Windows 11 · Windows
Fix the Wi-Fi option missing in Windows 11
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Run Windows network diagnostics, enable the Wi-Fi adapter, and install the PC maker's matching driver when Windows cannot detect it.
Check the missing Wi-Fi adapter before changing anything
Identify the exact device, app, account, error, and affected feature for the missing Wi-Fi adapter. Keep the current result visible or record it first, so the page's later actions can be tested against one clear starting point.
Use the supported controls for the missing Wi-Fi adapter
Follow the specific control path in the next steps and change only the setting or component that matches the observed problem. Do not combine resets, driver changes, account changes, or third-party tools before checking the documented route.
Check hardware controls
Turn off Airplane mode and confirm any physical wireless switch is enabled.
Run the troubleshooter
Open Get Help and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter.
Enable the adapter
Open Device Manager > Network adapters and enable the wireless adapter if it is disabled.
Restore the driver
Download the current Wi-Fi driver from the PC manufacturer, uninstall the adapter, restart, and install that driver if Windows does not restore it.
Verify the result for the missing Wi-Fi adapter
The adapter appears, discovers the intended network, reconnects after restart, and retains the expected driver. Repeat the original task once after reopening the relevant app or settings page, so a temporary screen refresh is not mistaken for a completed result.
Narrow down problems with the missing Wi-Fi adapter
If Device Manager shows no adapter, an error code remains, only one SSID is absent, or the manufacturer package does not match the hardware, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, hardware or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the missing Wi-Fi adapter is unchanged after the documented check, return to the first observed condition and identify whether it affects one app, account, device, or every task before repeating steps.
- If the labels differ after an update or the device is managed, retain the exact condition and use the linked owner source before removing data, resetting Windows, or installing an unrelated tool.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.