Some of the Windows 10 users are reporting to have an issue with the WiFi Network not showing up on Windows 10. Now, this error can happen because of many reasons, starting from an old/incompatible WiFi driver to a set of faulty registry. The problem can come from two sources- The WiFi hardware/computer hardware is the causing the problem or the problem is happening because of some software bug. Let’s keep reason aside and focus on the fixes for this problem- Before proceeding for the fixes you can restart your computer and look if the WiFi network is showing up. If the error is still there, then try these fixes-
After you upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, no wireless networks are listed as available. This is true even though the wireless network adapter seems to function correctly. If you restart the computer or you try to reinstall the wireless network adapter driver, this does not fix the problem. Users can find these details in two steps: Click Start, Settings, Network & Internet, and then select the Wi-Fi entry on the left list. Click the Advanced options entry below the last wireless network in the list. The wireless network's Properties will be.
Fix 1- Enable the network driver
If your WiFi network is not visible on your Windows 10, it is happening perhaps because of the WiFi driver on your computer is disabled. Enabling the network driver can fix your problem. Follow these steps to enable the network driver –
1. In order to open the Run window, simply press “Windows key” and ‘R‘ keys together.
2. Now, you need to type “ncpa.cpl” in the Run window and then hit Enter.
This will open Network Connections of Control Panel
2. Right-click on the WiFi driver you are using and click on “Enable“. The WiFi driver will be enabled just in time.
Close Network Connections and reboot your computer. See, if your computer is showing the WiFi network. If you still cannot see the WiFi network, go for the next fix.
Fix 2 – Automate the WLAN AutoConfig service
WLAN AutoConfig is a Windows service that detects and connects to a wireless network. Now, sometime this service is not started automatically, which can cause the error. Follow these steps to automate the WLAN AutoC0nfig service.
1. At first, you need to press ‘Windows key‘ and the ‘R‘ key on your computer.
2. To open the Services window, type “services.msc” and click on “OK“.
2. Scroll down to find the “WLAN AutoConfig” service. Now, double click on it, and the “WLAN AutoConfig Properties” window will be opened.
3. Now click on drop-down menu beside the option”Startup type:” and select “Automatic“.
4. Click on “Apply” and then on “Ok“.
Reboot your computer and try to connect with your WiFi.
If it still is there then go for this next fix.
Fix 3 – Update the WiFi network driver
Your WiFi is not showing up because of the old/incompatible network driver may be installed. Updating your WiFi driver may solve the problem. Follow these steps to update your WiFi-
1. As the first step, all you have to do is press ‘Windows key+X‘ and then click on “Device Manger“.
Device Manager utility will open.
2. In the Device Manager window, locate”Network Adapters” in the list of drivers. Expand the section.
Windows 10 Wifi Settings Not Showing Up Windows 10
3. Now, from the drop-down select the driver which you are using, right-click on it and click on “Update driver“.
4. After doing so, when “How do you want search for the drivers?” prompt appears, simply click on “Search automatically for updated driver software“.
Now, Windows will search for updates for the WiFi device on your computer.
Reboot your computer. Check if you are able to connect with the WiFi network.
Fix-4 Switching OFF and ON your router
Many a time rebooting your router can help you to connect with your network. Your Internet Service Provider assigns a temporary IP address to your router, which changes in a regular interval. If your router doesn’t cope with the changed IP it will not be able to connect with the internet and also it will not be shown on the computer. Switching OFF and ON your router can help this process-
1. Switch OFF your router with the manual switch.
2. Unplug your router from the electric socket.
3. Wait for a minute or two.
4. Plugin your router.
5. Switch the router ON.
Check if your Windows is able to discover the network. If the issue still persists then go for the next fix.
Fix-5 Deleting Registry Entries with Command Prompt
Some corrupt registry entries can be the cause for which you are not finding the WiFi network on your computer. Deleting those registry keys with command prompt can solve your problem-
Windows 10 Wifi Option Not Showing Up
1. Type “cmd” in the Search box.
2. Right-click on the “Command Prompt” and then click on “Run as administrator“.
Command Prompt window will appear in administrative mode.
2. Copy and Paste this following command in Command Prompt and hit Enter.
3. Copy and Paste this in Command Prompt and press Enter. Wait till the process is completed. Close the Command Prompt.
Reboot your computer and see if the WiFi network is visible to you. If you are still facing the same problem, then go for the next fix.
Fix-6 Check if the necessary services are running
WiFi discovery on your computer requires the same essential services to be running behind. If these essential services are not running, you will not be able to discover the WiFi network on your computer. To check that essential services are running follow these steps-
Windows 10 Wifi Not Showing Up In Network Settings
1. As the first step to open the Services utility is to type “Services“.
2. Now, click on “Services” that will arrive in the elevated search result.
2. Look for these two services “Windows Event Log” and “WindowsUpdate” and check if their Status is “Running“.
3. Also, check if the “Remote Procedure Call (RPC)” is Running.
4. If any of these 3 services are stopped/disabled/not running, right-click on it and click on “Start“.
Close Services window and Restart your computer.
Check if you can discover WiFi network on your computer.
Sambit is a Mechanical Engineer By qualification who loves to write about Windows 10 and solutions to weirdest possible problems.