Connecting your Windows 11 device to Wi-Fi is supposed to be straightforward, but sometimes it just isn’t. Maybe the network isn’t showing up, or you keep entering the password and nothing happens. Or worse, you’re connected but no internet. It’s kind of annoying because Windows makes it seem simple, but the actual process can trip you up if some settings are off or drivers are outdated. The good news is, there are a few tricks—and a couple of common pitfalls—to get you back online without pulling your hair out. So, here’s an honest walkthrough of what you might try if things aren’t working as smoothly as they should.
How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Issues in Windows 11
Check if Wi-Fi is actually turned on and the network is available
First, double-check the Wi-Fi icon in Taskbar. Sometimes it’s a gray icon, meaning Wi-Fi is off or muted. Click it, and make sure the toggle is switched to On. If it’s disabled here, that’s probably the root of the problem. Also, ensure you’re within range of your router. If not, moving closer or restarting the router might do the trick.
Pro tip: to confirm Wi-Fi is enabled in Settings, go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Sometimes, the network adapter gets disabled from here, which is a common cause of invisible networks.
Reset network adapter if the network isn’t showing or connection fails
Sometimes, Windows’ network stack gets a tad broken, and the fix is a restart of the network adapter. Open PowerShell as admin and run:
netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdnsAfter that, restart your PC. Notice this clears cached network configs that might be causing issues. On some setups, this helps fix the ’network not showing up’ or ‘connection drops repeatedly’ problems. Honestly, it’s kind of weird, but it often works when other simple fixes don’t.
Make sure your Wi-Fi driver is up to date
If your device’s Wi-Fi driver is out of date, Windows might not find networks properly or connect reliably. To check, head over to Device Manager: right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager, and expand Network adapters. Find your Wi-Fi card, right-click, then choose Update driver. Pick Search automatically for drivers. If Windows finds an update, install it. Sometimes, the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website (like Intel or Realtek) is better, so consider visiting their site if this doesn’t work or if you’re using a very new or very old device.
Note: On some computers, a driver rollback or reinstall can also fix strange connectivity bugs. Keep that in mind if updates don’t help.
Manually add the network if it’s hidden
Oddly enough, some networks hide and don’t broadcast their SSID. To connect, you’ll need to do it manually: go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Hit Add network, then enter the exact network name (SSID), security type, and password. This is a common workaround when the network isn’t showing up in the usual list. On certain setups, this is the only way to connect to obscure or private networks.
Check for Windows updates and run the network troubleshooter
Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary, but it also has built-in tools. Open Settings > Windows Update and ensure your system is fully up to date. Fixing bugs and improving network compatibility are part of regular updates, so it’s worth a shot.
On top of that, run the built-in Network Troubleshooter: right-click the Wi-Fi icon, select Troubleshoot problems, and follow the prompts. This tool often detects issues like incorrect IP configs or driver problems, and it sometimes fixes them automatically.
Restart your router and/or disable and re-enable Wi-Fi adapter
If nothing else works, restart your router—sometimes it’s just the router being a stubborn piece of hardware. Also, disable and re-enable your Wi-Fi adapter from Device Manager. Sometimes, that makes Windows ‘see’ networks again. It’s a simple ritual but surprisingly effective for some folks. On some setups, this two-step process fixes the weirdest issues and gets the Wi-Fi back up and running.
Why these methods matter
All of these fix attempts address common stumbling blocks—driver issues, corrupt network configs, hardware glitches, or incorrect settings. They often apply when the network simply isn’t visible, refusing to connect, or resulting in no internet access after connection. Sometimes, it’s just a temporary blip that gets cleared with a reboot. Other times, an outdated driver or a misconfigured adapter is the culprit.
On one machine, a full reset of network settings did the trick, but on another, updating drivers was the only fix. Everyone’s setup is different, but these steps cover the most frequent and frustrating issues encountered.
Oh, and just a heads up: keep an eye on your network password—enter it exactly as it is, paying attention to case sensitivity. Windows can be a bit unforgiving about typos or extra spaces. Also, check your router’s admin page (usually at http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.0.1) to see if there’s a firmware update or specific settings that could interfere.
Hopefully, this gives some clarity—sometimes it’s just about methodically ruling out common mishaps. Wi-Fi issues can be super frustrating, but with a bit of patience, most problems are fixable.