Basics

16 reasons why Wi-Fi doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

by Jonathan Dudamel
10 min read

If your laptop won’t connect, keeps dropping, or shows “No Internet,” the most common causes are easily fixed in minutes. This guide explains 16 likely reasons why Wi‑Fi doesn’t work in Windows 10 and shows step‑by‑step solutions so you can get back online.

You’ll learn quick checks (airplane mode, router restart), network commands (ipconfig, netsh), driver and service fixes, interference and hardware troubleshooting, plus when to contact your ISP or manufacturer.

Contents show

Key Takeaway

The fastest approach is to work top to bottom: confirm wireless is enabled, restart the router and PC, run Windows Network Troubleshooter, then fix IP/DNS and driver issues using ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset, and Device Manager — these steps solve most Windows 10 Wi‑Fi failures.

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem Quick Solution
1. Airplane mode is on Turn off Airplane mode in Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
2. Wi‑Fi adapter is disabled (software) Enable the adapter in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Change adapter options.
3. Physical wireless switch or Fn key off Toggle the laptop’s wireless switch or press the correct Fn + F‑key to turn Wi‑Fi on.
4. Wrong SSID or password Forget the network and reconnect with the correct password in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks.
5. Router/modem needs restart Power cycle the router and modem: unplug, wait 30s, plug back in.
6. ISP outage or account issue Check ISP status (phone or ISP site) or test another device on the same network.
7. IP/DHCP assignment problem Run ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew and ensure IPv4 is set to Obtain an IP address automatically.
8. DNS resolution fails Use ipconfig /flushdns and set DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) in adapter IPv4 settings.
9. Corrupt or outdated network drivers Update or reinstall drivers in Device Manager > Network adapters.
10. WLAN AutoConfig service stopped Start and set WLAN AutoConfig to Automatic in services.msc.
11. Power management turns off adapter Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power in adapter properties.
12. Recent Windows update or bug Roll back problematic updates in Settings > Update & Security > View update history or use System Restore.
13. Firewall or antivirus blocking Wi‑Fi Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus and test connectivity.
14. VPN or proxy interfering Disable proxy in Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and disconnect VPN.
15. Wireless interference or channel congestion Move closer, switch to 5 GHz or change router channel in router settings.
16. Hardware failure or BIOS disabled Test with USB Wi‑Fi adapter or check BIOS wireless settings and consider servicing.
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Detailed Fixes for “Wi‑Fi doesn’t work in Windows 10”

1. Airplane mode is enabled

Why it causes the problem:
Airplane mode disables all wireless radios including Wi‑Fi.

Solution:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
  2. Toggle Airplane mode to Off.
  3. Alternatively click the Action Center (bottom-right) and click the Airplane tile to disable it.

Note: Some laptops also have a physical switch — check for that if the toggle won’t change.

2. Wi‑Fi adapter is disabled (software)

Why it causes the problem:
The OS can disable the adapter so Windows won’t see any networks.

Solution:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi.
  2. Click Change adapter options.
  3. Right‑click the wireless adapter and choose Enable (or Disable then Enable to reset).

Tip: You can also enable via Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

3. Physical wireless switch or function key off

Why it causes the problem:
Many laptops have a hardware toggle or Fn + F‑key that disables Wi‑Fi independent of Windows.

Solution:

  1. Look for a wireless switch on the laptop edge or a Wi‑Fi icon on the function keys.
  2. Press the function key combo (e.g., Fn + F2) or switch to the On position.
  3. If unsure, consult the laptop manual or manufacturer website.

4. Wrong SSID or password

Why it causes the problem:
Connecting to a wrong network or using an incorrect password will either fail or connect you to a network without internet.

Solution:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks.
  2. Select the network and click Forget.
  3. Reconnect from the Wi‑Fi list and enter the correct password.

Tip: Check the SSID on your router label and ensure you’re connecting to the right one (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz).

5. Router/modem needs restart

Why it causes the problem:
Routers and modems can lock up or leak memory, causing connectivity problems across devices.

Solution:

  1. Unplug power from modem and router.
  2. Wait 30–60 seconds.
  3. Plug the modem back in; wait until fully online, then plug in the router.
  4. Reboot your PC if necessary.

Note: If your modem/router combo has a reset button, do not reset to factory settings unless necessary.

6. ISP outage or account issue

Why it causes the problem:
If the ISP is down or your account is suspended, local Wi‑Fi can be fine but no internet will reach you.

Solution:

  1. Check ISP status via phone or the ISP’s outage map.
  2. Test another device on the same network (phone or tablet).
  3. Call your ISP if multiple devices fail or status confirms an outage.

Tip: Use your phone’s cellular data as a hotspot to verify whether issue is ISP-related.

7. IP/DHCP assignment problem

Why it causes the problem:
If your PC can’t get an IP address from the router, you’ll see limited/no connectivity.

Solution:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run:
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
  3. If still limited, run:
    • netsh int ip reset
    • Restart Windows.
  4. Ensure IPv4 is set to obtain automatically:
    • Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right‑click adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties > select Obtain an IP address automatically.
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Note: If your network requires a static IP, verify the correct address, subnet, gateway, and DNS.

8. DNS resolution fails

Why it causes the problem:
If DNS is broken, websites won’t resolve even if raw connectivity is present.

Solution:

  1. Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns.
  2. Change DNS to a reliable public resolver:
    • Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings, right‑click adapter > Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
    • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter 8.8.8.8 (preferred) and 8.8.4.4 (alternate).
  3. Test with ping 8.8.8.8 (tests connectivity) and ping google.com (tests DNS).

9. Corrupt or outdated network drivers

Why it causes the problem:
Drivers manage hardware; corrupt or mismatched drivers cause disconnections or no detection.

Solution:

  1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters, right‑click your Wi‑Fi adapter and choose Update driver.
  3. If update fails, choose Uninstall device (check Delete the driver software for this device if prompted), then restart Windows — Windows will reinstall a driver automatically.
  4. For best results, download the latest driver from the laptop or Wi‑Fi adapter manufacturer and install it.

Tip: If a recent driver update broke Wi‑Fi, use Device Manager > Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.

10. WLAN AutoConfig service stopped

Why it causes the problem:
Windows service handling wireless networks must run to manage connections.

Solution:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
  2. Find WLAN AutoConfig, double‑click it.
  3. Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start if the service is stopped.
  4. Click OK.

11. Power management turns off adapter

Why it causes the problem:
Windows can turn off adapters to save power, causing intermittent disconnects.

Solution:

  1. Open Device Manager, right‑click the adapter > Properties.
  2. Go to Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  3. Click OK and reboot.

12. Recent Windows update or bug

Why it causes the problem:
Sometimes a Windows update introduces a bug causing Wi‑Fi failures.

Solution:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > View update history.
  2. Click Uninstall updates if you suspect the latest patch.
  3. Use System Restore to revert to a previous state:
    • Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
  4. Pause updates temporarily via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Pause updates.

13. Firewall or antivirus blocking Wi‑Fi

Why it causes the problem:
Third‑party security apps or misconfigured firewall rules can block network access.

Solution:

  1. Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus/firewall and test connectivity.
  2. Check Windows Security > Firewall & network protection and ensure network is not blocked.
  3. If disabling fixes it, reconfigure the security tool or switch to a different product.

Caution: Only disable temporarily for testing and re-enable protection after troubleshooting.

14. VPN or proxy interfering

Why it causes the problem:
VPN or proxy settings can reroute or block traffic; a misconfigured service may cause no internet.

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Solution:

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and set Use a proxy server to Off.
  2. Disconnect any VPN clients and try reconnecting to Wi‑Fi.
  3. Some corporate VPNs require special configurations; consult your IT support.

15. Wireless interference or channel congestion

Why it causes the problem:
Neighboring networks, microwaves, and other electronics can interfere, especially on 2.4 GHz.

Solution:

  1. Move closer to the router or remove obstacles.
  2. Log into your router admin page (common addresses 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and change the Wi‑Fi channel, or set Channel Width.
  3. If supported, switch devices to 5 GHz network for less congestion.
  4. Use a Wi‑Fi analyzer app on your phone to find the best channel.

16. Hardware failure or BIOS disabled

Why it causes the problem:
Internal Wi‑Fi adapters or antennas can fail; BIOS can also disable wireless modules.

Solution:

  1. Try a USB Wi‑Fi adapter — if it works, the internal adapter may be faulty.
  2. Enter BIOS/UEFI on boot (common keys: F2, Del) and verify wireless is enabled.
  3. If hardware is faulty, contact manufacturer for repair or replace the adapter.

Additional resources and when to seek help

When to contact ISP:

  • Multiple devices show no internet after router restart, or ISP status page reports outage.

When to contact laptop manufacturer:

  • Hardware failure suspected (device works with USB adapter but not internal adapter).
  • BIOS-level wireless settings are inaccessible or the adapter is not listed in Device Manager at all.

Advanced diagnostic tools:

  • Event Viewer: Windows Logs > System to spot network-related errors.
  • Network reset: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset to remove and reinstall network adapters (this deletes saved networks).
  • Run netsh trace start capture=yes for advanced logs and stop with netsh trace stop (for experienced users or support teams).

Backup and documentation:

  • Before big changes (uninstalling drivers, system restore) note current settings or create a system restore point: Control Panel > Recovery > Configure System Restore.

FAQ

Q: Why does my Wi‑Fi work on my phone but not on my Windows 10 PC?
A: That indicates a PC‑side problem (driver, adapter, IP/DNS, firewall). Follow steps for drivers, IP/DHCP, and firewall checks.

Q: Will Network reset delete saved Wi‑Fi passwords?
A: Yes — Network reset removes all network adapters and deletes saved Wi‑Fi networks and passwords; you’ll need to reconnect.

Q: Is switching to 5 GHz always better?
A: 5 GHz offers higher speeds and less interference but shorter range — if you’re far from the router, 2.4 GHz may give better coverage.

Q: Can a VPN cause my Wi‑Fi to stop working entirely?
A: A misconfigured or malfunctioning VPN client can block traffic or change routes; disconnect it to test and reinstall if necessary.

Q: How do I prevent Wi‑Fi problems in the future?
A: Keep drivers and Windows updated, avoid aggressive power management, secure your router, schedule regular router reboots if instability persists, and use a strong password.

In short, start with simple checks (wireless enabled, router reboot), then run the network commands and driver/service fixes. Follow this guide step by step and you’ll resolve most cases where Wi‑Fi doesn’t work in Windows 10; if hardware or ISP issues remain, contact the appropriate support.

About the author

Jonathan Dudamel

Jonathan Dudamel

I'm Jonathan Dudamel, an experienced IT specialist and network engineer passionate about all things Windows. I have deep expertise in Microsoft project management, virtualization (VMware ESXi and Hyper-V), and Microsoft’s hybrid platform. I'm also skilled with Microsoft O365, Azure ADDS, and Windows Server environments from 2003 through 2022.

My strengths include Microsoft network infrastructure, VMware platforms, CMMS, ERP systems, and server administration (2016/2022).

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