A missing Wi-Fi button is different from a Wi-Fi connection with no internet. Check whether Windows can still see the wireless adapter before resetting the network.

Download a manual Wi-Fi driver from the laptop, motherboard, or adapter manufacturer. Match the exact model and Windows version.

Check the Simple Controls#

  1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode.
  2. Turn Airplane mode off.
  3. Check the keyboard for a wireless or airplane key.
  4. Check the computer for a physical wireless switch.
  5. Restart Windows.

Run the Built-In Network Check#

Open the Get Help app and run the Network and Internet troubleshooter. If it reports that no wireless adapter exists, move directly to Device Manager instead of resetting the network.

Find the Wireless Adapter#

Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.

Adapter stateAction
Listed with a down arrowRight-click and select Enable device
Listed with a warning iconOpen Properties and record the error code
Listed under Other devicesInstall the correct manufacturer driver
Hidden after an updateSelect View > Show hidden devices, then inspect it
Not listed anywhereCheck BIOS, hardware switch, USB connection, and hardware

Do not download a driver from an unknown driver-update site.

Restart WLAN AutoConfig When the Adapter Exists#

Use this branch only when Device Manager still shows a current wireless adapter but the Wi-Fi interface is unavailable.

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Enter services.msc.
  3. Find WLAN AutoConfig.
  4. Set Startup type to Automatic.
  5. Select Start or Restart.
  6. Return to Network settings.

If the service stops again, record the error and check Event Viewer before repeatedly restarting it.

Repair or Reinstall the Driver#

If Wi-Fi disappeared after a Windows update:

  1. Open the adapter’s Properties > Driver tab.
  2. Record the current version.
  3. Use Roll Back Driver if the option is available.
  4. If rollback is unavailable, download the approved driver on another device.
  5. Copy it to the computer with a USB drive.
  6. Install it and restart.

Only uninstall the adapter after the replacement installer is available. Windows may reinstall a generic driver, but that is not guaranteed when the computer is offline.

Use Network Reset Only When Windows Still Sees the Adapter Stack#

Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Read the warning, then select Reset now.

Network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and returns their settings to defaults. You may need to reinstall VPN clients, virtual switches, or custom network software. Known networks may need to be added again.

If the wireless adapter is absent from Device Manager, return to the hardware switch, exact-model BIOS documentation, driver package, and hardware checks. Network reset cannot restore hardware that Windows does not detect.

Test Restart, Sleep, and Another Network#

  1. Confirm the Wi-Fi toggle appears.
  2. Confirm nearby networks are listed.
  3. Connect to the expected network.
  4. Restart Windows.
  5. Wake the computer from sleep.
  6. Test another network if the adapter appears but one router still fails.