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How to Fix Windows 11 WiFi Not Working: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

WiFi issues on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you need an internet connection immediately. Fortunately, many common problems have simple solutions that anyone can follow.

This guide will walk you through basic troubleshooting steps to fix WiFi problems on your Windows 11 device. Each step is explained clearly so even beginners can understand.

Before diving into advanced fixes, it’s best to start with easy checks and gradually move to more detailed solutions. This helps identify the root cause quickly.

By the end of this article, you should be able to restore your WiFi connection and understand how to prevent future issues.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before starting troubleshooting, make sure of the following:

  • Your WiFi router is powered on and working properly.
  • Other devices can connect to the same WiFi network (to rule out router issues).
  • Your Windows 11 device is within range of the WiFi signal.
  • Airplane mode is turned off on your PC.

Checking these basics saves time and ensures you focus on fixing the right problem.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Router

Restarting your devices is often the easiest and fastest way to fix connectivity problems. This refreshes network settings and clears temporary glitches.

  1. Turn off your Windows 11 PC.
  2. Unplug your WiFi router from power, wait for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
  3. Turn on your PC again and try connecting to WiFi.

This step resolves many issues caused by temporary software or hardware conflicts.

Step 2: Check Airplane Mode and WiFi Settings

Sometimes, WiFi won’t work because Airplane mode is enabled or WiFi is disabled.

  1. Click the network icon in the taskbar (bottom-right corner).
  2. Ensure Airplane mode is turned off.
  3. Make sure WiFi is turned on and your network is selected.

Enabling or disabling these settings incorrectly can block WiFi connections, so it’s important to verify them.

Step 3: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a tool that automatically finds and fixes network problems.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
  3. Click Network troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

This tool can detect common issues like incorrect IP configurations or driver problems and suggest fixes.

Step 4: Update Your WiFi Network Adapter Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause WiFi to stop working. Updating the driver ensures compatibility with Windows 11.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your WiFi adapter (usually includes “Wireless” or “WiFi” in the name) and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will find and install updates if available.
  5. Restart your PC after updating.

Keeping drivers updated improves stability and fixes bugs that might cause WiFi problems.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

If previous steps don’t help, resetting network settings can fix deeper configuration issues. This removes saved networks and resets adapters to default.

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
  2. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
  3. Click Network reset at the bottom.
  4. Click Reset now, then confirm.
  5. Your PC will restart and network settings will be restored to default.

Note that you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi networks and re-enter passwords after this step.

Step 6: Check WiFi Adapter Power Management Settings

Windows sometimes turns off network adapters to save power, which may disrupt your WiFi connection.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties.
  3. Go to the Power Management tab.
  4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  5. Click OK and restart your PC.

This prevents Windows from disabling the adapter and causing connectivity drops.

Step 7: Manually Set DNS Server

A problematic DNS server can prevent websites from loading even if your WiFi connects. Changing to a public DNS like Google’s can solve this.

  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
  2. Click More network adapter options.
  3. Right-click your WiFi network and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses.
  6. Enter 8.8.8.8 for Preferred DNS and 8.8.4.4 for Alternate DNS.
  7. Click OK and close all windows.

This can improve internet reliability if your ISP’s DNS is slow or unresponsive.

Alternative Methods and Advanced Options

If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, try these options:

  • Flush DNS cache: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run ipconfig /flushdns to clear DNS cache.
  • Reset TCP/IP stack: Run netsh int ip reset in Command Prompt to fix network protocol issues.
  • Disable IPv6: Sometimes disabling IPv6 in network adapter properties can resolve conflicts.

These methods are more technical but can address deeper network problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my WiFi not connecting after Windows 11 update?

Updates can change network settings or drivers, causing temporary issues. Running the network troubleshooter or updating drivers usually fixes this.

How do I know if my WiFi adapter is faulty?

If your adapter doesn’t appear in Device Manager or shows errors, it might be faulty. Testing with a USB WiFi adapter can confirm this.

Can antivirus software block WiFi connections?

Yes, some security programs may interfere with network connectivity. Temporarily disabling antivirus can help identify this.

Is it safe to reset network settings?

Yes, it only resets network-related configurations. You’ll need to reconnect to WiFi networks afterward but no personal data is affected.

Why does WiFi keep disconnecting randomly?

Possible causes include power management settings, interference, outdated drivers, or hardware issues. Adjusting power settings and updating drivers often helps.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the steps above and your WiFi still doesn’t work, consider the following:

  • Contact your internet service provider to check for outages or router issues.
  • Visit the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11 networking problems: Microsoft Network Troubleshooting.
  • Use a USB WiFi adapter as a temporary workaround if your built-in adapter is faulty.
  • Consider seeking help from a professional technician if hardware issues are suspected.

Conclusion

Fixing WiFi issues on Windows 11 is often straightforward when you follow a clear troubleshooting process. Start with simple steps like restarting devices and checking settings, then move to updating drivers and resetting network configurations.

Understanding why each step is important helps you tackle problems confidently and prevents future disruptions. With patience and the right approach, you can restore your WiFi connection and get back online quickly.

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