Hello, dear friends. As you probably already understood from the title, today I decided to touch upon a very serious and painful topic, and try to figure out what to do when Wi-Fi on a laptop or netbook does not work and how to still connect the laptop to Wi-Fi router. By the way, this can be not only a laptop or netbook, it can also be an ordinary desktop computer with a Wi-Fi receiver. Similar questions in lately appears a lot, mainly to the article.
Now we will try to figure out step by step what and why problems may arise when connecting a laptop to wireless wifi networks. We will also try to find a solution to this very popular and unpleasant problem with connecting to Wi-Fi, or rather, an unsuccessful connection.
Most often, problems arise when it is not possible to turn on the Wi-Fi module itself on the laptop. And when Wi-Fi turns on, the laptop finds all available networks, but when trying to connect it writes . You need to check whether the drivers are installed on the Wi-Fi adapter, whether Wi-Fi is turned on on the laptop, etc. Now we will do this.
I noticed that most often problems with connecting to Wi-Fi occur in Windows 7. It is on this OS that the network without Internet access error very often appears; I wrote how to solve this problem in the article linked above. In fact, as practice shows, there can be many reasons for this problem. And if there are many reasons, then there are many ways in which you can force a laptop to connect to a Wi-Fi router.
But it’s not always the laptop, netbook, etc. that is to blame. There may also be a problem with the access point, that is, with the Wi-Fi router. And the first thing we need to do when a problem arises with connecting to Wi-Fi is to determine what the reason is, in the laptop or in the Wi-Fi router. Now I will consider the problem with connecting to my own router. Because if you can’t establish a connection with someone else’s Wi-Fi, then all your complaints are against your neighbor, it’s most likely his problem :).
Who is to blame, the laptop or the Wi-Fi router?
As I wrote above, you first need to find the culprit. Before you make any settings on your laptop or Wi-Fi router, you need to understand what the problem is, which is why you can’t connect your laptop to Wi-Fi. You can just set it up in such a way that then you have to do it and set everything up again. Most best way To determine which device the problem is hiding in, try connecting another device to the router, for example another laptop, tablet, or phone. If you have a laptop that has problems connecting to Wi-Fi, you should try connecting it to a different wireless network.
I think that you understood my point. If there are other devices connected to your router (best with a similar operating system) will connect without problems, then the problem is in the laptop. Read this article further, now let’s try to solve it.
Well, if problems connecting to your network also occur on other devices, and the “problematic” laptop connects to other networks without problems, then the problem is in the Wi-Fi router setup. See the article on, it might come in handy.
I will show the example of a laptop that runs on Windows 7. This is currently the most popular operating system.
I advise you to immediately pay attention to the icon that displays the status of your Internet connection. It's located in the notification panel.
If the Internet connection status looks like this:
First you need to check whether the drivers for Wi-Fi are installed and whether the Wi-Fi adapter is turned on.
Right click on “My computer” and select “Properties”. On the left select "Device Manager".
Open a tab in a new window “Network adapters” and see if there is a device like Wireless Network Adapter (You may call it differently). If you have such a device, then right-click on it and select “Properties”. Another window will open, make sure it says “The device is working normally.”
If everything is approximately the same as mine above in the screenshot, then everything is fine, the driver is installed. And if there is no Wireless Network Adapter device and you have unidentified devices, go to the website of your laptop manufacturer, download and install the Wireless Network Adapter driver for your model.
Learn more about installing and updating the driver for the wireless adapter.
We sorted out the drivers.
Checking whether Wi-Fi is turned on on the laptop
If the driver is installed, but the Wi-Fi module is disabled, the connection status will be the same:
Usually the wireless adapter on your laptop is turned on, but it doesn't hurt to check. Wi-Fi on laptops (netbooks) is usually turned on and off using a keyboard shortcut. On my ASUS K56cm, these are the keys FN+F2. But although when I press these keys I get a message that the wireless adapters are enabled/disabled, nothing happens. Look for the key on your laptop FN and a key with a picture of a wireless network. Press them at the same time.
Some laptops may have a special switch on the case that can be used to enable or disable Wi-Fi. For example on Toshiba Satellite L300 it looks like this:
Enable or disable the Wi-Fi wireless adapter in Windows 7
But the best way to check whether the wireless network adapter is working or not is to go to the network control center and take a look.
This means that in the notification panel, right-click on the Internet connection status icon and select “Network and Sharing Center”.
Then select on the left.
Among the connections we are looking for “Wireless network connection”. If everything is fine and the Wi-Fi adapter is turned on, then it should look like this:
If the adapter is disabled, it will look like the screenshot below. Right-click on it and select “Enable”.
Using the methods described above, we must make sure that the status of the Internet connection in the notification panel is like this:
This status means “No connection – There are connections available”- this means that the Wi-Fi adapter is turned on and there are available wireless networks to connect to.
If the connection status is like this:
This means that Wi-Fi is turned on, but the laptop simply does not see the networks available for connection.
Error “Windows could not connect to...”
We have sorted out the problem when the wireless network module is disabled or does not work at all. Now consider the case when the laptop finds available Wi-Fi networks, but when trying to connect to Wi-Fi it writes: “Windows was unable to connect to...”, where instead of dots is the name of the network you want to connect to.
If your network connection status is the same as in the screenshot above (via one, network with yellow icon), then click on it and you will see a list of networks available for connection.
Select the desired network, click on it, then click the “Connect” button.
If the set is password protected, Windows will ask you to provide the password. Enter your network password and click “Ok”.
And if everything is fine, then your laptop should connect to the Internet via wireless connection. And the Internet connection status should look like this:
But it is at the moment of connection that the error “Windows could not connect to...” very often appears. She looks like this:
Unfortunately, friends, there is no definite solution to this problem. But I can download that very often the problem with such an error appears due to the settings of the Wi-Fi router. It may be through the type of security and encryption that is installed on the Wi-Fi router, read more about this in the article. There may also be a problem with the distribution of IP addresses.
If you notice that in the window with the error “Windows was unable to connect to...” you can run “Troubleshooting”, it would be a sin not to take advantage. Try running it, I heard somewhere that there are cases in which it helps :). But seriously, sometimes it really helps. Windows will check the readiness of the wireless adapter, check the settings, etc. And if it can, it will fix the problem that is preventing you from connecting to Wi-Fi.
Just reboot your router and then your laptop. Very often this helps.
Update
I noticed that in Windows this error appears when the settings that are saved on the computer for your network do not match the current network settings. I'll explain now.
For example, your laptop was connected to Wi-Fi, it automatically connected to the network. But you went and changed the password, or the type of network encryption. Now the laptop is trying to connect to the network, but the parameters no longer match, and that’s the error.
It is enough to simply delete the network on your computer and re-establish the connection. I wrote about this in an article
Conclusion
It’s a great article, and I hope it’s useful. I wrote it for half a day, with interruptions of course, there were still problems with adding screenshots to the site, but I seemed to have solved it.
I tried to collect all the necessary information that should help you solve the problem that arises when connecting a laptop or netbook to Wi-Fi. If I forgot to write something, I will definitely add to the article in the future, and I will also be very grateful if you share in the comments the information that helped you solve the problem with connecting to a wireless network.
If you have any questions, ask them in the comments, we will try to figure it out. Best wishes!
Also on the site:
Why doesn't Wi-Fi work on a laptop (netbook)? How to connect a laptop to a Wi-Fi router? Error “Windows could not connect to...” updated: February 7, 2018 by: admin
The Wi-Fi network, without exaggeration, greatly facilitates the solution of many tasks in everyday life; Plus, you don't need to run another wire to the computer. But at some point you notice that your netbook does not want to connect to an already familiar network or refuses to do so with a new one in a new place - this is very unpleasant and causes a lot of problems. Today we’ll talk about what to do if the laptop doesn’t see Wi-Fi or refuses to connect to it.
What to do first
First, you need to figure out which side your problem is on - the problem is in the router or in the netbook itself. Alternatively, during loading on one of the sides there could be a failure in some part software, so it's worth trying to reboot both devices and try again, and then move on.
You should also remember to check whether the Wi-Fi transmitter is turned on on the netbook - as a rule, it is activated by pressing one special key or a combination of several, although on some models such a button may be placed separately. It happens that the activation button is equipped with an indicator.
If everything remains as is, then it makes sense to take another device, and it will be great if it is on the same operating system, and try to connect from it. If you fail here too, then read below - we will describe what to do to correct settings router.
You can do the same with your netbook: just take it, move it to a place where you can catch another wireless network, and see if it sees it.
It may be that the devices are too far from each other and therefore cannot connect - take this into account too, especially if you have replaced the router with a new one, because it may have a shorter range than the previous one. If the netbook sees the network, but simply does not connect, there may also be several solutions.
Now that we have figured out which side the problem is on, we have a rough understanding of the reason why the laptop does not see the WiFi network; it opens up for us possible options further actions.
Netbook does not see the network
Now we will talk specifically about the situation when the device is completely invisible to the router. Quite real option, and there may be more than enough reasons. Let's start with the fact that if you recently reinstalled the system, then you probably did not have the necessary driver installed. The solution to this problem is quite simple - you look at the case or box for the company name and model, and then go to the official website of your manufacturer and in the driver section you get everything for free and without viruses.
If you are unable to connect via a wired connection to download the driver, you will have to do it from another computer. The installer can be downloaded to any media.
To check whether the driver is installed at all, open the Start menu and find “My Computer” in it: here you need to right-click and select “Properties”.
Now on the left we find “Device Manager” and click on it.
Next, you need to find the “Network adapters” parameter and open the branch - if your Wi-Fi module is working correctly, it will be displayed next to the wired one, and if the driver is not installed for it, then opposite there will be a triangle with an exclamation mark.
Another feature worth paying attention to is that if your device has recently been repaired, then the reason why the netbook does not find Wi-Fi may simply be an unconnected or poorly connected wireless network module.
If the device has not been cleaned or opened for a long time, the cause may even be oxidation of the contacts.
Doesn't want to connect
Figuring out why the laptop does not see the WiFi network is also quite simple: either you are entering the wrong password, or automatic IP acquisition is not activated on the device, or, in extreme cases, there is a problem in the settings of the distribution point. Here we will look at the problems of the netbook.
Open “Start” and find “Control Panel”.
Here we need the “Network and Sharing Center” (in Windows 7).
Now on the left we look for “Change adapter settings” - after this a window with adapters will open in front of you, where we select your wireless one and right-click, then select “Properties”.
Next, our choice is “Internet Protocol version 4”: double-click and in the new window we set everything as shown in the screenshot, that is, to automatically receive, after which we consistently click “OK” everywhere.
If the problem is in the router
There can also be many problems on this side. If none of your devices could see the network, there are few options: someone could gain access and change the settings, the distribution point became unusable, or the firmware crashed. The same, by the way, applies to some cases when the network is visible, but it is impossible to connect.
A universal solution could be to reset the settings to factory settings - usually the process is described in detail in the instructions and is carried out using the power button or a separate button next to it. In the end, everything should work, but you will have to configure the router again.
In the case of a crashed firmware, some functions may not work, and in such a situation, only flashing the firmware can be a real salvation - to do it, you just need to go to the manufacturer’s website and find the proper instructions, after which you can download the firmware and begin the process of replacing it.
This is about the reasons why the laptop does not find WiFi. Now you need to figure out how to reconfigure your router.
Setting up the router
Now let's talk briefly about the basic settings of the router for correct operation. The first thing you need to do is go to your browser and write the value 192.168.0.1 in the address bar; if it doesn’t work, replace 0 with 1. Sometimes the manufacturer changes this address, so if nothing works here, look at the address on the distribution point sticker or on the box in which the device was shipped.
Now in the new window we enter admin in both fields, although there are cases when the standard values are changed: however, you already know where to look for the necessary information.
Hello! Yes, I will write again about problems with Wi-Fi :). Someone needs to fight capricious wireless networks, which usually provide more inconvenience during setup than pleasure during use. Very, very many different problems arise, and most of them are difficult to even explain.
Today I will write about one of these problems. And I will give some recommendations that may help you solve it. But I can’t guarantee anything, I hope you understand.
What does the problem look like?
I think that after reading the title of this article, you can already understand what this article is about. I began to notice comments in which people wrote that their devices, be it a laptop, a computer with an adapter, a phone, a tablet, game console, does not see their home Wi-Fi network. It is simply not in the list of networks available for connection. At the same time, the device sees neighboring networks. Why? I thought for a long time, but could not come up with a logical explanation for this problem.
By the way, such nonsense can occur even after some work with Wi-Fi, that is, everything was working, you turned off the laptop (for example), and turned it on, but it no longer sees your network.
Here you need to act quickly and save your phone or other equipment from flying into a wall or window :)
Attention! This article is about when a device does not see a wireless network, but only one network, for example, while other neighboring networks are detected.
The device does not see Wi-Fi [possible solution]
Roman left the following comment on the site:
To be honest, I didn't know what to recommend. But then I thought again and realized that, as a rule, the most incomprehensible problems arise due to the channel on which the wireless network operates, or rather due to interference on the channel.
And I advised you to experiment with channels, as written in the article. Roman changed channel (unfortunately, he didn’t write which one he installed, but it doesn’t matter, you need to experiment) and everything worked for him. The laptop saw the network. A free channel can be determined using the InSSIDer program.
I don’t know if changing the channel really helped, or just rebooting the router 🙂 but the problem was solved. By the way, Reboot the router first if any problems arise. A simple reboot often helps.
There was also a comment where the game console stopped seeing the home wireless network. But I don’t know how it all ended.
You can also try experimenting with the mode of operation of the router, I wrote about this in the article.
Perhaps you have already encountered this problem and somehow solved it differently, or please leave your thoughts on this issue in the comments. And I will update the article and add useful material.
Bye everyone!
Also on the site:
The laptop (phone, tablet) does not see the home page Wi-Fi network(sees neighbors) updated: February 7, 2018 by: admin
The problem of incorrect display or complete absence of available wifi networks occurs quite often and affects not only laptops, but also desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.
There are many possible reasons why the Internet on a laptop via wif does not work well. In order to choose the right solution to this problem, you need to evaluate which “scenario” your situation belongs to: the laptop has stopped seeing wifi networks altogether (i.e., completely “ignoring” wireless connections) or the laptop does not see wifi from any one point access, easily identifying other Wi-Fi signal sources.
Why doesn't wifi work on my laptop?
First, it’s worth looking at the most common scenario - the computer completely “ignoring” all wireless networks. Those. are you sure that:
- - the router gives out a normal signal and the access point is “open” for connection;
- - there are other available wifi networks nearby;
- - other devices (for example, a cell phone) can easily identify active sources of a wireless signal.
But at the same time, your laptop does not find any wifi network and does not connect to the Internet - i.e. Wi-Fi on the laptop stopped working altogether.
- 1. To solve this problem, first of all, you should check whether the “wireless network adapter” is turned on at all. To do this:
- - open “Device Manager”, in the “device tree” select “Network adapters”;
- - the list that opens should contain your wireless network adapter (the name of which depends on the device model and you can find out more about this parameter in the documentation for the laptop);
- - there should not be a triangular yellow icon with an exclamation mark next to the name of the adapter - it means that the wireless network adapter is disabled, or the network driver installed and used by the laptop is not working correctly;
- - to right-click on it and click “Enable/Connect”;
- - if the driver does not work correctly, download and install the current version of the program for your laptop. Or remove the device through the “Device Manager” (download the required driver first - to be on the safe side) and restart the PC - the adapter should appear automatically.
In addition, you can check the adapter through the “Control Panel” - “Network and Sharing Center”: if the adapter is enabled, then there should be a section either “Wireless network adapter” or “Wireless adapter”.
- 2. Perhaps the laptop does not see Wi-Fi due to the fact that the network is disabled by a key combination or a special switch on the case: this reason is most relevant for laptop owners.
It is worth paying attention to the key combination “FN+F2”/ “FN+F3”/ “FN+F9”/ “FN+F12” (depending on the laptop model) - this combination enables/disables the network and is intended mainly for those who often travels by air (accordingly, this mode is called “On a plane” - most modern smartphones and tablets have a similar function).
- 3. If the laptop stopped seeing wifi after the device was disassembled (to clean the upgrade from dust), then perhaps the wireless module was physically disconnected during disassembly or the integrity of the connection wires was damaged. In this case, the solution to the problem will be to connect the adapter (and in case of a physical malfunction, replace it with a working module).
Why doesn't the laptop see wifi, but other devices see the router?
Now let’s consider a situation where the laptop selectively does not see the “wifi” network. It is worth noting that most problems with wireless networks can be resolved by updating network drivers.
So, there is a certain network that works and is displayed on other devices, but the laptop with great stubbornness does not want to see it. You can do the following:
This applies directly to the computer, but the culprit that the laptop does not see the Wi-Fi router may be the source of the wireless signal itself.
- - check relevance installed firmware on the router: if the firmware is outdated, then update it to the most recent version;
- - reset the router configuration to its default value (factory settings) and reconfigure the router;
- - in some cases, installing more helps old version firmware, with setting up the network configuration and subsequent firmware update.
Thus, the most relevant and effective solution to the problem “the laptop does not search for Wi-Fi” is to check the functionality of the wifi module and install the latest drivers.
To avoid such a problem, it should be done regularly (manually or using special programs).
Many users sooner or later encounter this problem. There may be various reasons why Wi-Fi on a laptop does not work. Perhaps you recently installed a new operating system, bought a new router or flashed an old one, etc.
In general, if you also find yourself in this situation, and you are unable to connect your laptop to a Wi-Fi network, then in this article we will look at several methods that should help you connect your laptop to Wi-Fi.
Let's start with the simplest - reboot the router. To do this, you need to unplug the power supply, wait 10 seconds and plug it back in. Then restart your operating system.
Network diagnostics
Do network diagnostics. Although many are quite skeptical about this advice, but sometimes it can help too. Right-click on the wireless network icon in the tray and select "Diagnosing problems". Windows will scan and if it finds a problem, it will suggest ways to solve it.
If after this, the laptop still does not see Wi-Fi, check Is the Wi-Fi adapter turned on on the laptop?.
Find the wireless network icon on one of the F1-F12 buttons, for me it’s F2. Also, on the button itself, near the power button or touchpad, there should be a light indicator that indicates that Wi-Fi is on. Specifically in my case, if Wi-Fi is turned off, the indicator light is on. To turn it on, press the combination Fn+F2.
You also need to check that the network card is enabled. To do this, right-click on the wireless network icon in the tray and select "Network and Sharing Center".
In the next window click "Changing adapter settings".
If you have "Wireless Network Connection" highlighted in grey, right-click on it and select “Enable”.
After this, the icon should become colored. This indicates that the network adapter is enabled and the laptop can connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Checking drivers
Check your network adapter drivers. Click “Start” and write in the search bar "Device Manager" and follow the found link.
Expanding the list "Network adapters". The required adapter will be called something like: model name and “Wireless Network Adapter” (may be written Wi-Fi).
First you need to make sure it is turned on. Therefore, right-click on it, and if there is an item in the menu "Engage", click on it.
Now make sure that there is no yellow exclamation mark or red cross near the adapter. If you have it as in the figure below, then everything is fine with the installed drivers. If you have one of the mentioned signs (in the picture I indicated with an arrow what it might look like), you need to install or update the drivers.
If you came with a disk with your laptop containing drivers for installed devices, use it and reinstall the driver. If this does not help and the laptop still cannot connect to Wi-Fi, go to the official website of your laptop manufacturer, download the drivers for the network adapter from there and install them.
You can read about installing drivers in the article:.
Also, to update or install missing drivers, you can use the free Driver Pack Solution program.
Checking the WLAN AutoConfig Service
This service is responsible for wireless network adapters, and if it is not running, the adapters will be unavailable, and accordingly, the laptop will not be able to connect to Wi-Fi.
Go to the Start menu and write “Services” in the search bar. Let's move on to the relevant point.
Then we look in the list "WLAN AutoConfig Service", right-click on it and, if it is disabled, click “Run”.
Checking router settings
Router settings can go wrong, and not always through the user’s fault. Perhaps the network access password was simply changed.
If your wireless network icon is muted and has a yellow star next to it, click on it with the mouse, select the network and try to connect to it, after finding out if the access password has changed. This may be the reason.
Now let's go to the router settings. There is already a detailed article on this topic on the website; by clicking on the link, you can read it.
If, for some reason, they are lost for you, you need to adjust them. In my case, you need to follow the link "Wireless Network Settings Wizard". You may have slightly different menu items, it all depends on the router model, but you need to do the same.
Make sure you have a check mark in the box "Enable wireless connection".
Also pay attention to the network information section (LAN). You may need to change the settings here according to your provider.
I hope that at least one of the tips helped you solve the question: why the laptop does not connect to Wi-Fi, and now your device is successfully connected to the network.
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Webmaster. Higher education with a degree in Information Security. Author of most articles and computer literacy lessons
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Discussion: 13 comments
I tried everything to connect to the network after the children stumbled on something on the computer... And this article...... It wasn’t even an article, but a picture that helped solve the problem for a teapot like me.. All I had to do was press two buttons to connect to the F5/Fn router and everything worked….
Answer
Hello, a user’s comment helped me, attach it to the article because I’m probably not the only one, this is what he writes
SALEX 12/03/2017 at 00:00 I tried everything: there is firewood, and Wi-Fi is turned on, and everything is fine in the device manager, but the network is gone. In the end I found a way out: “You enter the control panel, find equipment and sound , it has the title “Configuring default mobility settings”, you go there, the “Windows Mobility Center” window appears, in the Wireless network column you need to activate the “Connect a wireless network” button and the connection with the router will immediately appear. After connecting, enter the password and enjoy. Good luck."