I'm dealing with a frustrating issue where the WiFi functionality on my ROG Maximus Z690 Hero has completely vanished. I've been running Windows 11, which is fully updated, and I've tried reverting the latest updates without any improvement. After reinstalling the latest updates again, WiFi is still nowhere to be found. My Ethernet works fine, and I've attempted to install the Intel WiFi drivers, but that didn't help either. I've also checked the BIOS settings to confirm that WiFi is enabled.
Unfortunately, there are no WiFi options available under Network and Internet settings in Windows. Clicking the network tray icon shows no sign of any wireless networks. Even when inspecting Device Manager, I can't find any indication of a Wi-Fi device; the only items listed are the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapters, which are hidden and show no issues.
I've ensured that all my motherboard drivers are up to date via Armory Crate (not a fan of that software). I haven't found a standalone driver for my motherboard yet. This lack of connectivity is quite annoying since I do rely on WiFi occasionally. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
Since you're not finding a standalone driver, the issue might be that your WiFi chip is the Intel AX210. You'll want to download the latest drivers directly from Intel's website—they have newer versions specifically for that model. Sometimes the vendor-specific drivers can miss updates.
It sounds like your WiFi adapter might have failed. They can sometimes just give out, and while replacing it usually means a bit of disassembly, it's definitely doable. Alternatively, you could get a WiFi adapter that fits into a spare PCI-E slot, which could make it easier if you want to avoid opening up the whole computer.
I hope I don't have to replace it, but it seems like I've exhausted my options for now.
I tried that, but it didn't solve the problem. I might consider running a Windows repair, though I'm not too optimistic about that fixing it.