Wireless Network Not Displayed

If you're having trouble finding your Wi-Fi network on your computer, or if it appears but you can't connect, it could be due to an outdated network driver for your Wi-Fi adapter or a corrupted network profile. This article will guide you through common solutions.

Solution 1: Forget the Wireless Network and Reconnect

Sometimes, a corrupted network profile can prevent your computer from seeing or connecting to a familiar Wi-Fi network. "Forgetting" the network removes its saved settings, allowing your computer to treat it as a new connection.

Windows 11

1. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon (? or ?) in the taskbar (usually on the bottom right).

2. Select Network and Internet settings.

3. Click on Wi-Fi.

4. Select Manage known networks.

5. Find the network you want to remove, click the three dots (...) next to it, and choose Forget.
   
   

Windows 10

1. Click the network icon (? or ?) in the system tray (bottom right of your screen).

2. Click Network & Internet settings.

3. In the left-hand menu, select Wi-Fi.

4. Click Manage known networks.

5. Select the Wi-Fi network you wish to remove, then click Forget.
   
   

macOS

1. At the top of your screen, click the Wi-Fi symbol (?) in the menu bar.

2. Select Network Settings... (or Open Network Preferences... on older macOS versions).

3. In the sidebar, select Wi-Fi.

4. Click the Details... button next to your Wi-Fi network name (or Advanced... on older macOS versions).

5. Under "Known Networks" or "Preferred Networks", select the Wi-Fi network you want to remove.

6. Click the minus sign ( - ) below the list to forget the network.

7. Click Remove (or OK then Apply on older macOS versions).

Solution 2: Upgrade Wi-Fi Card Drivers

An outdated Wi-Fi driver is a common cause for connectivity issues. Windows Update doesn't always provide the very latest drivers, so checking the manufacturer's website is often necessary.

You will need an internet connection for this step. If your Wi-Fi isn't working, use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router, or use a mobile hotspot from your smartphone.

For Windows (Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8.x)

1. Identify your Wireless Adapter's Manufacturer:

   • Right-click the Start button (Windows logo) and select Device Manager.

   • In the "Device Manager" window, expand Network adapters.

   • Look for your wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter. Its name will usually include "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," or "802.11" (e.g., "Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX201," "Realtek RTL8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Network Adapter").

   • If you see an "Unknown device" or a device with a yellow exclamation mark (e.g., "(?) Network Controller"), this likely indicates an uninstalled or problematic driver. You can try to identify it by:

     • Right-clicking the unknown device or your Wi-Fi adapter and selecting Properties.

     • Go to the Details tab.

     • From the "Property" dropdown, select Hardware Ids. Copy the top line (e.g., PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_A0F0&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_00). You can search for this string online to help identify the manufacturer and model.
       
       

2. Download and Install the Latest Driver:

   • Once you've identified your wireless adapter's manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Broadcom, Qualcomm Atheros, etc.), visit their official support website.

   • Navigate to their "Drivers" or "Support" section.

   • Search for your specific wireless adapter model or use their driver detection tool (if available).

   • Download the latest Wi-Fi driver compatible with your version of Windows (e.g., Windows 11 64-bit).

   • Once downloaded, run the installer file and follow the on-screen prompts.

   • Reboot your computer after the installation is complete.

Links to some popular Wi-Fi driver manufacturer support pages:

• Intel: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download-center/overview.html (Look for "Wireless")

• Realtek: https://www.realtek.com/en/downloads (Search for "Wireless LAN" or "Network Interface Controllers")

• Broadcom: Drivers are often provided by the laptop manufacturer (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.).

• Qualcomm Atheros: Drivers are often provided by the laptop manufacturer.

For macOS (MacBook, iMac, Mac mini)

macOS typically manages software and driver updates automatically through its built-in Software Update feature.

1. Connect to the Internet: Ensure your Mac is connected to the internet (via Ethernet or a working Wi-Fi network).

2. Check for Updates:

   • Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen.

   • Select System Settings... (on macOS Ventura or later) or System Preferences... (on older macOS versions).

   • Click General > Software Update (on macOS Ventura or later) or Software Update (on older macOS versions).

   • Allow your Mac to check for updates. If updates are available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now and follow the prompts.

Important: Always download drivers directly from the manufacturer's official website or your computer manufacturer's support page. Avoid third-party driver download sites, as they may provide outdated or malicious software.