Before you try to figure out why your laptop won’t connect to Wi-Fi, you should restart your router, restart your computer, and try to connect to another network.

Sometimes there’s a problem with the network you always connect to, and if no others are in range, it may seem like a problem with your laptop.

Airplane-Mode

Restarting yourrouter and modemcan refresh the connection and reappear. You can also check with your ISP to ensure they aren’t experiencing network issues.

We’ve compiled a list of possible solutions for your laptop network problem. One of these is bound to resolve your issue.

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How do I Fix My Laptop Not Connecting to Wi-Fi?

You need to verify your laptop is updated, you don’t have any file errors, and your settings are correct. While there’s always the chance the Wi-Fi adapter is broken, and in need of repair, it’s better to check everything you may before taking it to a professional technician.

Check if Your Wi-Fi is On

Many laptops have a hotkey that disables and enables Wi-Fi. It’s usually on the top row of function keys, though it will vary depending on the model. Make sure that your Wi-Fi isn’t turned off on the laptop before you begin.

It’s easy to accidentally disable Wi-Fi when all it takes is one accidental button press.

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Move Closer to the Access Point:

This is a no-brainer. First, make sure thephysical Wi-Fi switch in your laptop is on(It is usually accompanied by an indicator light). If it is, the next thing you should try is moving closer to the router to see if that helps connect your laptop to the Wi-Fi.

Check to See if the Airplane Mode is Turned Off:

Restart Your Modem and Router

This is asolution that works 90% of the timeand also what the technical support team at your ISP will tell you to first try when you call them to report the issue.

Why does this work? Well, the same reason your computer starts functioning again when rebooted.

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Your modem and router are tiny computers in themselves. Restarting meansrunning a fresh boot and discarding much of what was previously causing the problem. To properly restart these devices, follow these steps:

Run the Troubleshooter

Another way to make sure the settings on Windows are correct is to run the troubleshooter. It automatically looks for issues with the connections to see whether they can be fixed.

The prompts and steps will vary depending on the specific issues Windows finds.

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Disable and Then Enable Wireless Connection

Check Your Connection to the Router

Check to see whether your Wi-Fi connection can speak to the router by running a ping test. It lets you know that the two devices are communicating.

Look at the results. If there’s a reply and no data loss, you have a connection with the router. You should focus on solutions that address the modem and Internet connection problems.

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If there’s no reply, then your laptop isn’t connecting to the router at all, and you should prioritize working on the computer and finding what’s preventing it.

Disable the 802.1 1n Mode of Your Network Adapter

Try Disabling Your Firewall

Your firewall is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer, but sometimes it can conflict with your Wi-Fi network. Try disabling the Windows firewall to see whether the Wi-Fi works with it turned off. If you have more than one firewall installed, open the management software for the other firewall and turn it off there.

Even if the Wi-Fi starts working with the firewall off, you don’t want to leave the firewall disabled forever. It makes your computer far less secure. Better to search to see whether you perhaps have a second firewall up that’s conflicting with Windows Defender Firewall. Someantivirus programsdeploy one, for example.

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You can also go through the list of apps that Windows Defender Firewall manages. Make sure everything you’re using to connect to the Internet is allowed through the firewall.

Disable Your Antivirus Software:

Just like with a firewall, check to see if the source behind your network problem is the antivirus software installed on your computer. Follow these steps:

Reset the TP/IP Stack

Sometimes you need to refresh your settings to make Wi-Fi work again. Entering these commands will give you a new connection and help flush out any old or damaged files preventing your Internet from working.

If you still can’t connect to the Internet, consider having your laptop examined by a technician. There may be an issue with the hardware.

SSID-Enabling

Disable the Driver

Sometimes the driver experiences an error itself, even if it’s updated to the latest version. When that happens, disabling it and enabling it is like turning something off and on again to fix it. The process can correct errors that weren’t being reported and make your Wi-Fi work again.

Once you’re done, attempt to connect to an available Wi-Fi network again.

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Update Everything

Keeping your computer’s operating system and drivers updated is one of the best ways to ensure stability. Taking proper care of your computer can make it last longer. If you’ve been putting off installing updates and checking to see whether new drivers have been released, there’s never a better time than now.

Plug your computer into an Ethernet connection if you can or set up an external Wi-Fi card to connect to a network. If you can’t do either of these, you’ll have to check the manufacturer’s website for updates on network drivers.

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Update Windows Online

Update Windows Offline

The latest version of Windows should be on your PC after this process is complete.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your computer should be updated.

Get the Wireless Network Report:

When all else fails, you should consider generating a wireless network report. This report will contain a summary of every single element of your wireless network, data that you may provide to experts who may be able to help you solve your problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Won’t My Laptop Connect to Wi-Fi but My Phone Will?

Usually, this means there’s a problem with your laptop’s Wi-Fi settings. If the Wi-Fi router is online and active, then the laptop should connect to it. Most of the time, you’re able to fix this simply by troubleshooting and not by replacing the hardware.

HP Laptop Wi-Fi Not Working?

It depends on the model of your HP laptop. Some have a series of lit buttons that you can press to turn the Wi-Fi on and off. If it’s orange, it’s off. Others use a function key for the same purpose.

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