My Windows 11 PC suddenly has no Wi-Fi option at all, so I can't view or connect to any networks. I bought an Ethernet cable as a workaround, but the computer completely froze the first time I plugged it in. The freeze no longer happens, but networking still isn't working. Wi-Fi is enabled in the BIOS. It worked normally before I attempted to set up a Linux dual boot and then reset the BIOS to its default settings. What should I check or reinstall to get the network adapters working again?
3 Answers
Since the issue started after resetting the BIOS, check the firmware settings again for onboard LAN, Wi-Fi, and any network-controller options. Make sure they’re enabled, save the settings, and then install the chipset and network drivers for the exact motherboard or laptop model. A BIOS reset can leave Windows without the proper device configuration even when Wi-Fi appears enabled.
Open Device Manager with Win+R, type devmgmt.msc, and check Network adapters. See whether the Wi-Fi and Ethernet devices are listed, and look for any yellow warning icons. If they’re missing or have driver errors, download the correct LAN and Wi-Fi drivers from your motherboard or laptop manufacturer using another device, copy them over with a USB drive, and install them. The first Ethernet freeze could have been caused by a damaged or incompatible network driver. System Restore to a point before the problem began is another option if one is available.
Boot a live operating system from your existing Hiren’s USB or a Linux USB without installing anything. Test both Wi-Fi and Ethernet from that environment. If networking works there, the Windows installation or its drivers are probably corrupted, and reinstalling the Windows network drivers—or doing a clean Windows installation—may fix it. If networking also fails in the live environment, the issue is more likely related to the hardware, BIOS settings, or a disabled device.
I already have a Hiren’s USB, so I’ll use the live environment to check whether the adapters work outside Windows.
I checked Device Manager and found the network devices listed there, along with the information shown in the screenshot. I’ll try reinstalling the drivers and checking System Restore.