Windows 11 doesn't recognize Wi-Fi network: Solutions

Sometimes our leisure time or work sessions are interrupted by an uncomfortable and relatively common situation: Windows 11 does not recognize the WiFi networkThat is, the device doesn't detect any wireless network. This failure can be due to a variety of causes, ranging from software issues after an update to hardware or router errors.

Fortunately, there are multiple proven and easy-to-apply solutions, both at the basic and advanced user level. In this article, we'll explore all the possible causes and corresponding remedies in detail.

The most common causes and how to quickly identify them

These are some of the most common causes that lead to the situation where Windows 11 does not recognize the Wi-Fi network:

• WiFi adapter disabled: If the wireless adapter is accidentally disabled, Windows 11 will not show any available networks.
• Outdated or corrupt drivers: La absence of drivers compatible after an update or a failed installation may cause the WiFi connection to disappear.
• Router problems: Sometimes the fault lies in the network device itself, which may stop transmitting signals correctly or require a reboot.
• Errors after updating Windows 11: It's not uncommon for Wi-Fi to stop working after installing a new version of Windows due to driver or network configuration conflicts.
• Incorrect network configuration: Accidental changes to system settings or deletion of profiles may block wireless network detection.

 

Step-by-Step: General Solutions to Restore Wi-Fi Connection in Windows 11

Let's see the most effective and simple methods To solve this problem, we based our work on steps recommended by official sources, technicians, and real-life user experiences.

Starting with the basics: Check your router and WiFi signal

Before you blame Windows 11, make sure the problem is not with the router. Perform the following checks:

• Change band: Many current routers transmit on two frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Try connecting to both, since 5 GHz, although faster, has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz.
• Reboot the router: Unplug it for at least 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait for all lights to stabilize before testing the connection.
• Connect with another device: If your phones or tablets detect the network, the problem is with your PC. If they still can't connect, the problem is with your router or your internet provider's signal.

Windows 11 Troubleshooter

Faced with the problem that Windows 11 does not recognize the WiFi network, the operating system itself includes several tools that can automatically detect and repair network failures:

1. press Win + I to access the Configuration.
2. Go to Solve problems and then to Other troubleshooters.
3. In the Internet connections section, click on Run.
4. Windows will detect common issues and offer to automatically apply solutions.

Check if the WiFi adapter is enabled

Many times, the wireless adapter is disabled accidentally or during an update:

1. Write Control panel in the Windows search bar and open it.
2. Navigate to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
3. In the left panel, click Change adapter settings.
4. Locate your WiFi adapter. If it appears disabled, right-click on it and select Enable.
5. If it is already activated, but it does not work, try the option To diagnose from the context menu.

Update or reinstall network drivers

One of the most common reasons for the "Windows 11 does not recognize the WiFi network" error is a outdated, incompatible, or corrupted driver. Follow these steps to update or reinstall your network drivers:

1. Open Device Manager: Press the Win key, type 'device manager' and select the option.
2. Expand Network Adapters: Find your WiFi card.
3. Update driver: Right click on the adapter and select Update Driver > Search for drivers automatically. Follow the instructions on the screen.
4. Uninstall device: If the update doesn't resolve the issue, you can choose to uninstall the device from that same menu. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver after the restart.

Reset Windows 11 network settings

Windows 11 allows Remove all network adapters and their settings to reinstall them as new, something very useful if you're coming from an upgrade from Windows 10 or have made a multitude of changes that have stopped working.

1. Sign in Configuration and access Network and Internet.
2. Choose Advanced network settings and inside, look Network reset.
3. Press on Reset now and accepts the warning. Remember that your computer will restart automatically. and you will lose all saved networks, so you will have to re-enter the passwords.

Run advanced network recovery commands

For experienced users, the commands in the console 'Symbol of the system' They can reset the TCP/IP stack, renew addresses, and flush the DNS cache. This can easily fix the issue of Windows 11 not recognizing your Wi-Fi network. Here's what to do:

1. Open the Start Menu and search for "command prompt." Run as administrator.
2. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

• netsh winsock reset
• netsh int ip reset
• ipconfig / release
• ipconfig / renew
• ipconfig / flushdns

After completing these steps, restart your computer and check if you can now detect Wi-Fi networks.

Windows 11 installation fails: Solution during initial setup

Some users find that Cannot connect to WiFi networks during the Windows 11 installation process (OOBE). In these cases, it will be necessary to manually install the adapter driver by following these steps:

1. Download the latest wireless network driver from the manufacturer's official website and save it to a USB flash drive.
2. During the Windows 11 installation, connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
3. press Shift + F10 to open the 'Command Prompt'.
4. Run C:\Windows\explorer.exe & exit to launch the file explorer and locate the driver installer on the USB.
5. Install the driver following the wizard and restart your computer. The Wi-Fi network option should appear after completing the process.

Other helpful tips and special circumstances

Finally, some additional tips to address the Windows 11 not recognizing WiFi network issue.

• Check if other pending updates are interfering: Sometimes Windows Update installs critical updates for your network. Click Settings > Windows Update and check if you have any pending updates or optional updates.
• Roll back to a previous version of a driver: If your Wi-Fi stops working after updating a driver, you can restore the previous version from Device Manager, selecting 'Properties' for the adapter, and looking for the 'Roll Back Driver' option.
• Hardware TroubleshootingIf, after all these steps, the network adapter still doesn't appear, it may have a physical failure. Check if it appears in the computer's BIOS/UEFI and consider contacting technical support.

What if nothing works? Latest resources

If after following all these steps you still haven't managed to solve the problem, you can Go to the technical support channels of your equipment manufacturer or Microsoftt. Sometimes a more serious fault requires professional intervention or component replacement.

Don't forget that keeping your drivers up to date and regularly checking for Windows updates is key to avoiding these incidents in the future. It is also advisable to keep backup copies of essential drivers, especially if you have to reinstall the operating system or make major changes.

As you can see, when Windows 11 doesn't recognize your WiFi network, there's no need to be overly alarmed. You just have to find the reason and apply the corresponding solution. Most often, the situation is resolved without the need to contact technical support.