I got a used Samsung Notebook 7 Spin (model NP740U3L) and performed a factory reset to remove the previous owner's files. Since then, it no longer shows most nearby Wi‑Fi networks, even after updating Windows and trying several troubleshooting steps. It can detect my phone's hotspot and one hidden network, but not the regular networks around me. I suspect the laptop's wireless adapter may not support the Wi‑Fi 6 network used by my router. How can I confirm the adapter's capabilities and get it connected?
3 Answers
The NP740U3L may not support every Wi‑Fi 6 feature or channel, especially if the router is using a 5 GHz channel the older adapter cannot recognize. Log into the router and temporarily enable a separate 2.4 GHz network with WPA2 security and a fixed channel. If that network appears, the problem is compatibility or router settings rather than a dead wireless card.
Check Device Manager for the exact wireless adapter model and look for any warning icons under Network adapters. Then install the latest Wi‑Fi driver from Samsung or the adapter manufacturer, rather than relying only on Windows Update. Since the laptop can see a hotspot, the adapter is probably working, but its driver or supported frequency bands may be the issue.
Wi‑Fi 6 itself usually still allows older devices to connect, so the router may be set to Wi‑Fi 6-only mode. Change the wireless mode to mixed or compatibility mode, enable both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and avoid DFS or unusually high 5 GHz channels. Also make sure the network is not hidden and that the router is using WPA2 or WPA2/WPA3 mixed security.
That would explain why my phone’s hotspot and a hidden network show up while the main network does not. I’ll try enabling a separate 2.4 GHz network and checking the router’s channel settings.