How to Turn On WiFi in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you struggling to connect your Windows 11 computer to a wireless network? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve just installed Windows 11, are using a new laptop, or your WiFi suddenly disappeared, figuring out how to turn on WiFi in Windows 11 can be confusing at first.

The good news? Turning WiFi on in Windows 11 is quick and easy once you know where to look. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through every method — from using the Quick Settings panel to checking network adapters and troubleshooting issues.

Let’s get your PC connected in no time!

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🧠 What You’ll Learn

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:

• Turn on WiFi from the taskbar and Settings app

• Connect to a wireless network manually

• Fix missing WiFi options in Windows 11

• Reinstall or update your WiFi driver

• Use keyboard shortcuts and airplane mode properly

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💡 Why Is My WiFi Turned Off in Windows 11?

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why WiFi might be off or missing. Common causes include:

• Airplane mode accidentally enabled

• WiFi adapter turned off

• Missing or outdated network drivers

• Hardware switch disabled (on some laptops)

• Windows network settings misconfigured

Once you identify the cause, it’s easy to turn WiFi back on and get connected again.

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🪄 Method 1: Turn On WiFi from the Quick Settings Panel

The Quick Settings panel is the fastest way to enable WiFi in Windows 11.

Steps:

1. Click the Network icon on the right side of your taskbar (next to the clock).

2. In the Quick Settings panel, look for the Wi-Fi icon.

3. If the icon is gray, WiFi is turned off. Click it once to turn it on.

4. Once WiFi is on, click the arrow (˅) next to the icon to see available networks.

5. Choose your WiFi network and click Connect.

6. Enter your WiFi password, if prompted.

💡 Tip: The Wi-Fi icon should turn blue when enabled, indicating it’s active.

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⚙️ Method 2: Enable WiFi via the Settings App

If the Quick Settings option isn’t available, you can enable WiFi through the Windows Settings app.

Step-by-Step:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Click Network & Internet on the left sidebar.

3. Under Wi-Fi, toggle the switch On.

4. To connect, click Show available networks, then select your WiFi and click Connect.

This method is ideal if your WiFi option is temporarily hidden from the taskbar.

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🛫 Method 3: Turn Off Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode disables all wireless communication, including WiFi.

To disable it:

1. Click the Network icon on your taskbar.

2. If the Airplane mode icon is blue, it’s active.

3. Click the Airplane mode icon once to turn it off.

Alternatively, open:

• Settings → Network & Internet → Airplane mode

• Then toggle Airplane mode to Off.

Once turned off, your WiFi option will reappear.

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⌨️ Method 4: Use a Keyboard Shortcut (Fn + Key)

Most laptops come with a WiFi hotkey combination to enable or disable the wireless adapter instantly.

Try this:

1. Hold the Fn (Function) key.

2. Press the WiFi or Network key (often labeled with a signal icon — typically F2, F3, F12, or Fn + PrtSc depending on the laptop brand).

3. Watch for a WiFi icon appearing or disappearing in the taskbar.

✅ Check your laptop manual or manufacturer’s website if you’re unsure which key controls WiFi.

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🧰 Method 5: Enable WiFi Adapter in Network Settings

If WiFi is still off or missing, your network adapter might be disabled.

Steps to enable it:

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.

2. This opens the Network Connections window.

3. Look for your WiFi adapter (usually named “Wi-Fi” or “Wireless Network Connection”).

4. If it’s grayed out or labeled Disabled, right-click it → select Enable.

5. Once enabled, return to the taskbar and reconnect to your network.

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🧩 Method 6: Turn On WiFi via Device Manager

Your WiFi driver might be disabled or missing. You can check this through Device Manager.

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + X → choose Device Manager.

2. Expand the Network adapters section.

3. Locate your wireless adapter (usually Intel, Realtek, or Qualcomm).

4. If you see a downward arrow icon, it means the adapter is disabled.

   • Right-click → Enable device.

5. If it’s missing entirely, go to the Action menu → click Scan for hardware changes.

💡 Still not appearing? You might need to reinstall the WiFi driver — see Method 9 below.

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📡 Method 7: Connect to WiFi Network Manually

If Windows 11 doesn’t automatically show your network, you can manually connect.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.

2. Click Manage known networks → Add network.

3. Enter your WiFi name (SSID), security type, and password.

4. Check Connect automatically if you want your PC to remember it.

5. Click Save, then connect to the added network.

This is useful for hidden WiFi networks that don’t broadcast their SSID.

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🧠 Method 8: Check the Physical WiFi Switch (Laptops Only)

Some laptops have a physical WiFi switch or button that controls the wireless adapter.

• Look around your laptop’s sides or keyboard area for a small switch labeled with a wireless icon.

• If it’s in the Off position, slide or press it to turn WiFi on.

🖐️ It’s a simple fix often overlooked — especially on older HP, Dell, and Lenovo laptops.

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🧩 Method 9: Update or Reinstall Your WiFi Driver

An outdated or corrupted driver can make your WiFi disappear entirely.

Steps to Update:

1. Press Windows + X → select Device Manager.

2. Expand Network adapters.

3. Right-click your WiFi driver → Update driver.

4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

5. Once updated, restart your PC.

To Reinstall the Driver:

1. Right-click your WiFi adapter → select Uninstall device.

2. Restart your computer — Windows will reinstall it automatically.

⚙️ Optional: Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS) to manually download the latest WiFi drivers.

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🔐 Method 10: Check Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool that can detect and fix network problems automatically.

To run it:

1. Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

2. Scroll down to Network Adapter.

3. Click Run and follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows will check for issues with your wireless adapter and attempt to fix them.

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🧾 Method 11: Check WiFi Services in Windows

WiFi may not work if required network services are disabled.

To enable them:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Find these services and make sure they’re running:

   • WLAN AutoConfig

   • Network Connections

   • Network List Service

3. Right-click each → Properties → set Startup type to Automatic.

4. Click Start if the service is stopped, then Apply → OK.

This ensures Windows automatically manages your WiFi connections.

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🧮 Method 12: Use Command Prompt to Enable WiFi

If all else fails, you can enable WiFi using simple Command Prompt commands.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

   • Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   netsh interface set interface "Wi-Fi" admin=enabled


3. To verify, type:

   netsh interface show interface


   You should see Wi-Fi – Enabled in the list.

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🧱 Method 13: Reset Network Settings

If you’ve tried everything and WiFi still won’t turn on, resetting network settings can solve deep configuration issues.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.

2. Scroll down and click Network reset.

3. Click Reset now, then Yes to confirm.

4. Restart your PC after reset.

⚠️ This will remove all saved WiFi networks, VPNs, and adapters — you’ll need to reconnect manually.

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🧰 Method 14: Check BIOS or UEFI Settings

In rare cases, WiFi can be disabled from your computer’s BIOS/UEFI firmware.

To check:

1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup).

2. Go to the Advanced, Integrated Peripherals, or Wireless section.

3. Ensure Wireless LAN or WiFi Adapter is Enabled.

4. Save and exit (typically F10).

Once you reboot, Windows should detect the WiFi adapter again.

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📶 Method 15: Use an External USB WiFi Adapter (Last Resort)

If your built-in WiFi hardware is damaged or missing, use an external USB WiFi adapter.

How to Use:

1. Plug the adapter into a USB port.

2. Wait for Windows to install drivers automatically (or use the manufacturer’s driver disc).

3. Once installed, click the Network icon → connect to your WiFi.

External adapters are affordable and often provide better range and performance.

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🧾 Bonus: Keyboard Shortcuts and Quick Tips

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🏁 Conclusion: Stay Connected Anywhere

Now you know exactly how to turn on WiFi in Windows 11 — whether it’s using the taskbar, Settings, Device Manager, or even Command Prompt.

Here’s a quick recap:

• ✅ Use the Quick Settings panel to enable WiFi instantly.

• ✅ Check Airplane mode and physical switches.

• ✅ Ensure your WiFi adapter and drivers are active.

• ✅ Use network troubleshooting if issues persist.

Once WiFi is on, you’ll be free to browse, stream, and work wirelessly with no interruptions.

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❓ FAQs About Turning On WiFi in Windows 11

1. Why is my WiFi option missing in Windows 11?

Your WiFi adapter might be disabled, the driver missing, or Airplane mode enabled. Re-enable it via Device Manager or Network Connections.

2. How do I turn on WiFi if the icon is not showing?

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi and toggle the switch On manually.

3. Why can’t my laptop detect any WiFi networks?

It could be due to a disabled WLAN AutoConfig service or outdated driver. Check Services and update your WiFi driver.

4. Can I turn on WiFi using Command Prompt?

Yes. Run this command as admin:

5. My WiFi keeps turning off automatically — what should I do?

Disable power-saving options in Device Manager → WiFi Adapter → Power Management tab. Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

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📋 Summary: Key Takeaways

By following these steps, you’ll easily restore and control your wireless connection on Windows 11 — ensuring fast, stable, and secure internet access wherever you are. 🌐💻