How to Fix WiFi Not Showing Up on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your WiFi isn’t showing up on your Windows 10 computer, don’t panic! It can usually be fixed by tweaking a few system settings or updating drivers. Follow the steps I’m about to share, and you’ll be back online in no time.

How to Fix WiFi Not Showing Up on Windows 10

Sometimes, WiFi issues on Windows 10 can be solved by checking network settings, updating drivers, or restarting services. Let’s dive into the details and get your WiFi back up and running.

Step 1: Check if WiFi is Enabled

First things first, make sure your WiFi is actually turned on.

To do this, go to your taskbar and click the WiFi icon. If you don’t see it, click on the up arrow to reveal hidden icons. Ensure that the WiFi button is illuminated.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer

Step 2 sounds simple but is super effective. Just restart your computer.

Sometimes, all your system needs is a quick reboot to reset network settings and get things working again. Save all your work and hit that restart button.

Step 3: Update Your WiFi Driver

Step 3 involves updating your WiFi driver. Open Device Manager by typing "Device Manager" in the Start menu.

Navigate to "Network adapters," find your WiFi adapter, right-click, and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."

Step 4: Run Network Troubleshooter

Step 4 is to run the Network Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Select "Internet Connections" and then "Run the troubleshooter." Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix issues.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

Step 5 is to reset your network settings. This will restore default settings and may resolve connectivity issues.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Scroll down and click "Network reset." Confirm and restart your PC.

After following these steps, your WiFi should appear back in the list. If not, there might be a deeper issue, such as hardware problems or ISP issues.

Tips for Fixing WiFi Not Showing Up on Windows 10

• Check Airplane Mode: Make sure Airplane Mode is off, as it disables all wireless communications.
• Use a Different Network: Test if other devices can connect to the same WiFi network. If they can’t, the problem might be with your router or ISP.
• Reboot Your Router: Sometimes, the router itself needs a reboot. Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
• Check WiFi Adapter Settings: Ensure that your WiFi adapter is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Disable Power Management Settings: In Device Manager, go to your WiFi adapter, right-click, select "Properties," and under the "Power Management" tab, untick "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn’t my WiFi showing up on Windows 10?

Several reasons could cause this, including disabled WiFi settings, outdated drivers, or network adapter issues.

How do I update my WiFi driver on Windows 10?

You can update your driver by opening Device Manager, navigating to Network adapters, right-clicking your WiFi adapter, and selecting "Update driver."

Can restarting my router help?

Yes, rebooting your router can resolve connectivity issues by resetting the network.

Is it important to check Airplane Mode?

Absolutely, because if Airplane Mode is on, it disables all wireless communications, including WiFi.

Should I contact my ISP if the problem persists?

If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and nothing works, contacting your ISP may help identify if it’s a network issue on their end.

Summary

1. Check if WiFi is Enabled
2. Restart Your Computer
3. Update Your WiFi Driver
4. Run Network Troubleshooter
5. Reset Network Settings

Conclusion

Troubleshooting WiFi issues can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but with these steps, you should be able to find that needle quicker. Remember, the first thing you should always check is whether your WiFi is actually enabled. Restarting your computer can also solve a lot of problems without much hassle. If the issue persists, updating your WiFi driver and running the Network Troubleshooter are effective ways to diagnose and fix problems. And if all else fails, resetting your network settings can often do the trick.

By following these steps, you should have your WiFi working again. But if your WiFi is still not showing up on Windows 10, it might be time to consult an expert or consider a hardware issue. For further reading, you can delve into articles focused on Windows 10 network settings or even advanced troubleshooting for network issues. Good luck, and may your internet connection be ever stable!