Having trouble with your Windows 10 WiFi refusing to turn on? Here’s a quick guide on how to fix this frustrating issue.
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Check for a Wi-Fi switch or button
If you are using a laptop, make sure that the Wi-Fi switch or button is turned on. On some laptops, you may need to press the Fn key along with the Wi-Fi button or switch to turn it on. Make sure that the Wi-Fi switch or button is in the on position before proceeding.
If you are using a desktop computer, check the back or side of your computer for a Wi-Fi switch or button. Make sure that it is turned on. If you cannot find a physical switch or button, check your computer’s settings to ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled.
If you are using a router, check the front or side of the router for a Wi-Fi switch or button. Make sure that it is turned on. If you cannot find a physical switch or button, check the router’s settings to ensure that the Wi-Fi is enabled.
If you have checked for a Wi-Fi switch or button and it is turned on, but your Windows 10 Wi-Fi still won’t turn on, try restarting your device. Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve connectivity issues.
If restarting your device doesn’t work, try troubleshooting the Wi-Fi connection. Go to the Start menu and type “troubleshoot” in the search bar. Click on the “Troubleshoot settings” option and then select “Network Adapter” from the list. Follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot your Wi-Fi connection.
If none of these steps solve the issue, it is possible that there may be a problem with your wireless network adapter. You can try updating the driver for your network adapter by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest driver for your specific model.
If all else fails, you may need to contact your internet service provider for further assistance or consider seeking help from a professional technician.
Reboot your computer
1. First, save any important work and close all open programs.
2. Press the Windows key, located on your computer keyboard, and select the Power icon on the Start menu.
3. Click on Restart to reboot your computer.
4. Once your computer has restarted, wait for it to fully boot up.
5. Next, press the Function key (Fn) and a designated key on your keyboard that corresponds to the WiFi function. This key is usually represented by an antenna or wireless icon.
6. If the WiFi still won’t turn on, check if your router is functioning properly. Ensure that the router is powered on and connected to the internet.
7. If you’re using a laptop, make sure the wireless LAN switch or button is turned on. This switch/button is usually located on the side or front of the laptop.
8. If you’re still experiencing issues, try connecting to a different wireless network to determine if the problem lies with your current network or your computer.
9. If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to update your wireless network driver. Visit the website of your computer manufacturer or the manufacturer of your wireless network adapter to download and install the latest driver.
10. If all else fails, consider resetting your network settings. This can be done by going to the Settings menu, selecting Network & Internet, and then choosing Network reset. Keep in mind that this will remove all saved WiFi networks and return your network settings to default.
Check your Wi-Fi network
- Restart your computer and modem/router
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on
- Run the Network troubleshooter
- Check for airplane mode or physical Wi-Fi switch
- Restart the WLAN AutoConfig service
- Update Wi-Fi adapter driver
- Reset TCP/IP stack
- Check for interference
- Reset network settings
- Perform a system restore (if necessary)
It also fixes any missing or corrupt DLL files that might be affecting Wi-Fi functionality. Trust Fortect to restore your system and get your Wi-Fi up and running again.
python
import subprocess
def enable_wifi():
try:
subprocess.run(["netsh", "interface", "set", "interface", "Wi-Fi", "admin=enabled"], capture_output=True, check=True)
print("WiFi enabled successfully.")
except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
print(f"An error occurred while enabling WiFi: {e.stderr.decode('utf-8').strip()}")
enable_wifi()
This code uses the `subprocess` module to execute the `netsh` command-line tool, which is commonly used to manage network settings in Windows. It attempts to enable the WiFi interface by running the appropriate command. If any error occurs, it will be captured and displayed as an error message.
Please note that running this code requires administrative privileges, so ensure that you run it in an elevated command prompt or with appropriate permissions.
Keep in mind that this is just a basic example, and there could be various reasons why WiFi may not turn on, such as hardware issues, driver problems, or system settings. This code only attempts to enable the WiFi interface, but it may not solve all potential issues.
Try your computer on another Wi-Fi network
If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows 10 WiFi not turning on, one solution you can try is connecting your computer to another Wi-Fi network. This can help determine if the problem lies with your current network or with your computer itself.
To do this, you’ll need access to another Wi-Fi network. It could be a friend’s network, a public Wi-Fi hotspot, or even a different network in your own home. Once you have access to another network, follow these steps:
1. On your Windows 10 computer, press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Network & Internet.”
3. In the left-hand menu, select “Wi-Fi.”
4. In the right-hand pane, make sure that the Wi-Fi toggle switch is turned on. If it’s already on, try toggling it off and then back on again to refresh the connection.
5. Under the Wi-Fi toggle switch, click on “Show available networks.”
6. Look for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and click on it.
7. If the network is password-protected, enter the password and click “Connect.”
8. Wait for your computer to connect to the new network. You should see a confirmation message when it’s successful.
Once your computer is connected to the new network, check if the Wi-Fi is working properly. If it is, then the issue may be with your original Wi-Fi network or your internet service provider.
If the Wi-Fi still won’t turn on, you may need to try other troubleshooting steps or contact technical support for further assistance.
Remember, troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity issues can be complex and may require knowledge of computer hardware and networking. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with making changes to your computer’s settings, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help.
By trying your computer on another Wi-Fi network, you can determine if the issue is specific to your current network or if it’s a problem with your computer itself. This can help narrow down the troubleshooting steps and potentially resolve the issue more efficiently.
Try another Wi-Fi adapter
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier and your Windows 10 WiFi still won’t turn on, it might be worth trying another Wi-Fi adapter. Sometimes, the issue lies with the hardware itself, and using a different adapter can help determine if that’s the case.
To try another Wi-Fi adapter, follow these steps:
1. Purchase a compatible Wi-Fi adapter that is known to work with Windows 10. You can refer to the manufacturer’s website or do some research online to find a reliable one.
2. Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
3. Disconnect the current Wi-Fi adapter from your computer. If it’s a USB adapter, simply unplug it from the USB port. If it’s an internal adapter, you may need to open your computer case and carefully remove it.
4. Insert the new Wi-Fi adapter into an available USB port if it’s a USB adapter. Make sure it’s securely connected.
5. If you’re replacing an internal adapter, carefully insert the new adapter into the appropriate slot on your motherboard. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
6. Once the new adapter is securely connected, power on your computer and wait for it to boot up.
7. Windows 10 should automatically detect the new adapter and install the necessary drivers. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
8. Once the installation is complete, open the Network & Internet settings on your computer by right-clicking on the network icon in the taskbar and selecting “Open Network & Internet settings.”
9. In the Network & Internet settings, select “Wi-Fi” from the left-hand menu.
10. Under the Wi-Fi settings, make sure the toggle switch for Wi-Fi is turned on.
11. If the new Wi-Fi adapter is working properly, you should see available Wi-Fi networks in the list. Select your desired network and enter the password if prompted.
By trying another Wi-Fi adapter, you can determine if the issue lies with your current adapter or if it’s a software-related problem. If the new adapter works fine, it’s likely that your old adapter needs to be replaced.
Update the network adapter driver
1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Windows will now search for the latest driver for your network adapter and install it if found.
6. If Windows doesn’t find any updates, you can also try visiting the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver manually.
7. Once the driver update is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.
By updating the network adapter driver, you can resolve the issue of WiFi not turning on in Windows 10. Remember to restart your computer after the driver update to ensure the changes take effect.
If you’re still experiencing issues with your WiFi, it may be worth checking your router settings, ensuring that your computer is connected to a functioning wireless network, or contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.
Reset the wireless router, gateway, or modem
To reset your wireless router, gateway, or modem in Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Locate the power button on your device and make sure it is turned off. This may involve unplugging the power cord or using a power switch, depending on your device.
2. Once the device is powered off, wait for at least 30 seconds. This allows any residual power to dissipate and ensures a full reset.
3. After the 30-second wait, turn the device back on by pressing the power button or plugging in the power cord.
4. While the device is booting up, check if the WiFi is turned on. Many laptops have a function key combination that can toggle the WiFi on and off. Look for a key labeled with a WiFi symbol or one that has a wireless antenna icon. Pressing this key combination should enable the WiFi.
5. If the WiFi still won’t turn on, navigate to the Network and Internet settings on your Windows 10 device. You can do this by clicking the Start button, then selecting Settings > Network & Internet.
6. In the Network & Internet settings, click on the “Wi-Fi” tab on the left-hand side. Make sure the toggle switch under “Wi-Fi” is set to the “On” position.
7. If the WiFi is still not working, try resetting your router, gateway, or modem. Locate the reset button on the device, which is usually a small hole that can be pressed with a paperclip or pin.
8. Insert the paperclip or pin into the reset hole and hold it down for about 10 seconds. This will reset the device to its factory settings.
9. Once the device has been reset, wait for it to fully boot up and establish a connection to your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
10. Finally, try connecting to your WiFi network again. Click on the WiFi icon in the system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen) and select your network from the list. Enter the password if prompted, and you should now be connected to the internet.
If Windows 10 won’t let you turn on Wi-Fi, try restarting your computer and checking for any available updates that might resolve the issue. Download this tool to run a scan
