Windows 11’s Wi-Fi option goes missing or wifi option disappeared on the laptop after the recent windows 11 22H2 upgrade? A few users reported, the Wifi option vanished from the devices list, And on the Device manager, the Wi-Fi adapter is unavailable under the Network Adapters section. There are multiple reasons that may cause wifi option disappeared windows 11. Problems with the Wi-Fi adapter or its driver, Misconfigured settings, Applications conflicting with Wi-Fi or even problems with windows OS are common. Update or reinstall the Network Adapter Drivers, running the related troubleshooter, or Performing a Network Reset helps Restore the Wi-Fi Connectivity in Windows 11.
WIFI Icon is Missing on Windows 11 usually caused when you do not have the required drivers installed on your system
How to Restore the Missing Wi-Fi Option in Windows 11
If you are experiencing wifi missing after the windows 11 update, here we have few effective solutions apply to restore wifi connection on your laptop. But before moving forward check the wifi option is enabled on your laptop. Some laptops have a WiFi button that can be switched on or off. Normally, the switch is located on the edge of your laptop or just above the keyboard.
In addition, Restart your laptop that refreshes the operating system and clear if a temporary glitch causes wifi missing on windows 11.
Enable the WiFi adapter
If due to some reason or a temporary glitch the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled then Windows 11 will not display the Wi-Fi option and you may experience wifi icon missing on your laptop.
Let’s check and enable or disable the network adapter that probably help fix the issue.
- Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok to open the network connections window,
- Locate your wifi adapter there, right-click on it select enable If it’s already enabled then just disable and re-enable it.
If the wireless adapter is deactivated, your laptop cannot detect or connect to WiFi
In addition right on the wifi adapter and click on Diagnose to troubleshoot the driver and recommend a potential fix.
Run the Network Troubleshooter
The latest windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters to fix common problems with computer peripherals and network devices. Let’s run the troubleshooter for the network adapter that diagnoses and automatically fixes the missing Wi-Fi option in Windows 11.
Run the built-in troubleshooter program to see if your computer can fix the issue for you
- First, open windows 11 settings using the windows key + I on your keyboard,
- Navigate the system tab, scroll down to locate troubleshoot option click on it then click on the Other troubleshooters option
- This will display a list of all available troubleshooters, scroll down and look for the Network adapter select it then click on the Run button next to it,
- This will start to diagnose and look for any problem with the network adapter and its driver.
- If detect any problem the troubleshooter tries to fix them automatically or shows the details of the problem that you can use to resolve the issue on your own.
In addition, we recommend run the Internet Connection troubleshooter that helps address issues with incorrect network configuration or minor issues on its own.
- Again open windows 11 settings then navigate the System tab,
- Go to Troubleshoot then Other Troubleshooters.
- Click the Run button for Internet Connections.
Once done reboot your laptop and check if this help restores the missing WiFi option on windows 11.
Update the Wi-Fi driver
Mostly wifi missing from network connections or on the device manager can be caused by an outdated driver. If the above solutions didn’t work for you it’s time to update or reinstall the wifi driver. You can update the wifi driver from the device manager, or check for windows updates to get the driver update for the wifi adapter also you can visit the device manufacturer’s website to download the wifi driver for windows 11.
A missing or corrupted driver may be the root of this issue.
Update wifi driver on device manager:
- Press the Windows key + X and select device manager,
- This will display all installed device driver lists,
- Locate and expand network adapters, right-click on wifi adapter and select update driver
- Next, select the option Search automatically for drivers to let Windows scan for the best available driver on the system and install it.
Once done Close the Device Manager and reboot your computer now check if the Wi-Fi option is restored.
Reinstall the Network Adapter Device
In addition, you can uninstall the current wifi driver, download and install the latest wifi driver for windows 11 from the manufacturer’s website which probably help restore the missing wifi option on your laptop.
To reinstall the network adapter device:
- Again open Device manager using windows key + X
- Expand the Network adapter section, Right-click on the Wi-Fi device and Uninstall the device.
- Click the Uninstall button to confirm the action and reboot your PC.
- Again open the device manager and expand the network adapter section, look if the basic wifi adapter driver is installed automatically.
- If not click on Action in the Device Manager toolbar, and select Scan for hardware changes.
- Windows will scan for missing but connected devices and reinstall the necessary drivers.
Or you can open the Device manufacturer’s website and download and install the latest wifi driver for windows 11.
Perform a Network Reset
If the above solutions didn’t restore the missing wifi option on windows 11, then there is a built-in option to perform a network reset. This process removes or reinstalls the network adapters, networking components will reset to their default settings and fix the problems triggered due to incorrect network configuration.
To perform a network reset on windows 11
- Press the Windows key + X and select settings,
- Go to Network and internet in the left pane then scroll down and click on Advanced network settings,
This will display all network devices and the network reset option. Scroll down to the More settings section and click on Network reset.
- On the next window, click the Reset now button and Click Yes to confirm the action.
- Once the reset is complete, you should have the Wi-Fi connection restored.
If still, the problem persists, consider reset Windows 11 factory default. There is an option to reset windows 11 without data loss but we recommend backup your important data before reset windows 11.
In addition, if you have VPN configured or connected on your device try disconnecting or even uninstalling it, restart your PC and check if this helps. Also, turn off the antivirus or check for available updates.
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