Windows 10 is the newest version of the Windows operating system which was first released in 2015. This was made as a free upgrade to people who were running Windows 7 or Windows 8 on their computers. Although this is a solid performing operating system there are instances when certain issues can occur which we will be addressing today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the windows 10 no WiFi networks found issue.
How To Fix Windows 10 No Wifi Networks Found Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer and wireless router first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Almost all of the Windows 10 laptops sold today already have a built in WiFi adapter which allows the device to easily connect to any WiFi network. One of the issues that you might face is that the laptop will not be able to detect any WiFi network. There are several factors that can cause this problem ranging from a corrupted driver to an issue with the router. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.
Update your WiFi drivers
In case the issue occurred right after you installed an update then there’s a possibility that your current drivers are not compatible with the new update. You will need to update your WiFi drivers then check if the issue still occurs.
- Press Windows Key + R to open run
- Type devmgmt.msc in the run textbox and hit enter to open the device manager window.
- Go to “Network adapters” and expand that section. You will find the WLAN card drivers here. If you do not see your Wi-Fi network card here, it is probably not installed so you will find it in the ‘Others’ section with a yellow triangle beside it.
- Right click on the device and select “Update Driver Software”
- Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software” to allow an automatic search. Connect to the internet via Ethernet for better results.
- Let the computer search for the drivers and install them.
Check if the Windows 10 no WiFi networks found issue still occurs.
Uninstall WiFi adapter
If the problem is caused by a corrupted driver then you should uninstall your WiFi driver.
- Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box, then press Enter to open the device manager
- Go to ‘Network adapters’ and expand that section. You will find the WLAN card drivers here. Right click on your WLAN card device and then click Uninstall.
- Allow the uninstallation. This will clear the corrupt or incompatible drivers.
- Restart your computer.
- Windows 10 will detect hardware changes and install the correct drivers.
If Windows does not install the correct drivers then you will have to do this manually.
- Click on “action” on the device manager window and choose “Scan for hardware changes.”
- This will find the uninstalled driver and install it.
- If scanning for hardware changes does not reinstall your device, you will have to find them manually. From the device manager window, click View and select show hidden devices (unless it already has a tick on the left). If you still don’t see your device, click on Action then select scan for hardware changes.
- Your Wi-Fi adapter device will be listed listed under “Other Devices” with a yellow triangle on it.
- Right click on the device and select “Update Driver Software”
- Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software” to allow an automatic search
- Let the computer search for the drivers and install them.
- Restart your computer.
You can also run the hardware troubleshooter to install the driver.
- Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type control in the Run dialog box, then press Enter.
- In the Search box in Control Panel, type troubleshooter, and then click Troubleshooting.
- Under the Hardware and Sound item, click Configure a device. If you are prompted to enter an administrator password or provide confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Press Next and let the troubleshooter scan for problems. This will install the missing Wi-Fi adapter drivers.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Windows 10 no WiFi networks found issue still occurs.
Disable any failed Wireless network adaptor
- Press Windows Key + R to open run
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter to open the device manager
- Go to the “Network adapters” section and check if there are any unknown devices or network controller with a yellow exclamation. Also check in the ‘Other devices’ section that hosts unidentified/unknown devices.
- Right click and select Properties.
- Select Driver tab and hit Disable.
- Apply changes.
- Back to Device manager and expand Network Adaptors.
- Right click on the Wireless Driver and select Uninstall.
- Apply changes and hit OK.
- Restart the computer.
Check if the Windows 10 no WiFi networks found issue still occurs.
Change the adapter region
You should make sure that your computer WiFi adapter region setting matches that of your WiFi router.
- Press Windows key + R to open Run
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open device manager
- Go to “Network Adapters’ section and expand it
- Right click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties
- Go to the Advanced tab and find the “Country and Region” property. Set the value according to your region or according to the channels e.g. (1-11 or 1-13). Try a different combination, some wifi routers do not support 5 GHz.
- Not all Wi-Fi adapters have this property. For some, you can find it in the ‘Channels Number’ property or its equivalent.
Check if the Windows 10 no WiFi networks found issue still occurs.