Before you start
- A Windows laptop
- An Ethernet cable or USB tethering to download drivers
Method 1 Quick checks
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Step 1: Airplane mode
Open Quick Settings (Win + A) and make sure Airplane mode is off.
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Step 2: Wi-Fi key
Some laptops have a Wi-Fi switch or key (e.g. Fn + F2, F12 with an antenna icon).
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Step 3: Restart fully
Hold Shift while clicking Shut down to do a full shutdown, then turn on.
Method 2 Enable or reinstall the adapter
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Step 1: Open Device Manager
Right-click Start > Device Manager > Network adapters. Look for Intel Wi-Fi, Realtek, MediaTek, Qualcomm or Killer.
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Step 2: Enable it
If it has a down arrow, right-click > Enable device.
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Step 3: Missing or yellow warning?
Click View > Show hidden devices, then Action > Scan for hardware changes. Right-click a faulty adapter > Uninstall device and restart.
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Step 4: Install the right driver
Connect by Ethernet or USB phone tethering and download the Wi-Fi driver from your laptop maker’s support page (or Intel’s site for Intel Wi-Fi).
Method 3 Restart services and reset
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Step 1: WLAN AutoConfig
Press Win + R, type services.msc, find WLAN AutoConfig, set Startup type to Automatic and click Start.
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Step 2: Network reset
Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now.
Troubleshooting
Wi-Fi disappeared after a Windows update
Roll back the driver in Device Manager (Properties > Driver > Roll Back), or install the maker’s driver.
Adapter shows Code 10 or Code 43
The driver failed to start or the hardware has a fault. Reinstall the driver; if it persists, the Wi-Fi card may need replacing (or use a USB Wi-Fi adapter).
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a USB Wi-Fi adapter instead?
Yes. A USB Wi-Fi adapter is a quick, cheap workaround for a failed internal card.
Will Network reset delete my files?
No, only network settings.
Summary
Check Airplane mode and the Wi-Fi key, enable or reinstall the adapter in Device Manager with the maker’s driver, start WLAN AutoConfig, and run Network reset if needed.
