Unable to connect your Windows laptop to Wi-Fi: Here are some fixes you can try

Losing access to email, web browsing, or music streaming typically indicates a network connection problem preventing internet access. Fortunately, most connectivity issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide explores a range of solutions to help you fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows, offering precise, detailed instructions for effective troubleshooting.

Understanding Wi-Fi connection icons

Before troubleshooting, it's helpful to understand what the different Wi-Fi icons on your taskbar indicate:Wi-Fi Connected: You're connected to Wi-Fi and the internet. When you see this icon but still have connectivity issues, the problem might be with a specific app, website, or a firewall blocking your internet connection.

Note: When you see the signal bar moving up and down, your device is connecting to the Wi-Fi network. Once it stops and displays a connection level, you're connected.VPN Connected: When connected to a VPN over Wi-Fi, the Wi-Fi icon displays a small blue VPN shield, indicating you're connected to a recognised virtual private network.No Internet: Your device doesn't have an internet connection. This can occur for several reasons related to Wi-Fi connectivity.

When to use the Network troubleshooter vs. manual troubleshooting

Windows 11 users should start by running the automated Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most problems. Users with older versions of Windows or those who prefer manual troubleshooting should follow the general troubleshooting steps below.

General troubleshooting steps to fix Wi-Fi problems

Step 1. Check your network connection status

Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons on the right side of the taskbar. Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on.

Check whether your network name shows "Connected" below it. When it displays a status other than "Connected," select a Wi-Fi network you recognise from the list of available networks, then click on the network and attempt to connect.

Step 2. Check Airplane Mode

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode. Ensure Airplane mode is turned off, as this will disable all wireless connections on your device.

Step 3. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network

In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Network & internet > Wi-Fi, then select "Manage known networks."

Select your Wi-Fi network, then click "Forget." Reconnect to the network by selecting it and entering the password.

Step 4. Restart your modem and wireless router

This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider. When you do this, everyone connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected. The steps to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps:Note: Cable modem/Wi-Fi router combo devices only require following the steps for a single device.

Step 5. Adjust Wi-Fi channel and frequency

Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer Wi-Fi routers broadcast at two different frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These appear as separate networks in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. When your list includes both, try connecting to the other network.

Step 6. Try to connect to the same network on a different device

On another laptop or phone, try connecting to the same network. A successful connection on another device indicates that the problem is likely on your original device.

Step 7. Run network commands

Try running these network commands to manually reset the TCP/IP stack, release and renew the IP address, and flush the DNS client resolver cache:

Step 8. Temporarily turn off your firewall

Some third-party antivirus or firewall software can prevent your device from connecting to Wi-Fi. Temporarily turn off these programs to test whether that's the problem. Check the documentation for your antivirus or firewall software to learn how to temporarily turn it off.

Remember to turn your firewall back on after testing.

Step 9. Uninstall your network adapter driver

This allows Windows to reinstall the latest driver automatically. Before uninstalling, make sure you have an alternate internet connection (like a phone) to download drivers when needed. In Device Manager, expand "Network adapters," right-click your wireless network adapter, and select "Uninstall device." After uninstalling, restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.

Step 10. Update your network adapter driver

An outdated network adapter driver can cause connectivity issues. Open Device Manager, expand "Network adapters," right-click your wireless adapter, and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for drivers" and follow the prompts.

Most common Wi-Fi problems and solutions

Connected to the internet but experiencing slow speed

The Wi-Fi option is missing

When the Wi-Fi toggle option is missing or not visible in settings:

Wi-Fi connection drops frequently

When the Wi-Fi connection drops frequently:

Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet (limited connectivity)

Your Windows PC is connected to your local network, but isn't connected to the internet.

Selecting the "No Internet connection" icon displays the words "No Internet" under the Wi-Fi network you're connected to.Windows sends a small HTTP request to a server on the Internet to determine connectivity. When it doesn't receive information back, this icon appears. To resolve unavailable internet access:

Wi-Fi authentication problem

When you're unable to connect due to incorrect password errors despite entering correct credentials:

Wireless adapter recognised, but no Wi-Fi networks found

Seeing the "No Internet connection" icon while in range of Wi-Fi networks may indicate:

No network adapters detected or enabled

When no network adapters are detected: