WiFi Adapter Issues: Step-by-Step Fix

WiFi adapters—whether built into your laptop or a USB dongle—can stop working for many reasons: a glitchy driver, a power management setting, or a simple software conflict. The steps below cover the most common fixes, starting with the quickest and least invasive. You’ll need administrator access to your computer (to install drivers and change system settings) and, ideally, a wired internet connection or a smartphone you can use to download drivers if your WiFi is completely down.

What You’ll Need

Administrator login to your computer
A second internet source (phone hotspot or Ethernet cable) if WiFi is fully down
Optional: a USB WiFi adapter for testing

Step-by-Step

Restart your computer and router. This clears temporary glitches. Turn off your PC, unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds, plug them back in, wait for the lights to stabilize, then boot your PC. This fixes a surprising number of adapter issues.
Run the built-in network troubleshooter. On Windows: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter > Run. On macOS: System Settings > Network > your WiFi > Troubleshoot (if available). The tool will detect and often automatically fix common problems like disabled adapters or IP conflicts.
Check if the adapter is disabled. In Windows, open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager), expand “Network adapters,” find your WiFi adapter (look for “Wireless” or “WiFi” in the name). If it has a down arrow, right-click and select “Enable device.” On macOS, go to System Settings > Network; if WiFi is off, click “Turn WiFi On.”
Reinstall the driver. In Device Manager, right-click your WiFi adapter and choose “Uninstall device.” Check the box “Delete the driver software for this device” if offered, then click Uninstall. Restart your PC—Windows will automatically reinstall a generic driver. This often fixes corrupted or incompatible drivers.
Update the driver manually. If the generic driver doesn’t work, download the latest driver from your adapter manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Broadcom) or your laptop maker’s support page. Use another device to download the file, transfer it via USB, then run the installer. Avoid using third-party driver updater tools—they often install wrong or bundled software.
Disable power saving for the adapter. In Device Manager, right-click your WiFi adapter > Properties > Power Management tab. Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This prevents Windows from putting the adapter to sleep, which can cause it to stop responding.
Reset network settings. On Windows 10/11: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > Reset now. This reinstalls network adapters and resets TCP/IP stack—you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and re-enter passwords. On macOS: System Settings > Network > WiFi > Details > Forget This Network, then reconnect.
Check for hardware issues. If you have a USB adapter, try a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port on the back). For internal adapters, try booting into a live Linux USB—if WiFi works there, it’s a Windows/macOS driver problem; if not, the adapter may be failing and needs replacement.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the restart. Many users jump straight to driver updates without rebooting the PC and router. A simple restart fixes 50% of issues instantly.
Downloading drivers from third-party sites. These often contain outdated or malicious files. Always use the manufacturer’s official site or Windows Update.
Disabling the adapter accidentally. Some laptops have a physical WiFi switch or function key (e.g., F2) that turns the adapter off. Check for a light or icon on your keyboard.
Ignoring Windows updates. Pending OS updates can break or fix network drivers. Install all pending updates before troubleshooting deep issues.

Tips

Use the “Network Reset” feature sparingly. It’s a powerful tool, but it wipes all saved WiFi passwords and VPN settings. Use it only after other steps fail.
Keep your driver version noted. Write down the current driver version (Device Manager > adapter > Driver tab) before updating, so you can revert if needed.
Test with a live USB. Booting from a Linux USB (like Ubuntu) is a free way to check if your adapter hardware is working—if it connects there, the problem is your OS.
Check the antenna. If you have a desktop PC with an external antenna, make sure it’s screwed on tight and positioned upright. Loose antennas cause weak signals.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t work, try these additional checks:

Check Device Manager for errors. A yellow exclamation mark next to the adapter indicates a driver problem. Right-click > Properties > Device status will show an error code (like 10 or 56). Search that code online for specific fixes.
Try a system restore. If the adapter worked recently, use Windows System Restore (search “Create a restore point” in Start) to roll back to a date when it was working.
Check for interference. Move the computer closer to the router, or try changing the WiFi channel in your router’s settings (via its web interface). Microwave ovens, cordless phones, and thick walls can cause intermittent drops.
Use a different WiFi network. If your adapter connects to a mobile hotspot but not your home network, the problem is your router’s configuration (e.g., channel width or security type).
Consider a USB adapter. If your internal adapter is dead and out of warranty, a $20 USB WiFi adapter is a quick fix. (No specific brand endorsement; any reputable brand works.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WiFi adapter keep disconnecting?

This is often caused by power management turning off the adapter to save energy. Disable that setting (Step 6) and update your driver. Also check for interference from other devices.

Can a WiFi adapter be repaired, or should I replace it?

Internal adapters are usually soldered to the motherboard and not repairable. USB adapters are cheap to replace. If driver reinstalls don’t fix it, replacement is the practical option.

Why is my WiFi adapter not showing up in Device Manager?

This could mean the adapter is disabled in BIOS (check your BIOS settings under “Integrated Peripherals”) or the hardware is dead. Try a USB adapter to confirm the slot works.

Will resetting my network settings delete my files?

No, it only resets network-related settings like IP addresses and saved WiFi passwords. Your personal files remain untouched.

How do I know if my WiFi adapter is faulty vs. a driver issue?

If the adapter doesn’t appear in Device Manager at all, or appears with an error code, it’s likely hardware. If it appears but doesn’t connect, it’s more likely driver or configuration.

Can I use my phone as a temporary WiFi adapter?

Yes, you can use USB tethering to share your phone’s internet connection to your PC via USB cable. This gives you internet while you fix the adapter.

Sources: Microsoft Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.