They are unable to connect to the Wi-Fi network connection no more. In other cases, the Wi-Fi connection has disappeared completely, and they are unable to find it and access it. This issue has been typically encountered on Windows 11, after upgrading from the previous Windows version. After a lot of affected users have complained about this issue, we have decided to take an in-depth look into this issue to see what causes it. Here’s a shortlist that contains all the possible reasons: Now that you are aware of the causes of this problem, here are all the methods that users are recommending in order to fix the Wi-Fi adapter that disappeared on Windows 11:
1. Make sure your Windows is up to date
Before going straight to the practical method of this article, the first thing you should do is to check if your Windows is up to date. Many users have been saying that they have managed to fix this issue by installing the latest update that was available at that moment. Even if this problem could be caused by an update that has been installed recently, you should keep an eye on the Windows Updates menu to make sure that you are using the latest update available. The devs might fix the issue in the new updates if it is a problem caused by them with a previous update. All you have to do is to go to the Windows Update inside the Settings and make sure to check for updates. In case you find any, install them and reboot your personal computer afterward. In case you don’t know how to do this, here is a guide that will show you how: In case you still can’t see the Wi-Fi adapter, check the next practical method below.
2. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
The second thing you can do is to run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter. This is another that people have done and managed to fix this issue. This could be working because it might be a bug that is happening to your Windows 11, so the troubleshooting should be enough to fix it. All you have to do is to go to the Troubleshoot section inside the Windows Settings. You should find the Network Adapter Troubleshooter right there, and when you do, click on Run to start the scan. Here are the steps that you need to follow in order to do this: In case the error still occurs, go to the next method below.
3. Flush the DNS using the Command Prompt
The people that have gone through this issue are also recommending flushing the DNS inside the Command Prompt. This was efficient for some of the users that have tried this method, so it is worth trying. Any IP addresses or other DNS records will be removed from your cache by flushing DNS. In addition to other problems, this can aid with security and internet connectivity, and also the Wi-FI adapter disappearing issue. To do this, all you have to do is to open the Command Prompt as an administrator and insert some commands that will first flush your DNS, then will reset the Winsock Catalog. Here is a guide that will show you exactly how to do this: In case the error still appears, check below the next method recommended by the users.
4. Perform a Network Reset inside the Advanced Network Settings
Another thing that is worth trying is to perform a network reset from the Windows Settings of your computer. This method has turned out to be efficient for a large group of people, being recommended by many. This process will reset the network connections that you have on your device. To perform a network reset, all you have to do is to go to the Advanced network settings and perform the action, then wait until it’s finished. After that, you should reboot your personal computer and the problem should be fixed. In case you don’t know how to do this, here are the steps you need to follow: In case the error is still present even after trying all these methods, here is the last potential method that users have used.
5. Scan for Hardware Changes using the Device Manager
The last thing you can try is to scan for hardware changes inside the Device Manager. This process will scan your computer to see if it has any hidden devices that are not showing. After doing this, you might be able to see some hidden devices, and in some cases, users were able to see their Wi-Fi adapter as well. All you have to do is to open the Device Manager and scan for hardware changes by pressing a button. After that, you should check to see if the Wi-Fi adapter is available now. In case you don’t know how to do this, here is a short guide that will help you do it:
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