Why Have My WiFi Settings Disappeared in Windows 11?
Why Have My WiFi Settings Disappeared in Windows 11?
3 Answers

So, your Wi-Fi settings have up and vanished in Windows 11, huh? Let’s dive into some straightforward fixes that can help you get your connection back on track.
- Take a Peek at Your Network Adapter:
- Hit Windows + X and pop open Device Manager.
- Scroll down to Network adapters.
- Is your Wi-Fi adapter looking a bit gray? Right-click it and select Enable. If it’s already on, give Disable a go, then bring it back with Enable.
- Give Network Services a Kickstart:
- Press Windows + R, type in services.msc, and smack Enter.
- Hunt down WLAN AutoConfig, right-click it, and choose Restart.
- Update That Driver:
- Back to Device Manager, under Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi gear and go for Update driver.
- Click on Search automatically for updated driver software and let it do its thing.
- Troubleshooting Magic:
- Head over to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Spot Network Adapter and hit Run to see if Windows can work its troubleshooting wonders.
- Reset the Network (Throw the Dice):
- Slide over to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Tap on Network reset and hit Reset now. Yep, restart your computer after that.
Feeling stuck after all this? Hop on over to the Microsoft Support site—they might have just what you need to get everything humming again.

re_answer
Missing WiFi Settings in Windows 11? Here\’s What to Do
Ever had that frustrating moment when your WiFi settings suddenly vanish from Windows 11? Trust me, you\’re not alone. This issue often pops up after an upgrade or some configuration tweaks, and it can be a real headache. But don\’t worry, I\’ve got you covered with these solutions to get you back online pronto.
1. Driver Drama
First and foremost, the usual suspect here is outdated or problematic drivers. The WiFi adapter is picky and if the driver doesn’t suit its taste, it just might disappear on you. It\’s like trying to fit into a pair of jeans two sizes too small – just ain\’t gonna happen.
Fix it up:
- Reinstall those Drivers
- Hit
Win + X
, then selectDevice Manager
. - Find
Network Adapters
, right-click yours, chooseUninstall device
, and make sure to checkDelete the driver software
. Then, reboot and let Windows handle the rest.
If you\’re feeling a bit more hands-on, snag the drivers straight from your laptop maker\’s site (Dell, HP, Lenovo, you name it) using your device\’s serial number.
- Hit
- Roll ‘Em Back or Update
Head to Device Manager, right-click the adapter, and try
Update driver
. Let it search automatically. If that\’s a no-go, look for theRoll Back Driver
option under Properties.
2. Services and Settings Gone Wild
Sometimes critical services like WLAN AutoConfig can decide to take a day off, and that messes things up. Or maybe your network settings have gone haywire.
Let’s fix it:
- Give WLAN Services a Jumpstart
Launch the
Run
command withWin + R
, typeservices.msc
, and findWLAN AutoConfig
. Right-click and start it if it\’s snoozing. Set it toAutomatic (Delayed Start)
for good measure. - Reset the Network Stack
Open Command Prompt as an admin and type each command like a boss:
netsh winsock reset \nnetsh int ip reset \nipconfig /release \nipconfig /renew
Finish with a restart.
3. System Shenanigans
Occasionally, a dodgy Windows update or a new app can muck up your system settings.
How to tackle it:
- Network Reset
Go to
Settings
, tap onNetwork & Internet
, head toAdvanced network settings
, and hitNetwork reset
. It’s like a fresh start but for your network. - Registry — Handle with Care
Back up your registry and check out
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\WlanSvc
. Make sure it\’s all set toStart
at 2 (Automatic).
4. Hardware or BIOS Grrrs
Could be your hardware or BIOS settings throwing a fit. Just lovely, right?
Solutions:
- Reset BIOS
- Restart your system and get into BIOS (usually
F2
orDel
at startup). - Hit
F9
to load defaults, andF10
to save them.
- Restart your system and get into BIOS (usually
- Hardware Check
Test your WiFi with another device to make sure it’s not the router acting out. For laptops, reseat the WiFi card or just go the easy route with a USB adapter.
5. Extreme Measures: Restore or Reinstall
If none of the above has worked its magic, you might need a system restore or a clean install of Windows.
Last Resorts:
- System Restore
Look for
Create a restore point
, thenSystem Restore
, and pick a date before the trouble started. - Clean Install
Back up your precious data, then use Windows Installation Media to reinstall Windows 11. Your files will still be there, promise.
Stay out of Trouble
- Prevent driver issues by disabling automatic driver updates. Use
gpedit.msc
, navigate toWindows Update
, and selectDo not include drivers with Windows Updates
. - Keep your drivers up-to-date from OEMs, and resist the urge to mess with registry changes you\’re not sure about.
Tackle these one at a time, and you should see that WiFi setting magically reappear without needing a tech guru!

Having trouble with your Wi‑Fi settings disappearing in Windows 11? That\’s a real pain, right? It usually means something’s up with your wireless adapter, driver issues, or maybe a sneaky service that decided to take a break. Here’s a quick rundown to help you get back online without losing your marbles:
- Check Physical and Software Switches
First things first, see if there\’s a physical switch on your device or a keyboard shortcut (like Fn + F2) for Wi-Fi. Also, double-check that Airplane mode isn\’t accidentally on in the settings. Those two little gremlins can cause quite a bit of hassle if left unchecked. - Restart and Power Cycle
This might sound basic, but have you tried turning it off and on again? Seriously. But make sure it\’s a full restart, not just a quick nap. - Enable Your Wireless Adapter
Fire up the Run dialog (Win + R), type “ncpa.cpl” and hit Enter. Find your Wi-Fi adapter, right-click, and hit “Enable.” If you\’re in Device Manager, give your adapter a once-over to make sure it\’s not greyed out. - Run the Network Troubleshooter
Navigate to settings and give that network troubleshooter a spin. It might just find (and fix) the issue. - Update or Reinstall Drivers
In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and hit “Update driver.” Sometimes a fresh set of drivers from your manufacturer\’s website works magic too. - Tweak Power Management Settings
Dive into Device Manager, right-click your wireless adapter, and in “Properties,” uncheck that pesky option allowing the computer to turn off your device to save power. It’s often more trouble than it’s worth. - Check WLAN AutoConfig Service
Hit Win + R, type “services.msc,” and press Enter. Make sure “WLAN AutoConfig” is set to run automatically. Give it a little nudge to start if needed. - Perform a Network Reset
As a last-ditch effort, head over to Network & Internet settings and go through a network reset. It’ll kick everything back to defaults, so you might have to set up your VPN or other network doodads again.
Hopefully, one of these steps will bring back your Wi-Fi settings and get you surfing again. If none of these work, it might be time to dig deeper or consider rolling back that Windows update if things went haywire recently. Good luck!