6 Fixes for Wi-Fi Connection Not Working in Windows 11

If your Wi-Fi connection is not working, you won’t be able to access the internet. Your Windows 11 computer indicates Wi-Fi connection problems using a Wi-Fi icon having an exclamation point. This problem usually deprives you of getting emails, browsing the web, streaming music, and more.

Whether the problems you are experiencing are with slow internet, Wi-Fi signal dropping, or total inability to connect to the Wi-Fi network, our fixes, from simply turning on the network source to other complex repairs, will guide you through easy step-by-step solutions.

Quick Fixes for Wi-Fi Connection not Working

Before attempting the main fixes, try these simple fixes:

• Check if your router is unplugged or if it is powered off. You may try starting your router by simply plugging it back in.
• Confirm that your computer Wi-Fi is on. If Wi-Fi is on, turn it off and then on again to reconnect.
• Verify that your Airplane mode is off. If Airplane mode is off, turn it on and then off again to reconnect.
• Power cycle your modem/router (turn it off, wait for about 1 minute, and then on again to reconnect). Modems may have a backup battery. Remove it, put it back on after about 1 minute, and turn it on again.
• Check whether your computer is trying to connect to a different network. If it is, manually connect it to your home network and forget the other one.
• Did you change your Wi-Fi password recently? Ensure you entered the correct Wi-Fi password on your computer accordingly.
• Browse other websites to check if they are working. Sometimes, some websites or servers have their issues.
• Move your computer closer to your router. Devices connect better when close to the network source because the signals are stronger.
• Most consumers’ Wi-Fi routers have two network frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. You can attempt to connect to a network on a different frequency band.
• Confirm the physical Wi‑Fi switch on your computer is turned on (it usually shows an indicator light when it’s on).

1. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter

Performing Internet Connections troubleshooting can automatically detect and resolve common Internet connection issues. The troubleshooter scans the internet connections for settings problems and connectivity and tries to fix them. Here is how to do it.

1. Press the Windows and I keys together to open the Settings menu.
   
2. Then open the System option.
   
3. Scroll down to Troubleshoot and click, then click on Other trouble-shooters.
   
4. Then, click the Run button next to Internet Connections.
   
5. When the troubleshooter window opens, choose Troubleshoot my connection to the internet and follow the other onscreen instructions.
   

2. Reset Network settings

Resetting network settings helps to revert all network-related settings to their initial state. This solution clears any misconfigurations or corrupted settings that may be causing connection issues. Here is how to complete it.

1. Press the Windows, and I keys to open the Settings menu.
   
2. Then, select the Network & internet tab on the left pane.
   
3. After that, click on the Advanced network settings option.
4. Under More settings, click on the Network reset option.
   
5. Then, click the Reset now button next to Network reset and select the Yes response in the confirmation window when it comes up.
   
6. Finally, restart your PC.

3. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter

Running the Network Adapter troubleshooter is reliable as it can automatically detect and resolve common network adapter issues. The troubleshooter scans the network adapter for settings problems and connectivity and tries to fix them. Here is how to do it.

1. Press the Windows and I keys together to open the Settings menu.
   
2. Then open the System option.
   
3. Now scroll down to find the Troubleshoot option and click to enter, then click on Other trouble-shooters.
   
4. When done, click the Run button next to Network Adapter.
   
5. When the troubleshooter window opens, choose All network adapters 
6. Finally, click Next.

4. Reset the TCP/IP Stack

This solution can fix the problem of your corrupt PC’s TCP/IP stack. You will with a few commands from an elevated Windows PowerShell console with admin privileges. Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell, but ensure to run them as an administrator.

1. Press Windows + X simultaneously and choose Terminal (Admin).
   
2. Enter the following commands below, hitting Enter after each, and wait for the process to complete:
   netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ip reset
   
3. Lastly, close PowerShell and restart PC.

5. Renew Your PC’s IP Lease

This solution will force your computer to renew its IP lease by running some commands via Windows PowerShell. These commands will also work in Command Prompt or Windows PowerShell if you choose to use any of those.

1. Press Windows + X at the same time and choose Terminal.
   
2. Enter the following commands below, hitting Enter after each and wait for the process to complete:
   ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns (optional)
   ipconfig /renew
   
3. Lastly, close PowerShell.

6. Reinstall the Wireless Network Adapter

This solution will help if a corrupted driver is the cause of the problem. When you uninstall and reinstall the wireless network adapter on your PC, it helps to eliminate the corrupted driver causing the issue. Here is how to do so.

1. Press Windows + X to open the Quick Link menu, then choose Device Manager.
   
2. Then, expand Network adapters.
   
3. Right-click your wireless network adapter and click Disable device, then select Yes. 
   
4. Afterward, right-click the wireless network adapter again and choose Uninstall device.
   
5. Finally, restart your PC, and it should automatically re-install the wireless network adapter.

By implementing these six fixes for Wi-Fi connection not working on Windows 11, users can effectively troubleshoot and resolve common connectivity problems. Whether updating drivers, resetting network settings, etc., these steps can help users regain a stable and reliable Wi-Fi connection on their computer.