How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Connecting on Windows

A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for work, study, and entertainment. But if you’re a Windows user, you’ve probably faced the frustrating issue of your Wi-Fi not connecting at some point. Whether it’s a sudden drop in connection, an error message, or your PC refusing to detect any networks, this problem can disrupt your productivity.

The good news is that most Wi-Fi connectivity issues on Windows can be fixed quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to fix Wi-Fi not connecting on Windows, whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Common Reasons Why Wi-Fi Won’t Connect

Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand the most common causes of Wi-Fi problems on Windows:

☑ Incorrect Wi-Fi password

☑ Airplane mode accidentally turned on

☑ Outdated or corrupted network drivers

☑ Router or modem issues

☑ Incorrect network settings or DNS problems

☑ Temporary glitches in Windows system files

Knowing the root cause makes it easier to find the right solution.

Step 1: Restart Your PC and Router

The first and simplest fix is to restart both your computer and your router. Many temporary glitches can be cleared this way.

1. Turn off your Windows PC.
2. Unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds.
3. Plug them back in and wait until the lights stabilize.
4. Restart your computer and try reconnecting.

Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Settings

Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as Wi-Fi being disabled.

☑ Make sure Airplane Mode is off.

☑ Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled in the taskbar’s network settings.

☑ Select the correct Wi-Fi network and enter the password carefully.

Step 3: Forget and Reconnect to the Network

If your PC remembers an incorrect password or corrupted settings, forgetting and reconnecting often helps.

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click Manage Known Networks.
3. Select your Wi-Fi network and click Forget.
4. Reconnect by entering your Wi-Fi password again.

Step 4: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and fix common network issues.

1. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Troubleshoot problems.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply fixes automatically.

Step 5: Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers are a common cause of Wi-Fi connectivity problems.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If Windows doesn’t find updates, visit your laptop or Wi-Fi adapter manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.

Step 6: Reset TCP/IP and DNS Settings

If your network settings are corrupted, resetting them can help.

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. In Command Prompt, enter the following commands one by one:

Step 7: Check for Windows Updates

Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix bugs, including networking issues.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.

Step 8: Reset Network Settings

If nothing else works, reset your network completely.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Restart your computer when prompted.

This will reinstall all network adapters and reset settings to default.

When your Wi-Fi is not connecting on Windows, it can be stressful—but in most cases, the problem is easy to solve. Start with simple steps like restarting your PC and router, then move on to updating drivers and resetting network settings if needed.

By following these methods, you should be able to restore your Wi-Fi connection and get back online in no time.

If you continue experiencing issues, it may be a hardware problem with your router or Wi-Fi card, and contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a technician might be necessary.