WiFi Network Not working? Here’s How to Troubleshoot and Fix It
Last Updated on: 21st February 2023, 11:37 am
In today’s world, a strong WiFi connection is an absolute must-have for many of us. Whether you need it for work, streaming your favorite shows, or just keeping you connected with the outside world, we heavily rely on an uninterrupted internet connection for our daily work.
It’s incredibly frustrating when your WiFi network suddenly disappears from your computer’s list of available networks, leaving you stranded without a connection.
There could be multiple reasons why this happens, and it can be a real challenge to diagnose the problem. Worry not, though – in this blog, we’ll explore some of the best ways to fix the issue when your WiFi network isn’t showing up on your computer.
Don’t sweat it – we’ve got a few potential solutions up our sleeve for you to try out. You don’t have to test them all out at once, though – simply give each one a whirl until you’re up and running once more.
Contents
What to Do When Your WiFi Network Won’t Show Up on Your Computer
First of all , let’s check out some of the basic issues regarding the Wi-Fi connection. A Wi-Fi connection failure might occur due to the following reasons:
- The WiFi problem
- The connection problem
- The incorrect WiFi configuration in your WiFi router and Windows Computer
- The missing or outdated WiFi driver issue
Due to the reasons listed above, there might not be an internet connection on your PC/laptop. If such a situation occurs , you can start basic connection checking-
- Check that your router is turned on and properly connected to the Wi-Fi socket. Make sure the socket connection is secure and not loose.
- Check that your PC/laptop settings are selecting the correct Wi-Fi connection.
- The Wi-Fi router may be overheated, and you may need to restart it. Turn off the router, let it cool down, and then restart it after a while.
- If the PC/laptop is abruptly shut down , then also, sometimes the Wi-Fi settings are lost.try connecting it again.
- Check with your service provider; your monthly Wi-Fi data limit may have been reached.
If you have checked the basic connections and still cannot connect to Wi-Fi, here are some advanced-level Wi-Fi troubleshooting methods that will help you connect to Wi-Fi.
Advanced Methods for Wi-Fi Troubleshooting
Method 1: Enable the WiFi service
If you see your WiFi connection as enabled, but it has a red X instead of a green check mark, the WiFi service might have got disabled. To fix this, you can follow these two options :
Option 1: Enable the WiFi switch on the Laptop or other device
Some laptops have a switch, make sure you can turn Wi-Fi on/off using that button. 
Some laptops also uses the function keys (Fn+F5) to enable the WiFi connectivity in the PC.
If the laptop does not having these key combination, then you can try the next option.
Option 2:
If there is no Wi-Fi connection button on your laptop , then you can use the alternative WI-Fi connected settings on the bottom right side of Pc /Laptop’s display screen. Click on the internet (Wi-Fi) connection button. When you click, you will find all the available internet connections that you can use.
When you click on the particular connection ,it will ask for the network security key. This security key is set when you have set up the connection on the router for the first time.
2) If the Wi- Fi connection is not set up, alternatively, you can click on the Network and internet option. To do so, Go to the Control Panel, open Network and internet options.
By opening the internet settings, you can enable the internet connection. Sometimes when you disable and then once again restart the connection, it starts working.
If the connection does not show up , then once again restart the laptop/PC to restore the internet settings.
Method 2: Turn on WLAN AutoConfig service
Open command prompt by using Win+R and type “services.msc”. Click on OK
After clicking OK, you will see the list of services that is enabled on your PC. From that list, you need to select “Internet Connection sharing “Services.
This will open the new window . where you will have to find the “startup types” Just use drag drop menu settings and change it to automatic. And then click OK.
Restart the PC/ Laptop to change the WLAN settings to “Automatic”.
Method 3: Update the Wi-Fi Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can also be one of the reasons for not showing up the Wi-Fi connection on the PC/Laptop. There are two ways to fix the driver issue.
Option 1: Automation Network Driver Update
This is the best and easiest way to install and update all your drivers. You can subscribe to the DriverRestore services that will maintain driver updates automatically.
Not only internet drivers but you can maintain all updated drivers required to work on Windows PC/Laptop. Check out by visiting the website – https://driverrestore.com/
DriverRestore will automatically update the drivers and will inform you about the update. There is no need to check manually.
Once you find an update, you can restart the device to save the settings.
Option 2: Manual Network Driver Installation
If you are tech savvy or have the knowledge to install drivers, then only try this method.
To start with manual network driver installation, you will need to search for the compatible Windows 10 network driver . Download the driver and install it on your Pc/Laptop. This procedure requires knowledge about installing a suitable driver.
In case, you find difficulty or hesitation in installing the right driver for Wi-Fi connection , you can straightway contact your service provider.
Method 4: Reboot Your Modem and WiFi Router
In some cases, the WiFi connection stops working due to router or SSID broadcast. If this is the issue, then it is not related to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Before doing anything, just try restarting your modem and wireless router, it may help you re-establish your connection with the ISP.
Precaution- Keep in mind that anyone currently connected to the network will experience temporary disconnection while you perform this, so make sure everyone in the network is aware of temporary interruption in their Wi-Fi connection.
If the above methods did not help, follow these steps:
- Unplug your wireless router and modem from the power source (if your modem has a battery backup, remove the battery).
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug your wireless router and modem back into the power source (replace the modem’s battery if necessary).
- On your PC, reconnect to your WiFi network and check if it’s visible again.
If still the Wi-Fi connection is not showing up on your device, then check SSID broadcast in the next method.
Method 5: Enable SSID broadcast for your WiFi
Once you are sure that your Wi-Fi service is working but still there is no internet connection on your PC/laptop.
In such a case, open the Wi-Fi network by selecting the name and enter the password, making sure not to fail.
You can check the Wi-Fi settings using the window search options.
Now click on the hardware properties to check the IP settings
Once you know your network , open it by typing login and password.
Go to Wireless > Wireless Settings. Check the box next to Enable SSID broadcast, and click Save.
Method 6: Check for Device Interference
WiFi signals can be disrupted by various household devices, such as cordless phones, microwaves, Bluetooth speakers, and others, as they use the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies. Therefore, you can investigate these devices to determine if they are causing the problem.
- Turn off and unplug these devices from the power source.
- Attempt to reconnect to WiFi on your computer and check if it appears.
If the issue is resolved, it is likely due to device interference. Relocate your modem and wireless router to a different area, away from household devices.
In addition to the above method, you can purchase a 5 GHz or dual-band router as many household devices use the 2.4 GHz frequency. Using a 5 GHz router can avoid most interference.
Conclusion
If you’ve tried everything related to Wi-Fi connectivity and are still experiencing issues, there may be another problem with your Windows PC or laptop. One common issue is corrupted Windows or infected drivers.
If you suspect that your Windows is corrupted, a fresh reinstall is a solution. On the other hand, if an outdated driver is the source of the issue, consider enlisting the help of a third-party resource such as DriverRestore.
Don’t let outdated drivers ruin your day – get the help you need to enjoy seamless Wi-Fi connectivity today!