How to Fix a WiFi Adapter on Windows

This guide covers the most common fixes for a WiFi adapter that stops working on Windows 10 or 11. You’ll need administrator access to your PC (to install drivers) and, ideally, a way to connect to the internet (Ethernet cable or another device) to download drivers if the WiFi itself is down.

What You’ll Need

A Windows PC with a WiFi adapter (built-in or USB)
Administrator account access
Optional: Ethernet cable or another device with internet to download drivers

Step-by-Step

Restart your PC and router – Turn off your computer, unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds, plug them back in, and wait for them to fully start. Then turn on your PC. This clears temporary glitches.
Run the Windows network troubleshooter – Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10). Select Internet Connections or Network Adapter and run it. Follow the prompts.
Check if the adapter is disabled – Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select it). Expand Network adapters. If your WiFi adapter has a downward arrow, right-click it and select Enable device.
Update the driver – In Device Manager, right-click your WiFi adapter and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds a new driver, install it and restart.
Reinstall the driver – If updating doesn’t work, right-click the adapter in Device Manager and select Uninstall device. Check the box that says Delete the driver software for this device if it appears. Then restart your PC – Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Run the network reset – In Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset (Windows 11) or Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset (Windows 10). Click Reset now and confirm. Your PC will restart.
Check for Windows updates – Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any pending updates, especially driver updates, and restart.
Use the adapter’s own software – If your WiFi adapter came with a utility (e.g., Intel PROSet, Realtek, or a USB adapter’s app), open it and check if it has a “Reset” or “Diagnose” option. Run it if available.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the restart – Many issues are temporary and a simple restart fixes them. Don’t jump to driver reinstallation without trying it.
Downloading drivers from random websites – Always use Windows Update, the manufacturer’s official site, or the disc that came with the adapter. Third-party driver download sites often bundle malware.
Not checking the physical switch – Some laptops have a physical WiFi switch or a function key (like F12) that turns the adapter off. Make sure it’s on.
Forgetting to check airplane mode – If airplane mode is on, WiFi is disabled. Turn it off in the action center (click the network icon in the taskbar).

Tips

Use the latest driver from the manufacturer – If Windows can’t find a driver, go to your laptop or adapter manufacturer’s support page, search for your model, and download the WiFi driver for your exact Windows version.
Try a different USB port – If you’re using a USB WiFi adapter, plug it into another port, preferably a USB 2.0 port (black) instead of a USB 3.0 (blue) if you’re having issues.
Disable power saving – In Device Manager, right-click your adapter, go to Power Management, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This can prevent disconnects.
Check for interference – Move your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and thick walls. Sometimes the adapter works but the signal is weak.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t work:

Check Device Manager for errors – If the adapter has a yellow exclamation mark, right-click it and select Properties. The error code (e.g., Code 10, Code 56) can help you search for a specific fix.
Try a system restore – If the problem started recently, restore your PC to a point before it began. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu, then click System Restore.
Test with a live USB – Boot from a Linux live USB (like Ubuntu) to see if the adapter works there. If it does, the issue is Windows-specific. If not, the adapter may be faulty.
Check the adapter physically – For USB adapters, try a different computer. For internal adapters, reseat the card if you’re comfortable opening your PC (laptop users should see a professional).
Contact your ISP or manufacturer – If the adapter is under warranty, contact the manufacturer for a replacement. If the issue is with your network, your ISP may need to reset your connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WiFi adapter keep disconnecting?

This is often due to power saving settings, outdated drivers, or interference. Disable the power saving option in Device Manager (as described in Tips), update the driver, and try changing the wireless channel on your router.

How do I know if my WiFi adapter is broken?

If the adapter doesn’t appear in Device Manager at all (even with hidden devices shown), or if it shows an error code like “Device cannot start” (Code 10) and driver reinstalls don’t help, it may be dead. Testing it on another PC is the best way to confirm.

Will resetting my PC fix the WiFi adapter?

It can, if the issue is caused by corrupted system files or driver conflicts. But it’s a last resort – try all other steps first, and back up your files before doing a reset.

Can a WiFi adapter be repaired?

Internal adapters are usually not repairable – they’re soldered to the motherboard. USB adapters are cheap to replace. If it’s under warranty, contact the manufacturer.

Why does my WiFi adapter show as “Not connected” but other devices work?

This means the adapter is enabled but not connecting to your network. Check that you’re entering the correct password, and try forgetting the network (in Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi) and reconnecting.

How do I update my WiFi driver without internet?

Use another device to download the driver, transfer it via USB, then install it from the file. Or use Windows Update – it can sometimes download drivers even when WiFi is down, if you have an Ethernet connection.

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