Buzz
In this article, we'll explore solutions to resolve a computer's inability to detect WiFi networks.
1. Restart the Wi-Fi adapter
The network adapter's cache sometimes causes common errors. It needs to be cleared and reset to function properly.
Step 1: Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right corner, select Open Network & Internet settings.
Step 2: In Advanced network settings, choose Change adapter options.
Step 3: The Network Connections window appears, right-click on the Wi-Fi settings and select Disabled.
Step 4: Wait for about 5 seconds, right-click on the Wi-Fi settings again, and now press Enable.
The network adapter has been restarted without the need to reboot the computer. Now, check if the issue has been resolved?
2. Reset the computer's network
Resetting means restoring all settings to their original state.
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, navigate to Network & Internet.
Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Network reset.
Step 3: On the confirmation screen, press Reset now.
After reinstalling the network and restarting the computer, check if the Wi-Fi tab finds the network you need?
3. Update the driver for the network adapter
Damaged or outdated drivers are also direct causes of network connectivity issues. Specifically, we'll need to update the driver for the Wi-Fi adapter.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, then type devmgmt.msc.
Step 2: Open the Network adapters folder, locate the Wi-Fi connection device attached to your computer. This device typically has a name associated with Wireless Network Adapter. Right-click on it and select Update driver.
Step 3: Choose Search automatically for drivers to let the computer automatically search and update to new drivers.
4. Run related services
The ability to display nearby Wi-Fi networks also depends on certain services that the Operating System is running.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type services.msc.
Step 2: Look for Network Location Awareness, right-click on it and select Properties.
Step 3: Select Startup Type as Automatic. Then press Apply and click OK to return.
Step 4: Now, you do the same for the following services:
- Network List Service ➱ Manual
- Network Event Log ➱ Automatic
- Windows Update ➱ Manual
Once completed, check again to see if the issue has been resolved?
5. Remove outdated VPN
If you've used a VPN before and it's become outdated, this could be why Wi-Fi can't display available networks.
Firstly, you need to check if there are any outdated VPN configurations?
Step 1: Open Command Prompt by typing cmd in Run.
Step 2: Enter the command netcfg –s n and press Enter.
This command will list all network adapters, network protocols, and services currently running on your computer.
Step 3: Check if the list includes the item dni_dne. If so, it means you have an outdated VPN on your computer and it needs to be removed.
Step 4: Now run the following command to remove its presence from the System Registry.
reg delete HKCR\CLSID{988248f3-a1ad-49bf-9170-676cbbc36ba3} /va /f
Step 5: Enter the command netcfg –v –u dni_dne.
Step 6: Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the simplest things can be the reason behind system issues. Have any of the methods above helped you fix the computer's WiFi connectivity problem?
