Wi-Fi not working on your laptop? 5 ways to fix it at home

A laptop that suddenly loses Wi-Fi can interrupt work, online classes or meetings. The network name may disappear, or the laptop may show the network but fail to connect to the internet. Several basic checks can help identify and fix common problems at home.

Microsoft’s support guidance recommends starting with simple settings and troubleshooting steps. Try these options in order, and use Network Reset only if the earlier steps do not work.

Check Wi-Fi and Airplane mode

Select the network icon on the taskbar and make sure Wi-Fi is on. Also check that Airplane mode is off. When Airplane mode is on, it turns off the laptop’s wireless connections.

Forget the network and reconnect

If the network appears but the laptop will not connect, remove its saved profile and join again. In Windows, open Settings, then Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi, and choose Manage known networks. Select the network and choose Forget. Then select it again and enter its password.

Restart the router

Try the same Wi-Fi network on a phone or another device. If that device also cannot connect, the issue may be with the router or modem rather than the laptop.

Microsoft recommends unplugging the router and modem, waiting at least 30 seconds, and reconnecting their power. Then try the laptop again. This check can help separate a laptop problem from a wider connection problem.

Check the network adapter

If Windows does not show a Wi-Fi switch, the wireless network adapter may be disabled. Search for Device Manager and open it. Select Network adapters, find the wireless adapter, and enable it if it is turned off.

Use Network Reset as a last step

If the other checks fail, Windows Network Reset can restore network settings to their default state. In Windows 11, go to Settings, Network & internet, Advanced network settings, then Network reset. In Windows 10, go to Settings, Network & Internet, Status, then Network reset.

A reset clears saved Wi-Fi passwords and network settings from the device. This change restores the network setup to its default state. Keep this in mind before starting, and use the feature only after other troubleshooting steps fail.

If Wi-Fi still does not work, check for an updated network driver. The issue could also involve the laptop’s hardware or the internet service provider. Those checks may help identify whether the next step is driver support, a repair, or contacting the provider.