WiFi Missing Windows 11/10 (easy fixes) instantly

This is exactly HOW I and 57 other users fixed the Wifi Missing on Windows! Facing the “WiFi icon disappeared” or “WiFi missing” issue on Windows 11 or Windows 10 (7 or 8 too) was incredibly frustrating for me—and it seems I’m not alone. After extensive testing, along with 57 other Windows users, I discovered practical fixes that consistently restore the WiFi icon and functionality.

WiFi Missing Issue – A situation where the WiFi icon disappears from the Windows system tray, preventing users from connecting to wireless networks. This can result from software glitches, driver issues, or hardware failures.

How I Fixed the Wi-Fi Missing Issue on My Windows PC/Laptop

In my case, facing the dreaded “Wi-Fi missing” issue on my Windows laptop was both frustrating and unexpected. The first time this happened, I was caught off guard, but after a lot of trial and error, I found several effective ways to fix the problem. If you’re in the same boat, here are some solutions that I recommend based on my experience and some valuable insights from other users.

Fix 1. Check Wi-Fi Settings

This should always be your first step, as it’s often the quickest fix. When I encountered the Wi-Fi missing problem, the first thing I did was check the settings.

This simple method quickly solved my issue:

• Press Windows key + I (Settings).
• Go to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.
• Find the WiFi toggle; turn it off, then back on.

In my case, simply toggling the Wi-Fi switch worked. A Reddit user shared a similar experience:

“Same thing happened to me… Just follow the steps. It took me an hour to understand, but then it’s fixed!” – @PranjalJatav1

Fix 2. Restart Your Computer

Restarting helps refresh the Windows system processes, restoring network connectivity. Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Click Start > Power icon > Restart.
2. Allow your device to fully reboot.

This simple step brought back my WiFi icon several times instantly.

Fix 3. 24-Hour Shutdown

This one was a bit unconventional, but it worked wonders for me once.

Yes, it’s unusual—but it really works for deep-seated issues:

• Completely shut down your laptop.
• Unplug the power adapter.
• Wait 24 hours (full reset).
• Plug it back in and power up.

This method allows the system to fully reset, and I found it helpful for deeper issues that a restart couldn’t fix. A Twitter user had a similar experience:

“Same problem I had weeks ago, but after 24 hours of shutdown, it recovered automatically.” – @GireeshEth

Fix 4. Clean the Network Card

Network Adapter – A hardware component in a computer or laptop that enables wireless connectivity by transmitting and receiving signals based on IEEE 802.11 standards. This step involves a bit of hardware maintenance. In my case, I cleaned the network card, and it made a difference. Here’s what I did:

Physical maintenance is essential for sustained WiFi stability:

• Shut down and unplug your laptop.
• Open your laptop according to the manual.
• Locate your WiFi network adapter and clean it gently (compressed air or a soft brush).
• Reassemble and restart.

One user reported frequent Wi-Fi disconnections until they cleaned their network card:

Fix 5. Use a Wi-Fi Dongle

When I was in a hurry and needed immediate internet access, a Wi-Fi dongle saved me. It’s a quick and temporary solution:

• Purchase a USB Wi-Fi adapter.
• Plug it into an available USB port.
• Install the drivers (Windows usually does this automatically).

While this isn’t a permanent fix, it works when you’re in a bind. USB WiFi Dongle – A portable external device that plugs into a USB port to provide wireless connectivity when the built-in network adapter fails or is missing.

“This thing happens frequently. I now have a Wi-Fi dongle, and it’s a savior.” – @amitanshsingh85

Fix 6. Update Network Drivers

Outdated drivers were causing my Wi-Fi issues once. To fix this:

• Right-click the Windows Start button and select “Device Manager.”
• Expand the “Network adapters” category.
• Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update driver.”
• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can manually download the latest drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s website.

Fix 7. Run the Network Troubleshooter

If the previous steps didn’t work, running the built-in troubleshooter often helps:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Find “Internet Connections” and click “Run.”

Follow the instructions. In my experience, this step alone has sometimes pinpointed the exact issue.

Fix 8. Reset Network Settings

When all else fails, resetting the network settings might help:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
• Scroll down and click on Network reset.

This will reset all network adapters and might solve deeper problems.

Fix 9. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, all you need is an update. I noticed my Wi-Fi worked after a Windows update:

• Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Check for updates and install them if available.

Fix 10. Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

Sometimes, just resetting the adapter can help:

• Right-click the Windows Start button and open Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters category.
• Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Disable.
• Wait a few seconds, then Enable the adapter again.

Fix 11. Check for Physical Wi-Fi Switch

Some laptops have a physical switch or function key that controls Wi-Fi. In my case, the switch was accidentally turned off.

• Look for a physical switch on your laptop.
• If there’s a function key (often F2 or F3), press it while holding the Fn key.

Fix 12. System Restore

I used this once after an update caused issues. You can restore your system to a previous state:

• Type “Create a restore point” in the search bar and open it.
• Click on System Restore.
• Choose a restore point from before the Wi-Fi issue started.

Fix 13. BIOS Update

In rare cases, updating the BIOS can help resolve hardware-related issues. But be cautious with this one!

• Visit your laptop manufacturer’s support page and download the latest BIOS.
• Follow the instructions carefully to update it.

Fix 14. Reinstall Network Adapter

If all else fails, reinstalling the network adapter might be your solution:

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters category.
• Uninstall the Wi-Fi adapter and restart your computer. Windows will reinstall it automatically.

Fix 15. Check for Conflicting Software

Some security software can interfere with network connections. I once had to temporarily disable my antivirus to fix the issue.

• Disable the antivirus or firewall and see if the problem persists.

Conclusion

In my experience, these methods have helped resolve the Wi-Fi missing issue on my Windows laptop. I recommend starting with the simpler steps, like checking your settings or updating drivers, before moving on to more complex solutions like BIOS updates or system restore.

That is it for the blog post today. Today I tried showing you all the proven ways to fix this issue which is happening on most Windows devices. Here is a Twitter or X.com thread, which also shared the same thing. It has more than 370K views and 5.6K likes on September 9, 2024, so it represents that there are a lot of people facing the same issue. I hope you found the blog post informative. If there’s any other issues that you are facing then do let us know in the comment section. Or simply contact us buddy. Have a NICE DAY!