Fix WiFi network not showing error on Windows 10

Some Windows 10 users are reporting that there is an issue of WiFi networks not showing up on Windows 10. Now, this error can occur due to many reasons, starting from old/incompatible WiFi drivers to a set of registry faulty.

The problem can come from two sources. It is possible that the WiFi hardware/computer hardware is causing the problem or the problem is occurring due to some software error. But let's leave the reason aside and focus on the solutions to fix this problem.

Before continuing with the fixes, you can restart your computer and see if the WiFi network shows up or not. If the error persists, try these fixes:

Method 1: Turn on the network driver

If your WiFi network is not displayed on Windows 10, the cause may be because the WiFi driver on your computer is turned off. Enabling network drivers may fix this problem. Follow these steps to enable network drivers:

1. To open the Run window , just press Windows key + R together.

2. Now, you need to enter ncpa.cpl in the Run window and then press Enter.

This will open the Network Connections section in Control Panel.

2. Right click on the WiFi driver you are using and select Enable. The WiFi driver will be activated on time.

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Close Network Connections and restart your computer. See if your computer is displaying a WiFi network. If you still can't see the WiFi network, do the next fix.

Method 2: Automate the WLAN AutoConfig service

WLAN AutoConfig is a Windows service that detects and connects to wireless networks. Currently, sometimes this service is not started automatically, which can cause errors. Follow these steps to automate the WLAN AutoConfig service.

1. First, you need to press Windows key + R on your computer.

2. To open the Services window , enter services.msc and click OK.

3. Scroll down to find the WLAN AutoConfig service. Now, double click on it and the 'WLAN AutoConfig Properties' window will be opened.

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4. Now, click on the drop-down menu next to the Startup type option and select Automatic.

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5. Click Apply and then click OK.

Restart your computer and try to connect to WiFi.

If the error is still there then perform the next fix.

Method 3: Update WiFi network driver

WiFi not showing up may be due to old/incompatible network drivers being installed. Updating the WiFi driver may resolve the issue. Follow these steps to update WiFi:

1. The first step you have to do is press Windows + X and then click Device Manager.

The Device Manager utility opens.

2. In the Device Manager window , find Network Adapters in the driver list and expand this section.

3. Now, from the drop-down menu, select the driver you are using, right-click on it and select Update driver.

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4. After doing so, when the prompt 'How do you want search for the drivers?' appears, just click "Search automatically for updated driver software" .

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Windows will now search for updates for WiFi devices on your computer.

Restart your computer and check if you can connect to the WiFi network.

Method 4: Turn off and turn on the router again

In many situations, restarting the router can help you connect to your network. Your Internet service provider assigns a temporary IP address to your router, which periodically changes. If your router does not match the changed IP, the router will not be able to connect to the Internet and will not be visible on the computer. Turning the router off and on again can help with this process-

1. Turn off your router using the manual switch.

2. Unplug the router from the power outlet.

3. Wait a minute or two.

4. Plug the router back into the power source.

5. Turn on the router.

Check if Windows can detect the network. If the problem persists, perform the next fix.

Method 5: Delete registry entries using Command Prompt

Some corrupted registry entries could be the reason why you can't find a WiFi network on your computer. Deleting those registry keys using Command Prompt may solve your problem:

1. Enter cmd in the search box.

2. Right-click Command Prompt and then select Run as administrator .

The Command Prompt window will appear in admin mode.

2. Copy and paste the following command into Command Prompt and press Enter.

reg delete HKCRCLSID{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /va /f

3. Copy and paste the following command into Command Prompt and press Enter. Wait until the process is completed. Close Command Prompt.

netcfg -v -u dni_dne

Restart your computer and see if the WiFi network is visible to you. If you're still experiencing the same issue, perform the next fixes.

Method 6: Check if necessary services are running

Detecting WiFi on a computer requires similar essential services running in the background. If these essential services are not running, you will not be able to detect WiFi networks on your computer. To check if essential services are running, follow these steps:

1. The first step to open the Services utility is to enter services.

2. Find these two services: 'Windows Event Log' and 'Windows Update' , then check if their status is Running or not.

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3. Also check if 'Remote Procedure Call (RPC)' is running or not.

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4. If any of these 3 services is stopped/disabled/not running, right-click on it and select Start.

Close the Services window and restart your computer. Check if you can discover the WiFi network on your computer.

Method 7: Run the Internet connection troubleshooter

Luckily, Windows has a tool that you can use to solve your Internet problems. Follow these steps to run the Windows 10 troubleshooter:

1. Open the Start menu, then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot .
2. Click Additional troubleshooter .
3. Select Internet Connections > Run the troubleshooter .
4. Follow the instructions displayed.

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If this doesn't fix the problem, you can try running the Network Adapter troubleshooter. Follow the first two steps above to access the troubleshooter list. Then, scroll down to Network Adapter and select Run the troubleshooter .

Method 8: Forget WiFi network

If you are using this method, make sure you know the WiFi password, otherwise you won't be able to connect to it again!

Here's how you can do it:

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks .
3. Select the WiFi network you want to use and click Forget.

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Method 9: Disable and enable Network Interface Card

The Network Interface Card (or NIC) is responsible for both wireless and wired communication. If your network problem is caused by the NIC, you should turn it off and on again.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Internet > Network Connections .
3. Right click on the wireless adapter and select Disable.
4. Right click on it again, but this time select Enable.

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Method 10: Turn off airplane mode

If your Windows 10 laptop can't connect to a WiFi network but your phone can, the first thing you need to check is whether your computer is stuck in airplane mode. You may have accidentally enabled this feature from the Action Center or pressed the Airplane Mode toggle/key.

To fix this, open Action Center and turn off airplane mode. Then wait a few seconds and check if your computer can detect the WiFi network. If you don't have the Airplane mode tile, you should check Windows Settings. Here's how you can do it:

1. Click Start , then go to Settings > Network & Internet . If you don't know how to access Settings , it's the little cog icon on the left side of the Start menu.
2. From the left pane, select Airplane mode .
3. Turn off the toggle for Airplane mode .
4. Check Wireless devices and make sure WiFi is enabled.

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Method 11: Check the WiFi Network Adapter properties

If you have tried many ways to connect to WiFi on your Windows device without success, you should review the network adapter properties. When your laptop is running low on battery and Battery Saver mode is turned on, Windows 10 will turn off certain features to save energy.

If you can't detect the WiFi network on your laptop when the battery is low, you need to check the adapter's properties to see if it is allowed to run in Battery Saver mode.

1. Click Start > Device Manager .
2. Expand the Network adapters list .
3. Right click on Wi-Fi network adapter > Properties .
4. Open the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power .
5. Click OK to save the new changes.
6. Restart your computer.

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Wishing you success in troubleshooting!

Samuel Daniel

Update 17 October 2023