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How to Fix WiFi Not Working on Windows 10 Creators Update: Step-by-Step Solutions

WiFi connectivity issues on Windows 10 can be frustrating, especially after an update like the Creators Update. Many users experience problems where their WiFi suddenly stops working or fails to connect properly. Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can follow to diagnose and fix these problems.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-understand solutions, starting from the most basic checks to more advanced troubleshooting. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these instructions.

By the end, you should be able to restore your WiFi connection and understand what to do if problems persist. Let’s get started.

Below, you’ll also find a helpful FAQ section and advice on what to do if none of the solutions work.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, here are some quick checks that can save you time:

  • Check if your WiFi is actually turned on. Sometimes, the wireless adapter might be disabled accidentally.
  • Ensure Airplane Mode is off. Airplane Mode disables wireless communication, including WiFi.
  • Verify that your router is working properly. Make sure other devices can connect to the same WiFi network.
  • Restart your computer and router. This simple step often fixes temporary glitches.

Step 1: Turn WiFi Off and On Again

This might sound obvious, but toggling the WiFi off and back on can refresh your connection and fix minor issues.

  1. Click the Network icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen).
  2. Click on the WiFi button to turn it off.
  3. Wait about 10 seconds, then click it again to turn WiFi back on.
  4. Attempt to reconnect to your network.

This step resets the wireless adapter and can resolve temporary glitches without needing more complex actions.

Step 2: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

  1. Right-click the Network icon in the system tray.
  2. Select Troubleshoot problems from the menu.
  3. Windows will begin diagnosing your network issues.
  4. Follow any instructions or apply fixes suggested by the troubleshooter.

This tool is helpful because it can find issues you might miss and provide automated fixes.

Step 3: Check Your Network Adapter Settings

Your WiFi might be disabled in the network adapter settings. Here’s how to check and enable it if needed:

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Network Connections.
  2. Click on Change adapter options on the right side.
  3. Find your Wi-Fi adapter in the list.
  4. If it appears greyed out, right-click it and select Enable.
  5. Try reconnecting to your WiFi network after enabling it.

Disabling and re-enabling the adapter can also help reset its configuration.

Step 4: Update Your WiFi Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause WiFi not to work properly, especially after Windows updates.

  1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your WiFi adapter (usually named something like “Intel Wireless” or “Realtek Wireless”) and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
  6. Restart your PC after updating.

Keeping drivers updated ensures compatibility with the latest Windows versions and improved stability.

Step 5: Reset TCP/IP Stack

If your network settings are corrupted, resetting the TCP/IP stack can help restore connectivity.

  1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
  2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. In the command window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

After running these commands, restart your computer.

This process resets your network configuration to default, which can fix many connection problems.

Step 6: Disable Power Saving on WiFi Adapter

Windows sometimes turns off your WiFi adapter to save power, which can cause connection drops.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
  6. Click OK and restart your computer.

This prevents Windows from disabling your wireless adapter unexpectedly.

Step 7: Forget and Reconnect to Your WiFi Network

Sometimes your saved network profile can become corrupted. Forgetting the network and reconnecting can help.

  1. Click the Network icon in the system tray.
  2. Click Network & Internet settings.
  3. Select Wi-Fi on the left menu.
  4. Click Manage known networks.
  5. Find your WiFi network, click it, and select Forget.
  6. Now reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password again.

This resets the connection and can solve authentication or connection issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my WiFi work on some devices but not on my Windows 10 PC?

This usually indicates the problem is with your PC settings or drivers rather than the router. Follow the steps above to troubleshoot your Windows 10 system.

How do I know if my WiFi adapter is faulty?

If updating drivers and resetting settings do not work, the adapter might be hardware-faulty. You can test by using a USB WiFi adapter or contacting support.

Can antivirus software cause WiFi problems?

Yes, sometimes security software can block network connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus to see if WiFi works.

What if Windows Update breaks my WiFi?

Windows updates sometimes cause driver conflicts. Rolling back the driver or checking for newer updates often helps.

How do I access safe mode with networking?

Safe mode with networking loads minimal drivers but includes network support. This can help identify if third-party software is causing issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still cannot get your WiFi working, consider the following options:

  • Use System Restore: Roll back your system to a point before the Creators Update or before WiFi issues began.
  • Check with your device manufacturer: Visit the official support site for updated drivers or specific fixes.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: For persistent problems, Microsoft’s official support can provide assistance tailored to your system.
  • Consider hardware issues: If possible, test a different WiFi adapter or use a wired Ethernet connection temporarily.

Conclusion

WiFi problems after the Windows 10 Creators Update can usually be fixed by following a series of simple troubleshooting steps. Starting with basic checks like toggling WiFi and running the troubleshooter, then moving on to updating drivers and resetting network settings, covers most common issues.

Remember to check your network adapter settings and power management options, as these are often overlooked. If all else fails, advanced steps like system restore or contacting official support may be necessary.

With patience and careful following of these instructions, your WiFi should be up and running smoothly again.

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