Windows 11 WiFi Not Working? 12 Proven Fixes That Actually Work (2026)

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Introduction

If your Windows 11 WiFi is not working, it can interrupt work, online meetings, streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing. You may notice that your computer can’t detect wireless networks, repeatedly disconnects from WiFi, connects without internet access, or fails to connect at all.

These issues are usually caused by outdated network drivers, Windows updates, incorrect network settings, router problems, disabled wireless adapters, or temporary software glitches. Fortunately, most WiFi problems can be fixed without replacing your network hardware.

This guide explains the most common reasons why Windows 11 WiFi is not working and provides 12 proven fixes to restore a stable internet connection.

Quick Answer

Windows 11 WiFi not working is commonly caused by outdated network drivers, router issues, incorrect network settings, disabled WiFi adapters, or Windows software glitches. Restart your PC and router, enable the wireless adapter, update network drivers, run the Network Troubleshooter, and reset network settings. These solutions resolve the issue for most users.

Before You Start

Before trying advanced troubleshooting, perform these quick checks:

  • Restart your computer.
  • Restart your WiFi router.
  • Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off.
  • Confirm WiFi is enabled.
  • Check whether other devices can connect to the same network.
  • Move closer to the router if the signal is weak.

If WiFi still isn’t working, continue with the fixes below.

Why Is Windows 11 WiFi Not Working?

Common causes include:

  • Outdated WiFi drivers
  • Router problems
  • Windows Update issues
  • Disabled wireless adapter
  • Incorrect IP configuration
  • Corrupted network settings
  • Antivirus or firewall conflicts
  • ISP outages

Identifying the cause makes troubleshooting much easier.

Fix 1: Restart Your Router and Computer

Many WiFi problems are temporary.

Turn off your router for about 30 seconds before turning it back on. Restart your Windows 11 computer and check whether the connection has been restored.

Fix 2: Turn WiFi Off and Back On

Sometimes the wireless adapter simply needs to reconnect.

  1. Click the network icon on the taskbar.
  2. Turn WiFi off.
  3. Wait about 10 seconds.
  4. Turn WiFi back on.
  5. Try reconnecting to your network.

Fix 3: Forget and Reconnect to the WiFi Network

A corrupted saved network profile may prevent successful connections.

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi.
  2. Select Manage known networks.
  3. Choose your WiFi network.
  4. Click Forget.
  5. Reconnect by entering your WiFi password again.

Fix 4: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for network problems.

Go to:

Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters

Run the Network and Internet troubleshooter and apply any suggested fixes.

Fix 5: Enable the Wireless Adapter

If your WiFi adapter is disabled, Windows won’t detect wireless networks.

  1. Press Windows + X.
  2. Open Device Manager.
  3. Expand Network adapters.
  4. Right-click your wireless adapter.
  5. Select Enable device if it’s disabled.

Fix 6: Update the Network Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of WiFi issues.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your WiFi adapter.
  4. Select Update driver.
  5. Install the latest available version.

For the best compatibility, download drivers from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s official website.

Fix 7: Restart the WLAN AutoConfig Service

Windows relies on the WLAN AutoConfig service to detect and connect to wireless networks. If this service is stopped, WiFi may disappear completely or fail to connect.

To restart it:

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Find WLAN AutoConfig.
  4. Right-click it and select Restart.
  5. If the service is stopped, click Start.

Restart your computer and check if WiFi is working again.

Fix 8: Reset Network Settings

Corrupted network settings can prevent Windows from connecting to wireless networks.

To reset them:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.
  3. Click Network reset.
  4. Select Reset now.
  5. Restart your computer.

You’ll need to reconnect to your WiFi network by entering the password again.

Fix 9: Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP

Network configuration problems can often be fixed using built-in Command Prompt commands.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following commands one by one:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Restart your computer after running these commands.

Fix 10: Disable VPN or Third-Party Firewall

VPN software and third-party firewalls may interfere with your internet connection.

Temporarily disable:

  • VPN applications
  • Internet security suites
  • Third-party firewall software

Then test your WiFi connection again. If the issue is resolved, update or reconfigure the software before enabling it again.

Fix 11: Check Router Settings

If multiple devices are experiencing the same issue, the problem may be with your router rather than Windows.

Check that:

  • WiFi broadcasting is enabled.
  • The router firmware is up to date.
  • MAC address filtering is disabled unless intentionally configured.
  • The router isn’t limiting new device connections.

If needed, restart or reset the router according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fix 12: Reinstall the WiFi Driver

If updating the driver doesn’t help, reinstalling it can resolve corrupted driver files.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your wireless adapter.
  4. Select Uninstall device.
  5. Restart your computer.

Windows usually reinstalls the correct driver automatically during startup. If it doesn’t, download the latest driver from your device manufacturer’s official support website.

Additional Tips

Keep Windows Updated

Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve network stability and fix known WiFi issues.

Install updates regularly to reduce compatibility problems.

Place Your Router in a Better Location

For the best wireless signal:

  • Position the router in a central location.
  • Keep it away from thick walls and metal objects.
  • Avoid placing it near microwave ovens or cordless phones that may cause interference.

Use the 5 GHz Band When Available

If your router supports dual-band WiFi, connect to the 5 GHz network for faster speeds and less interference when you’re close to the router.

Use the 2.4 GHz band if you need better range.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common troubleshooting mistakes:

  • Repeatedly reinstalling Windows before testing simpler fixes.
  • Downloading WiFi drivers from unofficial websites.
  • Forgetting your WiFi password before performing a network reset.
  • Disabling important Windows networking services.
  • Assuming the problem is always with your computer when the router or ISP may be responsible.

Working through each solution in order helps identify the real cause without creating new issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Windows 11 laptop connected to WiFi but has no internet?

This can happen due to router issues, DNS problems, incorrect IP settings, or an internet service provider outage. Restarting the router and resetting network settings usually resolves the issue.

Why can’t Windows 11 detect any WiFi networks?

Your wireless adapter may be disabled, the WLAN AutoConfig service may not be running, or the network driver may be corrupted.

Does a network reset delete my personal files?

No. A network reset only restores networking components to their default settings. Your personal files remain safe.

Should I update my WiFi driver?

Yes. Installing the latest driver improves compatibility, fixes known bugs, and often resolves connection problems.

Can Windows Update cause WiFi problems?

Yes. Occasionally, a Windows update may introduce driver compatibility issues. Updating or rolling back the network driver usually fixes the problem.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 WiFi not working is often caused by software issues rather than faulty hardware. Restarting your router, reconnecting to the network, updating drivers, resetting network settings, and repairing Windows networking components solve the problem for most users.

If none of the 12 fixes work, test your laptop on another WiFi network to determine whether the issue is with your computer or your router. Keeping Windows updated, maintaining current drivers, and restarting your router occasionally can help prevent future connection problems.

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