Windows 11 not detecting WiFi or Bluetooth: complete guide to restoring the connection

Suddenly, the WiFi and the BluetoothIt's not just that you don't see the networks or the blue speaker icon; sometimes the adapters vanish from the system as if they didn't exist, and that complicates any attempt to reconnect. What to do when Windows 11 does not detect WiFi or Bluetooth?

This problem manifests itself in very similar ways: the Wi-Fi option doesn't appear in Settings, the icons don't show up in the taskbar, and in Device Manager, the network adapter may have a yellow triangle or not be listed at all. Things like uninstall drivers, use commands in CMD, run the troubleshooter, reset the network, or even turn off and unplug the computer for 10-30 minutesIt might work temporarily, but the problem returns. What should I do?

Common symptoms when Windows 11 does not detect WiFi or Bluetooth

The first thing that usually catches the eye is that the Wi-Fi switch disappears from Settings (Network and Internet) and the network icon does not appear in the notification area. Those experiencing this report that sometimes the Wi-Fi connection drops first, and seconds later, the Bluetooth connection also fails.

In Device Manager, the wireless adapter may display a warning symbol or disappear altogether. When it's not listed, it's crucial to go to View > Show hidden devices to check if Windows has hidden it as a disconnected or faulty device. Then, when you open Properties, check if it's reported as having any issues. any specific message or error code.

Another typical symptom: after uninstalling the driver and restarting, Windows Update detects an update, installs it, and initially everything returns to normal. However, after a day or several restarts, the adapter disappears again. This has happened, for example, with cards like the Intel Wireless‑AC 9462where even Bluetooth only reappears if the device is uninstalled, a recent Windows update is reversed, and a complete shutdown is performed by unplugging the computer for a while.

Some users suddenly find that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are no longer working when they get home, even though everything was working fine at school or work just hours before. In these cases, it's important to determine whether the problem is related to the environment (network or interference) or the system itself: when there are no adapters, the fault almost always lies with Windows or its drivers. Controllers.

Most common causes

The root cause is usually an unstable, outdated, or incompatible driver after an update. Windows 11 21H2 had cases where, after receiving patches or drivers via Windows Update, the adapter became invisible. This fits with scenarios where Wi-Fi only returns briefly and Bluetooth takes longer or is completely absent, especially with Intel hardware. Customized OEM packages.

There are also power conflicts: if the system "shuts down" the device to save energy, it can remain in a strange state. Therefore, a power drain (turning it off, unplugging the charger, and waiting 10-30 minutes) sometimes works: by draining residual electricity, the module reinitializes, but the relief is temporary if the driver continues to fail.

Another common cause is a Windows or driver update that introduces regressions. After uninstalling the latest update and reinstalling the device, many people report that everything works again until the system reapplies the same problematic patch. It's crucial to monitor these. updates.

Finally, disabled system services (WLAN AutoConfig for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Compatibility Service for BT) and advanced power settings can affect adapter stability. If these services fail to start, the network and Bluetooth stack may become orphaned, and the device may not even connect. appears.

Quick checks

Before going into detail, check that airplane mode is turned off and that there isn't a function key or physical wireless radio switch blocking the signal. Although it sounds basic, a keyboard shortcut pressed incorrectly can cause a fright.

Open Settings > Network & Internet: if the Wi-Fi switch doesn't appear, it's not an external network problem; Windows simply isn't detecting the adapter. This distinction helps narrow down the troubleshooting. controllers and services.

If you're coming from a different environment (for example, it worked in class but not at home), also try the Try running the network in access point mode to rule out any issues with your router. But if the adapter isn't listed, the external network test won't change anything: the problem is with your device.

Perform a complete shutdown: close Windows, unplug the charger, and wait at least 10 minutes. On laptops, this "rest" can force the wireless module to restart. If Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reappear afterward, you'll know the power supply is a factor and needs adjusting. energy and drivers for a stable solution.

Check Device Manager and error codes

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Go to Network adapters and Bluetooth. If you don't see anything, go to the top menu bar, View menu, and select Show hidden devices. Locate your adapter (for example, "Intel Wireless-AC 9462" for Wi-Fi and its corresponding Bluetooth adapter) and open its settings. Properties.

On the General tab, under Device Status, note any error message or code that appears. Many users see a yellow triangle indicating device startup problems; knowing this detail allows you to decide between reinstalling, rolling back the driver, or restarting. services.

Also check the Details tab and select “Hardware ID”: with that string, and in case the manufacturer doesn't offer a download by serial number, you can identify the correct driver later through the chip vendor, since the PCI/USB identifier is unequivocal.

Reinstall and detect the network hardware from Device Manager

A simple method that has restored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for many involves uninstalling the device and forcing Windows to search for hardware changes. It's straightforward and requires no external tools, but it must be done with order.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Locate the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter in its category.
3. Right-click and choose “Uninstall device” (check “Delete driver software” if it appears).
4. In the top bar, go to “Action”.
5. Select “Scan for hardware changes” to have Windows reinstall the device.

After that search, the adapter should reappear and load a driver. On many devices, this resolves the issue instantly, although if the reinstalled driver is the same one that was faulty, the solution may be short-lived. If only Wi-Fi returns and Bluetooth remains absent, repeat the process with the Bluetooth device or install its driver separately. controller and check the compatibility of your headphones with LE Audio Bluetooth.

If your device returns with a generic driver, consider installing the one from the chip manufacturer (Intel, Realtek, etc.) or the one from the computer manufacturer, if available. The OEM package often includes power and radio settings that the generic driver lacks. contemplate.

Update, roll back, or reinstall drivers

If the problem started after an update, try "Roll Back Driver" in the Driver tab. If that option isn't available, you'll need to uninstall and reinstall a previous version or, alternatively, update to the latest version released by the chip vendor. With cards like the Intel Wireless-AC 9462, it's advisable to... to install the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth packages separately.

Many OEMs publish their own drivers, but sometimes their websites don't respond to serial numbers or don't even list the model. It has happened that when entering a serial number (like AR020000592590), the page returns no results. In those cases, you can go directly to Intel or the chip vendor to download the "clean" driver. Use "Search my computer for drivers" and install the INF manually.

If the system insists on reinstalling the same problematic driver via Windows Update, uncheck the box for “Include drivers with updates” or use Microsoft’s “Show or hide updates” tool to temporarily block it. driver troubled.

One additional point: In the adapter's Properties > Power Management tab, disable "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." An aggressive setting can trigger failure after entering sleep mode or after several restarts, just as described by those who find that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth survive 2-3 restarts and then caen.

Network reset

Windows 11 includes a feature that erases and reinstalls all network adapters, as well as resetting TCP/IP, Winsock, and policy components. If your attempts have been unsuccessful, a network reset often cleans up corrupted configurations at once and leaves the stack "as good as new," which can restore visibility to the network. adapter.

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. After confirming, the computer will restart. Have your Wi-Fi passwords handy, as you'll need to reconnect; and, if you use a VPN, reinstall its software afterward, and review your remote access settings. Chrome Remote Desktopbecause restoration also removes tunnels and filters.

Internet Connection Troubleshooter

The Windows troubleshooter sometimes provides valuable clues (stopped services, corrupted drivers, etc.). Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run “Internet Connections” and “Network Adapter.” It doesn't always fix the problem, but when it detects a broken dependency, it can reactivate it. document it.

If the wizard suggests resetting adapters or reinstalling drivers, accept the process and restart. Although it may sound routine, this approach automates several time-consuming steps and reduces the margin of error. error.

Windows Updates: Install, Pause, or Uninstall

Check for updates in Settings > Windows Update. Microsoft frequently fixes compatibility issues affecting Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. A cumulative update may provide the correct driver or a subsystem fix that restores stability. TEAM.

If the problem started after an update, uninstall the latest patch: Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates. In some cases, this is the only way to restore Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, especially when combined with a complete shutdown by unplugging the device for 10-30 minutes. To prevent the problematic patch from immediately reappearing, pause updates for a few days or block that specific package. This strategy has given many users the necessary "breather" to stabilize their system with a driver. functional.

Power and service settings

In Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced settings, set “Wireless adapter settings” to “Maximum performance” for both AC power and battery power. This small change prevents the system from aggressively shutting down the radio and helps the adapter avoid disappear after a suspension.

Check the services: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and locate “WLAN AutoConfig” (Wi-Fi) and “Bluetooth Support Service.” Make sure they are set to Automatic and running. If either is stopped, start it; if it's set to Manual, change it to Automatic. A stopped key service can prevent the interface from even working. appear in Settings.

Disable fast startup (Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable > uncheck “Turn on fast startup”). With fast startup enabled, an unstable driver can retain a corrupted state between boot cycles; disabling it results in a cleaner boot process and increases the likelihood of recovering the adapter. Most.

When the manufacturer does not offer drivers and alternatives (Banghó, etc.)

If the device manufacturer's website doesn't return results by serial number or model, you're not out of luck. From Device Manager > Properties > Details > Hardware IDs, copy the identifier and look it up on the chip vendor's website (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm). With Intel, for example, you can use the Intel Driver & Support Assistant or manually download the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth packages. Installing the correct INF file directly onto the device is usually the best solution. hand of saint.

Another option: search for the exact adapter model (e.g., “Intel Wireless-AC 9462 Windows 11 driver”) on the Intel website and choose the version recommended for your Windows 11 build. Avoid very old or beta versions. If the OEM requires a custom driver, try the vendor's driver first; if it works stably, you can keep it even if it doesn't have the Intel logo. Manufacturer from the laptop.

Although these steps may seem numerous, in practice they form a clear path: confirm symptoms, reinstall and detect hardware, secure services, fix stable drivers, and monitor Windows Update. With this approach, even stubborn scenarios like the Intel Wireless-AC 9462 issue on Windows 11 21H2 have been resolved without resorting to the technical service.