Having Wi-Fi connectivity issues can be frustrating. However, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to get your computer connecting to Wi-Fi again.
Check if other devices can connect to the network
The first thing to check is whether other devices, like your phone or tablet, can connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If other devices can connect, the problem is likely isolated to your computer.
- If no devices can connect, there is likely an issue with the router or network that needs to be addressed.
Checking other device connections helps narrow down where the issue originates.
Restart the computer and router
Sometimes, simply restarting the devices can resolve temporary software glitches:
- Restart computer: Shut down your computer completely and restart it. This will clear any software errors that could be preventing Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Restart router: Unplug the power cord of the wireless router for 30 seconds and then plug back in. This will reset the router hardware.
Restarting devices is a basic fix that resolves many wireless issues.
Disable and re-enable the network adapter
The network adapter is the hardware component that allows your computer to connect to Wi-Fi. To reset the adapter:
- Open the Control Panel on your computer.
- Click “View network status and tasks” under the Network and Internet section.
- Click “Change adapter settings” in the left panel.
- Right click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select “Disable”.
- Right click again and select “Enable” to reactivate it.
This resets the network adapter to establish a new Wi-Fi connection.
Forget the network
If your Wi-Fi network was working previously but now shows as “unavailable,” try forgetting the network:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi on Windows.
- Find and select your Wi-Fi network.
- Click “Forget” to remove it from your saved networks list.
- Reconnect by entering the correct password again.
This will make your computer freshly search and connect to the Wi-Fi signal.
Check router placement and signal strength
Low signal strength from poor router placement can prevent stable connectivity.
- Move your computer closer to the wireless router to see if the signal strength improves.
- Relocate the router to a more central place in your home if the signal is weak in certain areas.
Checking the router placement fixes any environmental issues hampering connectivity.
Update wireless drivers
Outdated network drivers can stop your computer from communicating properly with the router.
To update drivers on Windows:
- Go to Device Manager.
- Expand the “Network adapters” section.
- Right click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Follow the on-screen prompts to search and install the newest driver.
Updating to the latest wireless drivers improves connectivity and stability.
Change the router channel
If you have neighbors with Wi-Fi networks, channel interference can occur if you use the same channel.
To change the router channel:
- Log in to your router admin page. The default is usually
192.168.1.1. - Go to Setup > Wireless Settings.
- Change the channel from Auto to a different channel like 6 or 11.
- Save settings and restart your router.
Changing to a less congested channel fixes interference issues.
Contact your ISP for troubleshooting
If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and your computer still cannot connect to the Internet, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
- The ISP can check for issues from their end and send a technician if necessary.
- They can also replace your router if needed.
Your ISP can perform technical troubleshooting and send qualified help. Explaining the problem details aids their troubleshooting process.
Hopefully these troubleshooting tips help resolve your Wi-Fi connectivity problems! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.
