Some Windows 10 users may face a missing wireless adapter issue. This article presents simple and effective methods to fix it.
1. Check Driver Updates
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the wireless adapter to malfunction. Updating the wireless adapter driver is an effective way to fix this issue. It's recommended to use Driver Sentry for automatic driver detection, saving time and avoiding the risk of downloading or installing the wrong drivers.
Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Sentry, install it, and open the software. Click "Scan" to check for outdated or missing drivers.
Find the wireless adapter driver in the list and click the "Upgrade" button.
After the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the new driver is properly installed.
2. Restart Your Computer
Click the Start button in the lower-left corner and select "Restart".
After the computer restarts, check if the wireless adapter has been restored.
Sometimes, the system might not temporarily recognize the wireless adapter, and restarting the computer can resolve the issue.
3. Show Hidden Devices
Press the Win + X keys and select "Device Manager".
In Device Manager, click the "View" option in the top menu and select "Show hidden devices".
Expand the "Network Adapters" category to see if the missing wireless adapter appears.
If the adapter is listed but hidden, right-click it and select "Enable".
If the adapter is disabled, enable it and restart your computer to check if the wireless adapter is restored.
4. Reset Network Settings
Click the Start menu in the lower-left corner and select "Settings".
In the "Settings" window, select "Network & Internet".
On the "Status" page, scroll down and click "Network Reset".
Click "Reset now" and confirm the action.
The computer will automatically restart and reconfigure network settings.
After the restart, check if the wireless adapter is restored.
5. Run Network Troubleshooter
Press the Windows key + I to open Settings and select "Update & Security".
In the "Update & Security" page, select "Troubleshoot".
Click "Additional troubleshooters" and find the "Network Adapter" option, then select "Run the troubleshooter".
Follow the on-screen instructions, and the system will automatically detect and fix the network adapter issue.
6. Check for Hardware Issues
For desktop computers, check if the wireless adapter is properly inserted into the motherboard slot.
For laptops, ensure that the wireless adapter is not defective. You can try restarting the computer and entering the BIOS settings to check if the wireless adapter is enabled.
If you're using a USB wireless adapter, ensure it is properly connected to the USB port. Try changing the USB port or using a different adapter to troubleshoot the issue.
If the device still cannot detect the wireless adapter, it's recommended to contact professional technical support to check for any hardware failures.
Follow these steps to quickly fix the missing wireless adapter issue and restore network connectivity. If the problem persists, contact technical support.
See also:
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