Fix WiFi Not Showing in Settings on Windows 10 | Fix Missing WiFi (2025 Guide)

A missing WiFi option in Windows 10 Settings is one of the most frustrating issues for users who depend on wireless connections. You might open Network & Internet settings expecting to connect, only to find that the WiFi toggle or network list has disappeared completely.

This issue can occur after a Windows update, driver corruption, or hardware malfunction. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to fix it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes and provide 10 working fixes to restore your missing WiFi connection on Windows 10.

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Common Causes of WiFi Missing in Windows 10 Settings

1. WiFi adapter disabled in Device Manager or BIOS.
2. Outdated or corrupted network drivers.
3. Recent Windows updates conflicting with wireless drivers.
4. Airplane Mode or hardware wireless switches turned on.
5. Disabled WLAN AutoConfig service.
6. Corrupted TCP/IP or DNS settings.
7. System file corruption or registry errors.

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Fix 1: Check for Hidden or Disabled WiFi Adapter

1. Press Windows + X → choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Look for your WiFi adapter (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm).
4. If it’s greyed out, right-click → Enable device.
5. Click View → Show hidden devices to ensure it’s visible.

✅ Often, WiFi is simply hidden or disabled in Device Manager.

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Fix 2: Restart WLAN AutoConfig Service

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Find WLAN AutoConfig in the list.
3. Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Automatic.
4. Click Start, then Apply and OK.
5. Restart your computer.

✅ This service manages all wireless connections on your PC.

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Fix 3: Update or Reinstall WiFi Drivers

1. Open Device Manager → Network adapters.
2. Right-click your WiFi driver → Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
4. If that fails, visit your PC manufacturer’s official site and manually download the latest driver.
5. You can also uninstall the driver and restart your PC to reinstall it automatically.

✅ A corrupted driver is one of the top causes of missing WiFi in Windows 10.

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Fix 4: Check Airplane Mode and Hardware Switch

1. Press Windows + A to open Action Center.
2. Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off.
3. Some laptops (like HP or Dell) have a physical wireless key (Fn + F2)—ensure it’s enabled.

✅ Airplane Mode or hardware switches can disable wireless functions completely.

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Fix 5: Reset Network Settings

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Choose Reset now, then restart your PC.

✅ This clears corrupted network configurations and restores default settings.

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Fix 6: Use Command Prompt to Reset TCP/IP Stack

1. Search for cmd, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator.
2. Type and run the following commands one by one: netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
3. Restart your computer.

✅ This fixes deeper network issues that prevent WiFi from appearing.

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Fix 7: Enable WiFi in BIOS Settings

1. Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (F2, F10, or Del).
2. Go to Advanced or Integrated Peripherals.
3. Make sure Wireless Network Adapter or WiFi is Enabled.
4. Save and exit BIOS.

✅ If WiFi is disabled at the hardware level, Windows won’t detect it.

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Fix 8: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
2. Select Internet Connections → Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the prompts and let Windows fix any detected problems.

✅ A quick, automated way to repair basic WiFi detection issues.

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Fix 9: Reinstall Network Adapters

1. Open Device Manager → expand Network adapters.
2. Right-click your WiFi adapter → Uninstall device.
3. Restart your PC — Windows will automatically reinstall it.

✅ Reinstalls the driver with a fresh configuration.

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Fix 10: Perform a System Restore (If WiFi Worked Earlier)

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
2. Choose a restore point before the issue started.
3. Follow on-screen steps to complete the restore.

✅ This rolls your system back to a state when WiFi was working properly.

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Additional Tips

• Keep your Windows and drivers updated regularly.
• Avoid using third-party network optimization apps.
• If you use a USB WiFi adapter, try plugging it into a different port.
• Disable VPNs or proxies temporarily to rule out conflicts.
• For laptops, check the Fn + F key combination to toggle wireless connectivity.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did my WiFi suddenly disappear in Windows 10?

It could be due to a Windows update, disabled adapter, or corrupted driver. Try re-enabling the adapter and updating the driver.

2. How do I know if my WiFi adapter is working?

Open Device Manager and check under Network adapters. If it’s listed without a warning icon, it’s working properly.

3. Can a virus cause the WiFi option to disappear?

Yes, in rare cases. Run a full scan with Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus tool.

4. Will reinstalling Windows fix missing WiFi?

It’s a last resort but can fix severe driver or registry corruption. Try other fixes first.

5. Does Fast Startup affect WiFi detection?

Sometimes. Disable Fast Startup under Power Options if the WiFi disappears after restarting.

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Conclusion

When WiFi doesn’t show up in Settings on Windows 10, it’s usually due to driver issues, disabled adapters, or system misconfigurations. By following the above 10 proven fixes, you can restore wireless connectivity and get back online in minutes.

Start with simpler steps like enabling hidden devices, restarting WLAN AutoConfig, or updating drivers. If nothing works, try resetting network settings or performing a system restore.

With these solutions, your WiFi toggle and network list should reappear, letting you enjoy a stable and fast wireless connection once again.