WiFi Not Working on PC Windows 11: Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing WiFi connectivity issues on your Windows 11 PC can be incredibly frustrating. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps to diagnose and resolve common WiFi problems, ensuring you get back online quickly.

Initial Checks and Quick Fixes

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, perform these basic checks:

  • Restart your PC: A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches.
  • Restart your router: Power cycle your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
  • Check WiFi is enabled: Verify that WiFi is turned on in Windows Settings.
  • Airplane mode: Ensure Airplane mode is disabled.
  • Physical WiFi switch: Some laptops have a physical switch to enable/disable WiFi.

Diagnosing the Problem

If the quick fixes don’t work, you need to identify the root cause. Here’s how:

1. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on System.
  3. Select Troubleshoot.
  4. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  5. Find Network Adapter and click Run.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

The troubleshooter will attempt to diagnose and fix any issues it finds.

2. Check WiFi Connection Status

Examine your WiFi connection details:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Network & internet.
  3. Select WiFi.
  4. Click on the name of your WiFi network.

Look for:

  • Connection Status: Should indicate “Connected.”
  • IP Address: A valid IP address confirms your PC is communicating with the router. A “169.254.x.x” address usually indicates a problem obtaining an IP address.
  • Signal Strength: Shows the strength of the WiFi signal.

3. Examine Device Manager

Device Manager allows you to check the status of your WiFi adapter:

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Locate your WiFi adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless-AC 9560).

Look for:

  • Yellow exclamation mark: Indicates a problem with the driver.
  • Disabled device: The device might be disabled. Right-click and select “Enable device.”

Advanced Troubleshooting Steps

If the above steps haven’t resolved the issue, try these more advanced solutions:

1. Update WiFi Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of WiFi problems.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Broadcom, Realtek) and download the latest driver for your WiFi adapter model. Install the downloaded driver manually.

2. Roll Back Driver

If the problem started after a driver update, roll back to the previous driver:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Driver tab.
  5. If the “Roll Back Driver” button is available, click it and follow the instructions.

3. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve configuration issues.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Network & internet.
  3. Select Advanced network settings.
  4. Click on Network reset.
  5. Click Reset now and confirm.

Warning: This will remove all saved WiFi passwords and network configurations. You’ll need to reconnect to your WiFi networks after the reset.

4. Check Wireless Autoconfig Service

The Wireless Autoconfig service manages WiFi connections.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate WLAN Autoconfig (or Wireless Autoconfig).
  3. Ensure the Status is “Running” and the Startup Type is “Automatic.”
  4. If it’s not running, right-click and select Start.
  5. If the Startup Type is not Automatic, right-click, select Properties, and change the Startup Type to Automatic.

5. Check IP Configuration

Ensure your PC is configured to obtain an IP address automatically.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Network & internet.
  3. Select WiFi.
  4. Click on your WiFi network name.
  5. Next to IP assignment, click Edit.
  6. Select Automatic (DHCP) from the dropdown and click Save.

6. Disable IPv6

In some cases, disabling IPv6 can resolve connectivity issues.

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Network & internet.
  3. Select WiFi.
  4. Click on your WiFi network name.
  5. Click on Hardware properties.
  6. Click on Edit next to IP assignment.
  7. Scroll down and find DNS server assignment section and change the setting to Manual.
  8. Switch the IPv6 button to the Off state and click Save.

7. Update Router Firmware

An outdated router firmware can cause compatibility issues. Refer to your router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions on updating the firmware.

8. Check for Interference

Other electronic devices can interfere with WiFi signals. Try moving your PC closer to the router or away from potential sources of interference, such as microwave ovens or Bluetooth devices.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried all the above steps and your WiFi is still not working, the problem might be more complex. Consider contacting a computer repair technician or your internet service provider for assistance.

By following this comprehensive guide, you should be able to diagnose and resolve most WiFi problems on your Windows 11 PC.