After leaving my Windows 11 PC unused for about three days, I came back and found that the Wi-Fi option had completely disappeared. Ethernet still works, and I can access the internet from the computer, but the network settings only show Bluetooth, VPN, Airplane mode, Night light, Accessibility, and Energy saver. My other devices can connect to the Wi-Fi normally, and my game drivers are up to date. I'm not sure what caused the wireless option to vanish or how to restore it. Could a hardware switch, disabled adapter, or Windows setting be responsible?
3 Answers
Check your BIOS or UEFI settings only if the adapter is completely missing from Device Manager. There may be an onboard wireless or WLAN setting that was turned off, although I’d check the physical switch, Device Manager, and drivers first. Avoid changing disk or BIOS settings unless you know exactly what the option does.
First check whether your PC or Wi-Fi keyboard has a physical wireless switch or function-key shortcut. Some laptops can disable the wireless adapter without showing an obvious warning. If there isn’t one, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, and look for the Wi-Fi adapter. If it’s disabled, right-click it and choose Enable device. If it has a warning icon or is missing entirely, reinstall the wireless driver from your computer or motherboard manufacturer’s support page.
Since Ethernet is working, the internet connection itself probably isn’t the issue. You can also open Services and make sure the WLAN AutoConfig service is running and set to start automatically. If the adapter appears in Device Manager but Windows still has no Wi-Fi controls, try restarting that service and rebooting the PC. A recent update or power-management setting may have disabled the wireless device.
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