Windows OS

WiFi Network Not Showing Up on Computer [Best Fixes]

WiFi is a wireless local area network that enables us to connect multiple devices together. It is a wireless network we use on our mobiles and laptops. You can use an Ethernet cable if you don’t have access to a WiFi connection, but it will limit where we can use our system. However, the “WiFi Network Not Showing Up on Computer” issue can be caused if airplane mode is turned on, the WiFi network adapter driver is outdated, WiFi is disabled, or the WLAN service is turned off.

In this write-up, we will see how we can fix the “WiFi Network Not Showing Up on Computer” issue.

How to Fix the “WiFi Network Not Showing Up on Computer” Issue?

To fix the “WiFi Network Not Showing Up on Computer” issue, try the following solutions:

Method 1: Turn off Airplane Mode

Airplane mode disables WiFi connections. Airplane mode can be turned off by opening “Quick Action Center”, pressing “Windows+A”, and clicking on the “Airplane mode” icon to turn it off:

Method 2: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers Troubleshooters that can fix basic issues and problems. Run the “Network Troubleshooter” by following the below-given steps.

Step 1: Launch Settings

Start the settings utility by hitting “Windows + I”:

Step 2: Select Update & Security

Select the highlighted category:

Step 3: Hit Troubleshoot

Press “Troubleshoot” from the left side panel:

Step 4: See More Troubleshooters

Hit “Additional Troubleshooters”:

Step 5: Select Network Adapter

Scroll down to locate the “Network Adapter” troubleshooter and click it when found:

Step 6: Troubleshoot

Hit the “Run the Troubleshooter” button that shows up:

Method 3: Update WiFi Network Driver

Your “WiFi Adapter Driver” might be outdated, which can cause this issue. So, update your WiFi network driver by following the provided instructions.

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Push “Windows + R” to see the Run utility. Type “devmgmt.msc” and press enter to launch Device Manager:

Step 2: Expand Network Adapters

Click on the highlighted category to see the network adapters connected and configured on your system:

Step 3: Update the Driver

Right-click on your network device and hit “Update driver”:

Step 4: Let Windows Pick

Press the “Search automatically for drivers” to allow Windows to look for and install the latest drivers for your device:

The wizard will look for the best available driver and install it.

Method 4: Enable WiFi

Check whether your WiFi Adapter is enabled by walking through the steps listed below.

Step 1: Go to Control Panel

Open up the “Control Panel” utilizing the Startup menu:

Step 2: Move to Network and Sharing Center

Scroll around to find “Network and Sharing Center” and open it when found:

Step 3: Change Adapter Settings

Select “Change adapter settings” which can be found in the left side panel:

Step 4: Enable your WiFi

Right-click your WiFi adapter and hit “Enable”:

Method 5: Turn on WLAN Service

WLAN” is responsible for linking multiple devices on the internet and the communication between them. You can turn it on with the guidance of the given step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Open Services

Go to “Services” through the Startup menu:

Step 2: Locate WLAN AutoConfig

Scroll down till you find the “WLAN AutoConfig” service:

Step 3: Open Properties

Right-click it and hit “Properties”:

Step 4: Set Startup Type

Set its “Startup type” to “Automatic”:

Click on “Apply” and then “OK”. Lastly, reboot and connect to the desired WiFi network.

Conclusion

The “WiFi Network Not Showing Up on Computer” issue can be solved by following different methods which include turning off the Airplane mode, running the network troubleshooter, updating the WiFi network driver, enabling the WiFi, or turning on WLAN service. This blog offered various solutions for fixing the mentioned WiFi network issue.

About the author

Shahrukh Syed

I am a Goal oriented person who loves to learn new things. I am skilled in Web Development and MERN Stack. As a technical author, I write about different technologies and solve the problems faced while using them.