Wi-Fi Option Missing? How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 10/11

Wi-Fi problems on Windows 10 and Windows 11 can be very frustrating. Many users face issues like:

• Wi-Fi option not showing in the taskbar
• Wi-Fi missing in Settings
• Wi-Fi not visible in Device Manager
• Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting

If you are facing any of these problems, don’t worry. This guide will help you fix all types of Wi-Fi issues step by step.

First: Check If It’s a Hardware Problem

Before trying any fix, make sure your Wi-Fi hardware is working properly.

How to check:

1. Click on Windows Search
2. Type cmd
3. Right-click Command Prompt → Select Run as administrator
4. Click Yes
5. Type the following command:

6. Press Enter

What it means:

• If you see Reply → Your hardware is working fine 👍
• If you see Request Timed Out → It may be a hardware issue ⚠️

Update Windows and Wi-Fi Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause Wi-Fi problems.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Windows Update
3. Click Check for updates
4. Go to Advanced options → Optional updates
5. Install all available driver updates

Enable WLAN AutoConfig Service

Wi-Fi will not work if this service is disabled.

Steps:

1. Search Services and open it
2. Find WLAN AutoConfig
3. Double-click it

Make sure:

• Startup type = Automatic
• Service status = Running

If not: Click Start, then Apply → OK.

Reset Network Using Command Prompt

This step fixes many hidden network issues by resetting the TCP/IP stack and clearing DNS cache.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run these commands:

3. Restart your computer

Fix Wi-Fi Disconnecting (Clean Boot)

Sometimes third-party apps cause Wi-Fi problems. A clean boot helps identify if a background service is the culprit.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

3. Go to Services tab
4. Check Hide all Microsoft services
5. Click Disable all
6. Click Apply → OK
7. Restart your PC

Fix Missing Wi-Fi Adapter in Device Manager

Steps:

1. Right-click Start Menu and open Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters

If Wi-Fi is missing:

• Click View → Show hidden devices
• Click Action → Scan for hardware changes

Still missing?

1. Click Action → Add legacy hardware
2. Select Network adapters
3. Choose your Wi-Fi manufacturer (Intel, Realtek, etc.)
4. Install the adapter

If you see a yellow warning: Right-click → Update driver or uninstall and scan again.

Use System Restore

If Wi-Fi stopped working recently, restore your system to a previous state.

Steps:

1. Search Create a restore point
2. Click System Restore
3. Choose a date when Wi-Fi was working
4. Follow the on-screen steps

Try Power Flush (Last Solution)

Static electricity can sometimes cause hardware glitches.

For PC: Shut down, unplug all cables, hold power button for 20–25 seconds, then reconnect and start.

For Laptop: Shut down, remove charger and devices, hold power button for 20–25 seconds, then restart.

Conclusion

Wi-Fi issues in Windows can happen for many reasons, but the good news is — they are usually easy to fix.

Follow these steps one by one, and most likely your problem will be solved. Start with simple checks, then move to advanced fixes. If nothing works, your Wi-Fi adapter might need repair or replacement.