Wifi Network Not Showing Up Windows 10

Windows 10 has a great interface and many exciting features. Unlike Windows 8, 10 offers a hassle-free user interface. However, it is not perfect; users have complained about not being able to connect to the internet using the usual WiFi network. It can be a frustrating experience; if you are currently in this situation, don’t worry. We will show you how to fix it. Read on to learn how.

Possible Reasons Why Your WiFi Network is Not Showing Up in Your Computer

Wifi Network Windows 10

Based on general observations, here is a possible cause of this fault.

  • The WiFi has a fault.
  • There is a problem with the connection. 
  • Your WiFi router or computer has incorrect WiFi configuration 
  • Outdated or missing WiFi driver

There is an easy solution for all the possible faults listed above: “troubleshooting.” This guide contains six simple steps on how to troubleshoot.

Step 1: Use The WiFi Switch to Enable the WiFi Service 

Note: Before this step, ensure you are within the WiFi network range.

This step varies based on the laptop brand. Lenovo, HP, and Dell usually come with a keyboard switch or key that allows you to turn on/off WiFi. Find this key or switch to turn on your WiFi service.

But if your PC doesn’t have a WiFi switch, don’t worry. Here is another way to switch on your WiFi.

  • Check your network settings. To do this, right-click the internet icon, usually at the bottom of the home screen. Next, click Open Network and Sharing Center.
  • Click Change adapter settings.
  • Go to change adapter settings, Right-click WiFi, and click Enable.
  • If your WiFi is already switched on, instead of Enable, you will see Disable. In this case, restart your system and try to connect again.

Note: If you see Wireless Network Connection on your PC, it means WiFi.

If, after following this step, the WiFi still doesn’t come up, then try out step 2

Step 2: Update Your WiFi Driver

The primary function of your wireless network driver is to allow your PC to communicate with the network and wireless adapters. If the WiFi icon is not showing, there’s a good chance that your driver is outdated, missing, or corrupted. 

You can update your driver either manually or automatically. 

How to Manually Update Your Driver

Go to the official website of your PC manufacturers, search for the correct driver that matches your Window OS, and download it to your PC. Once downloaded, install it to your system. This requires time and broad computer knowledge.

If you don’t have the time and patience or the process of manually updating your driver seems too difficult, you can do it automatically with apps. 

How to Automatically Update Your Driver

These apps will help detect the driver condition and help automatically install the right driver for your PC. Another advantage of using apps is that you wouldn’t have to worry about figuring out your operating system, and you won’t also have to worry about making mistakes while processing. This will help you save time.

Most driver updating apps will allow you automatically with their free and pro versions. While the free versions may take time, the Pro versions will take just two steps. 

Important Notice: If Windows can’t access the Internet, you can download Driver Easy from another computer. Then install it on this computer. Due to the Offline Scan feature provided by Driver Easy, you can download and install network drivers even with no Internet. 

  • Download and install the app on a different PC or with an Ethernet cable. 
  • Run the app and click on Scan Now or any similar icon. The app will scan your PC and detect if there are any driver issues.
  • You will see a lot of driver suggestions; click on the button next to the WiFi driver and download it—if you are using a free version—then install it on your PC. 
  • If you are using a pro version, click on Update All or a similar icon, which will automatically download and install the correct driver version. 
  • After the driver has been updated—whether manually or automatically—restart your PC, and try reconnecting it to see if the issue is solved; if it hasn’t, move to the next step.

Step 3: Restart your modem and WiFi router 

There’s a good chance the fault is from your WiFi network at home. If that’s the case, you must check your WiFi to know where the problem comes from. It could be SSID broadcast, device interference, or router issues. 

The problem could also result from Internet Service Provider (ISP) issues. If you suspect that any of the above could be the possible cause, restart the modem and wireless router, it will help you reconnect your ISP. 

Note: Every other person who is connected to your router will also be disconnected temporarily. 

Here’s how to restart your router:

  • Unplug the router and modem from its power source; remove it if the modem has a backup battery.
  • Wait for a while—between 45 seconds to one minute.
  • Reconnect the router and modem back to their power source, and if they have a battery, place the battery back facing the same direction you removed it from.
  • Switch on your PC and try to connect to your WiFi network. 

Bonus Tip: What is WiFi Network Frequency

If this is the first time you are connecting to the WiFi, I suggest you pay attention to its WiFi network frequency. You may not be able to come if your computer uses a different frequency from the router.

The standards for WiFi network frequencies are 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Especially for newer router models that support both models. If you want to check your WiFi network frequency, visit the manufacturer’s website for more information. 

If you want to check your Windows WiFi network frequency, follow these steps:

Go to the Command Prompt, type netsh WLAN show drivers, and press Enter. The page will reveal the supported protocols.

You don’t need to be an expert to fix this problem; if you follow the above steps, your Wi-Fi connection will be up and running in no time.

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