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

By / October 9, 2025

If you’ve just upgraded to Windows 11 or your PC suddenly can’t connect to the internet, you might be wondering how to turn WiFi back on. Don’t worry — you’re not alone!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to turn on WiFi on Windows 11, explain what to do if the WiFi option is missing, and share troubleshooting tips to fix connection issues.

Whether you’re on a laptop, desktop PC, or tablet, this step-by-step guide covers everything you need to get connected in minutes.

🧭 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

Action Purpose
Turn on WiFi via Quick Settings Fastest way to enable or disable WiFi
Use Network & Internet Settings Manage WiFi networks and advanced options
Use keyboard shortcut (Fn + key) Quickly toggle WiFi on/off
Check Airplane mode Make sure it’s turned off to enable WiFi
Troubleshoot missing WiFi option Fix driver or adapter issues

💡 Understanding How WiFi Works in Windows 11

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) lets your Windows 11 computer connect to wireless networks without cables. It’s controlled by a wireless network adapter, which can be toggled on or off via system settings, hardware buttons, or drivers.

When WiFi is disabled, your PC won’t detect any available networks — even if your router is working perfectly.

That’s why knowing how to enable WiFi correctly (and what to do when it’s missing) is essential.

⚙️ Why Your WiFi Might Be Turned Off

Before diving into the steps, let’s understand common reasons why your WiFi might not be working on Windows 11:

  1. Airplane Mode is On – Disables all wireless connections.

  2. WiFi Adapter Disabled – The wireless adapter is turned off in settings or Device Manager.

  3. Outdated or Missing Drivers – The network adapter driver may be corrupted or outdated.

  4. Hardware Switch Disabled – Some laptops have a physical switch or function key that controls WiFi.

  5. Windows Update Glitch – Updates can reset network configurations.

  6. Power Saving Mode – System may disable WiFi to save energy.

🪜 How to Turn On WiFi on Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s go through the different methods to enable WiFi on your Windows 11 computer.

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

This is the fastest and easiest way to enable WiFi in Windows 11.

Steps:

  1. Click the Network icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.
    (It may look like a globe 🌐 or signal bars 📶.)

  2. In the Quick Settings menu, click the WiFi icon to turn it On.

  3. Once enabled, click the small arrow (>) next to WiFi to view available networks.

  4. Select your preferred WiFi network → Click Connect → Enter the password if required.

💡 Tip: If you see “Airplane Mode On”, turn it off to make the WiFi button active again.

⚙️ Method 2: Enable WiFi from Network & Internet Settings

If you don’t see the WiFi icon in the Quick Settings, use the full Settings app.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Network & Internet.

  3. Click on Wi-Fi from the left sidebar.

  4. Toggle the Wi-Fi switch to On.

  5. Click Show available networks to see your WiFi list.

  6. Select your desired network → Click Connect.

⌨️ Method 3: Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Enable WiFi

Most laptops come with a WiFi function key (such as F2, F3, or F12).

Try this:

  • Hold Fn + [WiFi Key] (check for a small wireless symbol).

  • On some laptops (e.g., HP, Dell, Lenovo), this instantly toggles WiFi on/off.

💡 Example:

  • HP laptops: Fn + F12

  • Dell laptops: Fn + F2

  • Lenovo laptops: Fn + F7

If this doesn’t work, make sure your Hotkey software or manufacturer drivers are installed.

🛫 Method 4: Turn Off Airplane Mode

Airplane Mode disables all wireless communication (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular).

To disable it:

  1. Click the Network icon in the taskbar.

  2. Check if Airplane mode is highlighted.

  3. If it is, click to turn it off.

Alternatively:

  • Press Windows + A → Click Airplane mode to toggle it off.

Once off, the WiFi button should become available again.

🧩 Method 5: Enable the WiFi Adapter via Control Panel

Sometimes, the WiFi adapter itself is disabled at the system level.

To enable it:

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

  2. In the Network Connections window, look for your Wi-Fi adapter (usually called “Wireless Network Connection”).

  3. If it’s grayed out, right-click → Enable.

💡 Tip: If you see multiple adapters, enable only the one labeled as “Wi-Fi.”

🔧 Method 6: Enable WiFi Using Device Manager

If WiFi doesn’t appear in Settings, your network driver might be disabled.

To fix:

  1. Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager.

  2. Expand the section labeled Network adapters.

  3. Right-click your wireless adapter (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm).

  4. Select Enable device.

  5. Close Device Manager and try connecting again.

🪄 Method 7: Update or Reinstall the WiFi Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers often cause WiFi issues.

To update your driver:

  1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X → Device Manager).

  2. Expand Network adapters.

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

  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

If no updates are found:

  • Visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website.

  • Download the latest WiFi driver for Windows 11.

  • Install it manually and restart your PC.

🧰 Method 8: Use Network Troubleshooter

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

To run it:

  1. Press Windows + I → Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.

  2. Find Network Adapter → Click Run.

  3. Follow on-screen instructions.

Windows will try to fix issues like adapter misconfiguration or missing drivers.

🔄 Method 9: Restart Network Services

If WiFi still doesn’t work, restarting essential Windows services can help.

Steps:

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

  2. Locate and restart these services:

    • WLAN AutoConfig

    • Network Connections

    • Network List Service

  3. Right-click each → Restart.

  4. Try enabling WiFi again.

🧼 Method 10: Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If all else fails, resetting your network settings can fix deep configuration issues.

To reset:

  1. Press Windows + I → Go to Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.

  2. Scroll down → Click Network reset.

  3. Click Reset now → Confirm.

  4. Your PC will restart and reinstall all network adapters automatically.

After rebooting, turn WiFi back on and reconnect to your network.

🧠 How to Turn On WiFi Automatically on Startup

You can make Windows 11 enable WiFi automatically when your PC starts.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.

  2. Click Manage known networks.

  3. Select your WiFi network → Enable Connect automatically when in range.

Now Windows will reconnect to your WiFi every time you boot up.

🧩 What If the WiFi Option Is Missing Entirely?

If you don’t see any WiFi options (even in Settings), follow these checks:

Cause Fix
Missing or faulty WiFi driver Reinstall drivers via Device Manager
Disabled adapter Enable in Control Panel → Network Connections
Airplane mode stuck Toggle it off manually or via Settings
Hardware issue Check the wireless switch or replace adapter
Windows update glitch Run Windows Update or use System Restore

🔋 Extra Tip: Check Hardware or BIOS Settings

In rare cases, the WiFi adapter is disabled in BIOS.

To fix:

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F10, or DEL).

  2. Look for Wireless LAN, Internal WiFi, or Wireless Network Adapter.

  3. Make sure it’s set to Enabled.

  4. Save changes and reboot.

📶 Bonus: How to Turn On Mobile Hotspot in Windows 11

If you want to share your PC’s internet connection wirelessly:

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile hotspot.

  2. Turn Mobile hotspot On.

  3. Under “Share my connection from,” select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

  4. Note the network name and password to connect other devices.

⚡ Troubleshooting Table: Common WiFi Issues

Problem Possible Cause Quick Fix
WiFi not turning on Disabled adapter Enable via Device Manager
No WiFi networks found Airplane mode on Turn it off
Slow connection Interference or router issue Move closer or reset router
Missing WiFi icon Corrupt system files Run SFC / DISM repair
Frequent drops Power-saving settings Disable adapter power management

🧩 Advanced Fix: Use Command Prompt (CMD) to Reset WiFi

If graphical tools fail, use CMD commands.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Run these commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

  1. Restart your PC.

These commands refresh your network stack, often fixing invisible WiFi errors.

✅ Conclusion: You’re Now Connected!

Enabling WiFi on Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you toggle it from Quick Settings, use the Settings app, or troubleshoot deeper issues, the steps above will get you connected quickly.

Recap:

  • Turn on WiFi from the Quick Settings or Settings app.

  • Make sure Airplane mode is off.

  • Enable the adapter if it’s disabled.

  • Update or reinstall drivers if missing.

  • Use Network Troubleshooter or Network Reset for stubborn problems.

Once done, you can enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and downloads — wirelessly and effortlessly.

❓ FAQs: How to Turn On WiFi on Windows 11

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

This usually happens when the wireless driver is missing or corrupted. Reinstall or update the driver from Device Manager.

2. How do I turn WiFi on using the keyboard?

Press Fn + WiFi key (usually F2, F3, or F12) to toggle WiFi on or off.

3. How can I enable WiFi if Airplane mode is stuck?

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Airplane mode and toggle it off manually. Restart if necessary.

4. How do I reconnect to a WiFi network automatically?

In Settings → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, select your network and turn on Connect automatically.

5. Why does my WiFi keep turning off by itself?

Power-saving features might disable your adapter. In Device Manager → WiFi Adapter → Properties → Power Management, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”

📋 Key Takeaways

  • Use Quick Settings or Network Settings to enable WiFi easily.

  • Make sure Airplane Mode is off.

  • Update WiFi drivers regularly.

  • Reset network settings if WiFi still doesn’t appear.

  • Set WiFi to connect automatically for convenience.

By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to turn on WiFi on Windows 11 and stay connected without frustration — every time.

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