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How to Fix WiFi Driver Not Working Issues on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

WiFi driver issues can be frustrating, especially when you rely on a stable internet connection for work or entertainment. Windows 11, like previous versions, occasionally faces problems with wireless drivers that prevent your device from connecting to WiFi networks. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps.

This guide walks you through easy-to-understand solutions, starting from basic checks to more advanced fixes. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions. Just take your time and follow each step carefully.

By the end of this article, you should be able to fix common WiFi driver problems and restore your internet connectivity on Windows 11. Let’s get started!

Remember, patience is key when troubleshooting computer issues. Often, the simplest steps can solve the problem.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into complex fixes, make sure you complete these quick checks:

  • Restart your PC: Many issues resolve simply by restarting your computer.
  • Check Airplane Mode: Ensure Airplane Mode is turned off. This disables all wireless connections.
  • Confirm WiFi is enabled: Click the network icon on the taskbar and verify WiFi is turned on.
  • Try connecting to a different network: This helps identify if the issue is with your device or the WiFi network.
  • Check physical WiFi switch: Some laptops have a hardware switch to enable or disable WiFi. Make sure it’s on.

Step 1: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooting tool that can automatically detect and fix common network problems. This is the easiest and quickest starting point.

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Network Adapter in the list and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and let Windows attempt to fix the problem.

Why this step matters: The troubleshooter scans for common errors and can automatically apply fixes without manual intervention.

Step 2: Update the WiFi Driver

An outdated or corrupted driver is a common cause of WiFi connectivity issues. Updating your WiFi driver ensures it’s compatible with Windows 11 and fixes known bugs.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your WiFi adapter (usually has “Wireless” or “WiFi” in the name) and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers. Windows will check online for the latest driver and install it if available.
  5. Restart your PC after the update completes.

Why this step matters: Driver updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that resolve connectivity problems.

Step 3: Roll Back the WiFi Driver

If your WiFi stopped working after a recent update, the new driver might be causing the issue. You can roll back to the previous version of the driver.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your WiFi device.
  3. Select Properties, then go to the Driver tab.
  4. Click Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
  5. Follow the prompts and restart your computer.

Why this step matters: Sometimes the latest driver has bugs, and rolling back fixes the problem until a better update is released.

Step 4: Reinstall the WiFi Driver

If updating or rolling back doesn’t work, reinstalling the driver can help by removing corrupt files and installing a fresh copy.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click your WiFi adapter under Network adapters and select Uninstall device.
  3. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if available.
  4. Click Uninstall and restart your PC.
  5. After restart, Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically. If it doesn’t, revisit Device Manager and click Action > Scan for hardware changes.

Why this step matters: Reinstalling clears any corrupted driver files that might be causing the WiFi issue.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings restores all network-related components to their default state. This step can fix deeper configuration problems.

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
  2. Click Network reset.
  3. Read the warning and click Reset now.
  4. Your PC will restart and network settings will be reset.

Why this step matters: This clears any misconfigured network settings that could block WiFi connectivity.

Alternative and Advanced Options

  • Check BIOS/UEFI settings: Ensure the wireless adapter is enabled in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.
  • Download driver from manufacturer: Visit your laptop or wireless card manufacturer’s website and manually download the latest driver.
  • Use Command Prompt to reset TCP/IP stack: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the following commands one by one: 
    netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

FAQs

Why is my WiFi driver not working after Windows 11 update?

Windows updates sometimes introduce compatibility issues with drivers. Updating or rolling back the driver usually fixes this.

How do I find the correct WiFi driver for my device?

Check your PC or wireless adapter manufacturer’s website for the latest Windows 11 compatible drivers. Avoid third-party driver sites.

Can antivirus software cause WiFi driver problems?

Yes, some antivirus or firewall programs can block network drivers. Temporarily disable them to test if they are causing issues.

Is it safe to uninstall the WiFi driver?

Yes, Windows will usually reinstall the driver automatically upon reboot. Make sure you have access to the internet (via Ethernet or another device) to download drivers if needed.

What if my WiFi adapter is missing in Device Manager?

This could indicate hardware failure or the adapter is disabled in BIOS/UEFI. Check BIOS settings or consult a technician.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and your WiFi driver still isn’t working, consider these final options:

  • Contact your device manufacturer’s support: They may provide specialized tools or firmware updates.
  • Use a USB WiFi adapter: This can be a quick workaround if your internal adapter is faulty.
  • Visit Microsoft’s official support page: Fix network connection issues in Windows 11
  • Consider professional repair: If hardware damage is suspected, a technician can diagnose and fix the issue.

Conclusion

WiFi driver problems in Windows 11 can disrupt your online activities but are usually fixable with basic troubleshooting. Start with simple steps like running the network troubleshooter and updating drivers, then move on to reinstalling drivers or resetting network settings if needed. Always check for Windows updates and keep your drivers current to avoid issues.

Following this guide carefully will help you restore your WiFi connection and get back online quickly. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or use alternative internet adapters as a temporary solution.

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