After removing and reconnecting my PC's Wi-Fi antenna so I could move the computer, it stopped connecting to any network. Previously, shutting the PC down completely for about 10 seconds sometimes fixed it, but that no longer helps. Windows can see nearby networks, including my phone's hotspot, yet every connection attempt fails. The antenna or wireless device also takes several seconds to be detected after startup. I'm currently stuck at the Windows lock screen because it requires an online Microsoft sign-in, and I don't have an Ethernet cable available. I've also noticed that my Bluetooth USB device is slow to connect at first, although it works after a few seconds. My PC has a Ryzen 5 5500 processor, a Radeon RX 6600 graphics card, and an ASRock motherboard, though I don't know the exact model.
2 Answers
The exact motherboard model and the type of Wi-Fi adapter would be useful. If this is a desktop with a removable antenna, make sure the antenna connector is screwed on firmly and that it wasn’t pulled loose from the wireless card when the PC was moved. However, because networks are visible but authentication always fails—including the hotspot—the antenna itself is less likely to be the main problem. Try fully shutting down the PC, unplugging it for a minute, then reseating the Wi-Fi card or USB adapter and its antenna. Windows Safe Mode or a wired connection may be needed to repair the driver.
Since the computer can see both your normal Wi-Fi and a phone hotspot, the antenna is probably receiving a signal. The failure is more likely related to the wireless adapter, its drivers, or the motherboard’s USB/PCIe connections. If multiple devices are slow or unreliable during startup, that points more toward a driver or motherboard issue than your home network. Once you can get into Windows, check Device Manager for warning icons and reinstall or update the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers. An Ethernet connection would also let you sign in and download the correct drivers, even temporarily.
I don’t have an Ethernet cable, and the Bluetooth device eventually works after about five seconds, but I’ll check the drivers when I can get past the lock screen.