Fix WiFi Connection Issues in Windows 11

What You’ll Need

A Windows 11 PC or laptop with WiFi capability
Access to your router or modem (to restart it if needed)
Your WiFi network name and password (for reconnecting)
Administrator access to your PC (for some steps)

Step-by-Step

Restart your PC and router. Turn off your computer, unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds, plug them back in, wait for them to fully start (lights stabilize), then turn on your PC. This clears temporary glitches on both ends.
Check WiFi is turned on. Click the network icon in the taskbar (bottom-right). Make sure the WiFi button is blue (not gray). If it’s off, click it to enable. Also check if Airplane mode is off—it disables all wireless.
Forget and reconnect to your network. Go to Settings > Network & internet > WiFi. Click “Manage known networks,” select your network, and click “Forget.” Then click the network icon again, select your network, enter the password, and connect.
Run the built-in network troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find “Network Adapter” or “Internet Connections,” click “Run.” Follow the prompts—Windows will detect and attempt to fix common issues.
Update your WiFi driver. Press Windows key + X, select “Device Manager.” Expand “Network adapters,” right-click your WiFi adapter (often has “Wireless” or “WiFi” in the name), and choose “Update driver.” Select “Search automatically for drivers.” Restart your PC after.
Run network commands (flush DNS, renew IP). Right-click the Start button, choose “Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).” Type these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset. Then restart your PC.
Disable power saving for the WiFi adapter. In Device Manager, right-click your WiFi adapter, select “Properties,” go to the “Power Management” tab, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Click OK.
Reset the network stack. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click “Reset now” and confirm. Windows will remove and reinstall all network adapters and set everything to default. Your PC will restart—you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi afterward.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the router restart: Many issues are on the router side; a quick restart resolves them.
Using the wrong password: Double-check for typos, especially if the password has uppercase/lowercase letters or symbols.
Not running the troubleshooter as admin: Some fixes need admin rights; run it from the Troubleshoot settings as described.
Forgetting to restart after updates: Driver and Windows updates often require a restart to take effect.
Assuming it’s your PC when it’s the internet provider: If other devices also can’t connect, the problem is likely your router or ISP.

Tips

Check signal strength: Move closer to your router to rule out weak signal. Walls and appliances can interfere.
Use the 5GHz band if available: It’s faster and less congested, but has shorter range. Switch in your router settings if needed.
Keep Windows updated: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates—they often include WiFi fixes.
Set a static IP (advanced): If you have recurring IP conflicts, assign a static IP in your router’s DHCP settings.
Use the network icon’s “Diagnose” option: Right-click the WiFi icon in the taskbar and select “Diagnose” for a quick check.

Troubleshooting

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

Check if other devices connect: If they don’t, the issue is with your router or internet service. Contact your ISP.
Try a different WiFi network: Connect to a mobile hotspot to see if your PC’s WiFi works at all. If it does, the problem is specific to your network.
Disable VPN or proxy: Temporarily turn off any VPN or proxy software—they can interfere with connections.
Check for interference: Move your router away from microwaves, cordless phones, and metal objects.
Use the Windows Network Reset as a last resort: It’s the most thorough fix, but it will remove all saved networks and VPN settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting in Windows 11?

This is often caused by power saving settings on the WiFi adapter, outdated drivers, or router interference. Try disabling the power saving option (Step 7) and updating your driver.

How do I fix WiFi not showing up in Windows 11?

First, ensure WiFi is enabled (Step 2). If it’s still missing, update the WiFi driver, and if that fails, run the network reset (Step 8).

Will network reset delete my files?

No, it only removes network adapters, settings, and saved WiFi passwords. Your personal files and apps are untouched.

Why is my WiFi slow but connected in Windows 11?

Slow speeds can be due to distance, interference, or bandwidth-hogging apps. Try moving closer, restarting your router, and checking for background downloads.

How do I update my WiFi driver in Windows 11?

Use Device Manager (Step 5) to search for updates automatically. You can also visit your PC manufacturer’s website for the latest driver.

What does “WiFi adapter is disabled” mean?

It means the adapter is turned off in Device Manager. Right-click it and select “Enable device.” If it’s not there, check if the physical switch or function key (like Fn+F2) is off.

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