Almost everyone has to connect to the internet for different services, and when you find a missing Wi-Fi error, it can be pretty frustrating. If the Wi-Fi icon disappears from your system tray on Windows, you need to look for some essential fixes. The following discussion shows the reasons and best possible solutions to restore the missing wi-fi icon in Windows 11/10
Why Is My WI-Fi Network Not Showing Up?
Many users have complained about missing the Wi-Fi adapters, and they often wonder about the place where they went wrong. The problems with your Wi-Fi could result from various factors, and it isn’t easy to find one specific cause. Some common reasons the Wi-Fi network is not showing up include the following.
- Problems in the Wi-Fi adapter or its driver
- Applications interfering with the Wi-Fi
- Misconfiguration in settings
- Hidden Wi-Fi icon
- Issues with the existing version or update
Restore the Missing Wi-Fi icon in Windows 11/10
Wi-Fi connectivity can be a huge pain, especially when you need an internet connection. However, you must also have awareness regarding the essential fixes to resolve the issue and get back your Wi-Fi again. Here are some proven methods to restore the missing Wi-Fi icon in Windows 11/10
- Run the Internet Connection & Network Adaptor Troubleshooter
- Enable the Wi-Fi Adapter in Network Connections
- Reset Network settings
- Check Group Policy
- System Restore
- Update/Reinstall Network Adapter drivers
Follow the below-given steps to fix the missing Wi-fi options in Windows 11/10
1] Run the Internet Connection & Network Adaptor Troubleshooter
Windows 11/10 operating systems offer in-build troubleshooters for resolving common issues in network devices and computer peripherals. The internet connection troubleshooter can help scan the system for general issues and resolve them automatically. In addition, you can also rely on the Network Adapter troubleshooter to deal with the problems of Wi-Fi connectivity. Here are the essential steps for running the internet connection troubleshooter.
- Press the Windows, and I key together to open the Settings window.
- Access the System tab on the left pane.
- Select the Troubleshoot option from the right pane and find the Other troubleshooter tab in the Options.
- Selecting the Run option for Internet Connections and Windows would launch the troubleshooter and showcase the issues.
- You can choose the Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet option, and the internet connection troubleshooter would scan for any issues in the system and implement the fixes effectively.
You can run the network adapter troubleshooter by using the following steps.
- Open the Settings window and select the System tab.
- Navigate to the Troubleshoot option and then to the Other Troubleshooters tab.
- Find the Network Adapter tab in the Other troubleshooters section and click on the Run button on the tab.
- Choose the All network adapters option in the troubleshooter window and click on the Next option. Follow the on-screen instructions and implement the suggested fixes for restoring Wi-Fi connectivity.
2] Enable the WI-Fi Adapter in Network Connections
The Wi-Fi adapter is an essential piece of hardware on your Windows 11/10 computer, which ensures communication between your system and wireless networks. If the Wi-Fi adapter has been disabled on your PC, you might encounter the missing Wi-Fi problem. Here are the simple steps for enabling your Wi-Fi adapter.
- Open Settings using Win + I
- Open the Network & Internet tab and select the Advanced network settings option.
- Select the More network adapter options tab under the Related settings section, leading you to the Network Connections window.
- The icon for the Wi-Fi adapter will be grey if it has been disabled. All you need to do is right-click the adapter icon and choose Enable from the drop-down list.
3] Reset Network Settings
Another proven solution for the missing Wi-Fi option on your Windows 11/10 computer is to reset your network settings. Resetting the existing network settings on your PC could help remove all the network adapters and bring the network settings back to default values. Here are the steps you must follow for resetting network settings.
- Launch the Settings window by pressing the Windows and I key together.
- Open the Network & Internet tab on the left pane and search for the Advanced network settings option on the right side.
- You can find the Network reset option under the More settings section in the Advanced network settings tab.
- Click on the Network reset tab and confirm the process by clicking on the Reset now button. Make sure to restart your PC after the reset and check for the Wi-Fi option.
4] Check Group Policy
When the standard solutions for Wi-Fi connectivity don’t work, you need to dive deeper. If you cannot get the Wi-Fi option, verifying the Group Policy on your PC is crucial. It can help in verifying whether the networking option has been disabled from the Group Policy. Here are the simple steps for checking Group Policy to resolve the missing Wi-Fi issue.
- Open the Run terminal by pressing the Windows and R keys together.
- Type gpedit.msc in the command box and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
- Browse through the left pane to identify the User Configuration option alongside the expansion of the Administrative Templates option.
- Select the Start Menu and Taskbar option in the Administrative Templates section and locate the Remove the networking icon option on the right side.
- Double click the Remove the networking icon option and choose Disabled in the next window. Select Apply and then OK for completing the Group Policy verification.
5] System Restore
When you struggle to figure out the reasons behind the missing Wi-Fi option, it is reasonable to turn to System Restore as an option. System Restore can help you undo the recent changes which might have led to the disappearance of the Wi-Fi option. Try the following steps to use System Restore to resolve the problem of Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Type create a restore point in the search box and press Enter.
- Click on the System Restore button in the System Protection tab.
- Choose the restore point at an instance before the first occurrence of the missing Wi-Fi problem and click on Next.
- Follow the instructions on-screen and complete the system restore process.
6] Update/Reinstall Network Adapter Drivers
The final solution for resolving the problem of missing Wi-Fi would focus on updating or reinstalling the network adapter drivers. You can use the device manufacturer’s official website to find updates for your network adapter drivers. Once you have installed the new drivers and updates, you can restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Conclusion
The simple solutions to the missing Wi-Fi problem on Windows 11/10 systems showcase that you can use easy troubleshooting methods for dealing with the issue. Implement the fixes and enjoy seamless Wi-Fi connectivity now.
What Is WI-Fi Adaptor?
The Wi-Fi adapter is a hardware device connected to a computer or workstation device, which helps establish the connection to a wireless system. The Wi-Fi adapter converts the computer’s signals into radio waves and ensures their transmission through the antenna.
Why Is There No Option to Turn On WI-Fi Windows?
You may encounter different factors for missing the option to turn on Wi-Fi in Windows 11/10. The common factors include lack of driver updates, corrupted drivers, and conflicting applications. Malware infection of connectivity devices like the network adapter can affect the Wi-Fi option. In Group Policy, you should also check for accidental disabling of the Wi-Fi adapter or network connection.