• Windows 10 has no WiFi option in settings –Just like it’s the case with the taskbar, the WiFi option may also disappear from the Settings page.
• Windows 10 WiFi connected but no Internet – This one’s the worst – when everything seems right, you just can’t connect to the Internet. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to resolve this when applying the solutions presented below.
• Realtek WiFi adapter not working – It is possible that the inability of your WiFi adapter to function is attributable to the fact that its driver was recently removed.
• The laptop WiFi adapter not working – Device Manager may be accessed by using the right-click menu on the Start button. To update the driver for your WiFi device, locate it in the list of network adapters, right-click on it, and pick the Update driver option from the context menu.
• Problem with wireless adapter in Windows 10 – Bringing the network drivers up to date (Internet needed).
• Windows 10 WiFi adapter not showing – To repair issues relating to Network Adapter, select “Network Adapter troubleshooter” from the menu.
• WiFi driver not working – Check that the hardware toggle that controls WiFi on your computer is not set to off so that it cannot be used.
• The WiFi adapter stopped working – On certain laptops, the WiFi may be turned on and off using either a dedicated hardware button or a set of keys on the keyboard.
• PC WiFi adapter not working – In the event that the system discovers a new driver, it will request you to restart the computer before installing it.
• No WiFi adapters available Cisco AnyConnect – In the NAM section of the Anyconnect client, the message “No network adapters” appears.
• No WiFi adapters available in Windows 11 – Start the Network Adapter troubleshooter on your Windows PC if you can’t find your WiFi adapter on that machine.
• WiFi adapter not showing in Device Manager – If the wireless adapter still does not appear in Device Manager, you may use System Restore to roll back to a previous point in time when the wireless device was functioning normally.

Since Realtek issues seem to be more frequent than others (either the Realtek WiFi adapter keeps disconnecting, it has disappeared entirely, or it’s simply not showing in the Device manager, many are wondering how to tackle this particular situation. So here are some quick tips:

How do I fix the Realtek WiFi driver?

➡ Make sure the Realtek network adapter is enabled (you can also try to disable and re-enable it a few times from the Control Panel)
➡ If your Realtek network adapter has gone missing after installing Windows 10 or 11 updates, you might want to revert and uninstall those particular upgrades
➡ Uninstalling and reinstalling the network adapter via the Device Manager can also help
➡ Finally, don’t forget to update your drivers or, if such is the case, try rolling back to a previous version (where it worked fine)

How to fix the WiFi adapter issue on Windows 10 & 11?

1. Update the network drivers (Internet needed)

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
   
   
2. Click on the Network adapters section, locate the WiFi adapter, right-click on it and select Update driver.
   
3. Now select the first option, Search automatically for drivers.
4. If the system finds a new driver, it will install it, and you will be prompted for a restart. The WiFi adapter not working issue will be fixed.

This solution will work only if you have an Ethernet cable connection besides your WiFi. If that is unavailable, download the necessary drivers from another computer or device.

To make this process faster, we suggest using a driver updater software to automatically update all drivers on your PC.

Some of the most common Windows errors and bugs are a result of old or incompatible drivers. The lack of an up-to-date system can lead to lag, system errors or even BSoDs.
To avoid these types of problems, you can use an automatic tool that will find, download, and install the right driver version on your Windows PC in just a couple of clicks, and we strongly recommend DriverFix. Here’s how to do it:

1. Download and install DriverFix.
2. Launch the application.
3. Wait for DriverFix to detect all your faulty drivers.
4. The software will now show you all the drivers that have issues, and you just need to select the ones you’d liked fixed.
5. Wait for DriverFix to download and install the newest drivers.
6. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

DriverFix

Drivers will no longer create any problems if you download and use this powerful software today.

Disclaimer: this program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

2. Use the Network troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings, then head to Updates & Security.
   
2. Select Troubleshoot from the left pane and click on Additional troubleshooters.
   
   
3. Select Internet Connections and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
   
   
4. Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish.
5. Restart your computer.

3. Reset network adapters

Resetting the network adapter can be very effective, but remember that this procedure will erase saved WiFi passwords and Bluetooth connections. So note down the passwords and settings before applying the below steps.

1. Right-click on the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   
   
   
   
2. Type or paste the following lines into Windows Powershell and press Enter after each one:
   netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
3. Restart your computer and see if you can connect to WiFi now.

4. Perform a registry tweak with Command Prompt

1. Type command prompt in Windows search and click on Run as administrator to start Command Prompt with full privileges.
   
   
2. Paste the following line and press Enter: netcfg –s n
   
3. This command will show a list of network protocols, drivers, and services. First, check if DNI_DNE is on the list; if it is, you have a problem.
4. If DNI_DNE is listed in the same Command Prompt window, type the following line and press Enter:
   reg delete HKCR\CLSID{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /f netcfg -v -u dni_dne
   

This should solve the issue, but if you receive the error 0x80004002 after entering the command, this value needs to be deleted slightly differently.

Here’s what to do if you receive this error code:

1. First, go to Search, type regedit, and open the Registry Editor.
   
   
2. Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID/{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3}

   
3. Delete DNI_DNE if it still exists.

5. Change the adapter settings

1. Click on the Start button, type control panel in the search tab, and click on Control Panel from the results.
   
   
2. Go to the top right corner and change the View by option to Large icons.
   
3. Select Network and Sharing Center.
   
4. Click on Change adapter settings.
   
5. Right-click the wireless adapter and select Properties.
   
6. Please search for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) under the options that show up and uncheck IPv6 to disable it.
   
   
7. Click on OK and restart the computer to enforce the changes you made.

6. Reinstall the network adapter

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager from the list.
   
   
2. Click on the Network adapters section to expand it.
3. Right-click your network adapter and select Uninstall device.
   
   
4. Follow further on-screen instructions.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Install the network adapter driver again, as shown in the first solution.

7. Reset your router

After you reset your router, you must reconfigure it. Therefore, before resetting it, take notes on the present configuration.

1. Look for the Reset button at the back of the device.
   
   
2. Press and hold it for more than 10 seconds until the SYS led starts flashing quickly, and release the button.

Resetting your network adapter can do wonders, as cliche as it sounds. So, find the instructions that apply to your router.

We included a guide on resetting a TP-Link router, but the procedure for your router may be different, so consult the device’s manual or the manufacturer.

And if it’s still not working, check our step-by-step guide to fix the Windows 10/11 can’t find WIFI network issue.

8. Update the router firmware

1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the router to your PC.
2. Visit your router’s manufacturer’s website.
3. Locate your model on the list.
   
   
4. Download the latest firmware version for your model.
   
   
5. Open your web browser and type the IP address or the router’s link (as an example, our router’s IP address is 192.168.0.1, but yours may be different).
6. Now enter the username and password provided by the manufacturer (in the manual or on the bottom of the device) or the ones you set the last time if you’ve changed them in the meantime.
7. Navigate to the Firmware section and find the Choose file or Browse button to let you add the firmware you’ve downloaded.
   
   
8. Wait for the process to finish and avoid interrupting it.

For more information, we suggest that you visit our guide on how to update your router firmware guide.

Router updates can be dangerous if not performed correctly, so always check your instruction manual for detailed instructions.

9. Switch to the Maximum Performance mode

1. Press Windows key + S and enter power plan. Now navigate to Choose a power plan.
   
   
2. Once the Power Options window opens, locate your current plan and click Change plan settings.
   
3. Go to Change advanced power settings.
   
4. Locate Wireless Adapter Settings and set the Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance.
   
   
5. Click Apply and OK to save the changes.

Just keep in mind that the Maximum Performance mode will put some extra pressure on your device, so your laptop battery might last shorter.

10. Clear any WiFi signal disruptions

Some appliances and hardware not related to your computer can disrupt the WiFi signal. For example, it’s known that microwave weakens the signal.

So, ensure you don’t have any appliances that can disrupt the signal near your router.

What do I do if the WiFi adapter is not working on Windows 11?

Check the adapter’s power settings

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager from the list.
   
   
2. Locate your wireless adapter on the list and double-click it to open its properties.
   
   
3. Navigate to the Power Management tab and disable Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option.
   
   
4. Save changes.

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken.
We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
Click here to download and start repairing.

If you’re still having problems, you should visit our guide on what to do if WiFi disappears in Windows 11 for more solutions.

How do I avoid WiFi connection problems?

➡ Choose a less crowded channel

1. Open your router’s configuration page.
2. Navigate to the Wireless section.
3. Select your network and choose a different channel for it.
   
   

➡ Move between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

If you have a dual-band router, switching between the two frequencies can be a good idea.

You can usually find the frequency settings in the Wireless Settings menu on your router, just like in the image above.

Just like we mentioned before, they may differ on your device. Therefore, feel free to consult the manual of your device.

➡ Remove unwanted devices

You might have forgotten that you gave the router password to some friends, especially neighbors who may still connect to your WiFi network.

To get them off your network, go into your router’s settings, look for connected devices, and delete the ones you don’t recognize.

➡ Upgrade your device (change your WiFi card)

The WiFi card or adapter is usually embedded in your motherboard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use an external one.

If you conclude that your one is not working correctly, you can go for a new WiFi adapter that will fit your needs better.

If your adapter is damaged, you should visit our Ralink WiFi adapter isn’t working guide for more information.

➡ Get the right router for your needs

When talking about your home network, ensure that the router can provide signal coverage wherever you are in the house.

If the connection fails from time to time, it’s either a problem with the router itself or the signal power to your device.

You can even choose one of the best routers with an internal antenna but remember to stay with your device within range.

➡ Keep your drivers updated

As you’ve read in our guide, drivers can cause a lot of mess when it comes to WiFi adapters, and not only, so it’s ideal for keeping them updated at all times.

➡ Pick the correct WiFi hotspot

Although it may sound hilarious, sometimes we can connect to another network by mistake, a slower or a more crowded one.

So, make sure you connect to the fastest network available, preferably your network, as the neighbors might not be so happy that you hook up to theirs for a change.

We all have, at some point, problems with the WiFi hotspot, but they are usually caused by signal issues or the ISP itself.

That is why, when you encounter an Internet connection problem, you first need to ensure that you have the correct link from the ISP and that your router or access point is working correctly.

After that, check if other devices can connect to the WiFi hotspot; if they do, you can conclude that there might be a problem with your device.

Should I use a 5GHz or 2.4GHz wireless network?

5GHz networks offer incredible speed and less latency, so if you want a fast connection with low ping, this is the better option.

However, 2.4GHz offers a better range, and its signal is better at penetrating through obstacles, such as walls. Also, remember that many devices aren’t fully compatible with 5GHz networks.

As a basic rule, troubleshoot the most common possible issues and gradually move on to the more complex ones.

If you didn’t manage to solve the problem after performing all of these solutions, check our article on Internet problems in Windows 10, and you’ll find more valuable tips and tricks there.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I fix network adapter problems?

  You can tweak its settings (TCP/IPv6) or completely reinstall the adapter. For a clean install, make sure you remove all leftovers by using a specialized uninstaller tool.

• Why does my Wi-Fi adapter need to be reset?

  The Wi-Fi adapter usually causes issues after a major Windows update. Alternatively, we have a complete guide on how to fix wireless adapter issues.

• How do I fix my wireless adapter on Windows 10?

Newsletter

How do I fix my wireless adapter problem?

How do I reset my wireless adapter?

How do I know if my wireless adapter is broken?