I'm trying to connect my Windows 11 computer to the internet over Wi‑Fi using its external antenna, but Wi‑Fi isn't working and there isn't even a Wi‑Fi option in the network settings. Everything was working normally yesterday, and I don't remember changing anything. What should I check to get the adapter recognized again?
3 Answers
Connecting the antenna only helps the hardware receive a signal; Windows still needs the correct Wi‑Fi adapter driver. Download and install the latest driver from the computer or Wi‑Fi adapter manufacturer’s website, preferably using another device if this PC has no internet access.
Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters. Check whether the wireless adapter appears, is disabled, or has a warning icon. If it’s missing or listed as an unknown device, that usually points to a missing driver or a hardware/connection issue.
Also verify that Wi‑Fi hasn’t been switched off with a keyboard key, hardware button, or Windows quick settings. If the problem started after a recent Windows update, check update history and consider rolling back the network driver or uninstalling the recent update.
Everything was working normally yesterday, and I didn’t knowingly change anything on the computer.