Why cant my laptop find my wifi

The wireless network adapter inside your laptop should automatically detect any Wi-Fi networks that are in range. There are a few reasons why your laptop might not detect the wireless signal from your router. Some laptops require you to manually activate the wireless mode, while power settings can cause the laptop to turn off the wireless adaptor automatically. The range from your router, and the wireless settings can also be at the root of the problem.

Power Management Settings

1. As using Wi-Fi on a laptop can drain the battery more quickly, the wireless adapter may be set to turn off automatically. Access the Windows Device Manager from the Control Panel and disable the option for the laptop to turn off the power to the wireless adaptor.

Laptop Wireless Switch

1. Some laptop models require that you activate the Wi-Fi from a physical switch on the laptop. Look for a switch, marked with a wireless symbol on the side or front of the laptop case. Normally the wireless switch also has a light to indicate that it is turned on. Consult the user manual for your laptop, if you are unsure about the location of the wireless switch; also check that Airplane mode is not turned on.

Router Wireless Settings

1. If your laptop can detect other wireless signals, but not the one from your router, the problem could be the router settings. Access the router settings and check that the wireless signal is active. Your laptop should also be close enough to the router to detect the signal. Devices such as microwave ovens and cordless phones can also interfere with the signal.

   It's happened to all of us: You grab your laptop to watch a movie, but when you sit down and open your browser, your computer won't connect to Wi-Fi. What should you do?

   At Asurion, our experts help millions of customers get the most out of their tech and resolve their device problems. Here's their guide to why your laptop won't connect to Wi-Fi—and how you can fix it.

   Why won't my computer connect to Wi-Fi?

   There are many reasons why your Mac® or PC laptop might have trouble joining a wireless network. Here are some of the most common issues:

   • Your device is in airplane mode or has Wi-Fi turned off.
   • Your router is down.
   • You're entering an incorrect Wi-Fi password.
   • Your laptop is too far from your router.
   • Your device may not support the Wi-Fi network it's connecting to.

   How to fix your laptop so it connects to Wi-Fi

   If your computer won't connect to Wi-Fi, the solution could be something simple—restarting it is always a good first step—or more involved. Try each of these options until one of them gets your Apple® or PC laptop back online.

   Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on

   It may sound simple, but checking to make sure your Wi-Fi didn't accidentally get turned off is the first troubleshooting step you should take.

   On a Mac:  Go to the Apple menu in the top-left corner, then click System Preferences > Network. If you see a Turn Wi-Fi On button, click it and connect to your network. 

   On a PC running Windows™ 10:  Click on the internet icon in the bottom-right corner. Make sure that the Wi-Fi box is blue, indicating that it's on. If it's not, click on it and connect to your network. Also, be sure to check that airplane mode is turned off. 

   On a PC running Windows 11:  Click on the Network, Sound, or Battery icon in the bottom right-corner. If the Disconnected icon appears, your Wi-Fi is not on. To turn it on:

   1. Go to Wi-Fi quick setting and select Manage Wi-Fi connections.  
   2. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to use, then click Connect.  
   3. Type the network password, and then select Next.  
   

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   Restart your router

   Rebooting your router can help to fix connectivity issues by clearing out cache and refreshing connections. Here's how:

   1. Disconnect all the cables from your router, then unplug it. Removing the cables can help clear out any static in the lines, which can impact your connection.
   2. Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
   3. Once your router is on again, wait at least two minutes before trying to connect to Wi-Fi.

   Confirm your password

   Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive and can be long and complicated, especially if you're using the default one that came with your network (if you are using the default one, you may want to change it—find out why in our guide to securing your home Wi-Fi network). Make sure you're using the correct password for the network you're trying to join—and be precise when you enter each letter, number, or symbol.

   Move your laptop near your router

   If your laptop is far away from your router or there are many walls between the two, your computer might not be able to get a strong signal. Move your laptop to an area that is within 10–15 feet of your router and free of obstructions, then try to connect. Have that one spot in your space that always seems to have a weak Wi-Fi signal? A wireless mesh network could help.

   Connect to a compatible network

   Your router may have two Wi-Fi frequency bands, one labeled 2.4 GHz and the other 5 GHz. Typically, the 2.4 GHz band provides better coverage and the 5 GHz band provides faster speeds. If one band isn't working for you, try the other.

   Run your laptop's troubleshooting software

   Both Macs and PCs have built-in software to help with internet connection problems. Here's how to run it.

   On a Mac:

   • Quit all open apps and try to join your Wi-Fi network.
   • Then click on the magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner.
   • Type “wireless diagnostics" into the search bar, and press return.
   • Follow the instructions and the program will analyze your connection, point out any issues, and provide potential solutions.

   On a PC: 

   • Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter. Follow the steps and the program will attempt to resolve your problem.

   Reset your wireless network

   If you've tried everything else and your computer still won't connect to Wi-Fi, try resetting your network. Make sure you have your wireless password, since you'll need to rejoin the network after you reset it.

   On a Mac:

   1. Go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences > Network.
   2. Select Wi-Fi in the menu on the left, and click the minus button. Then click Apply.
   3. Click the plus button and select Wi-Fi on the Interface dropdown menu. Then click Create and click Apply.
   4. Find your network in the Network Name menu.

   On a PC:

   1. Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
   2. Click Reset now. Your laptop will remove your network adapters, then it will restart and reinstall them. You may need to reinstall any VPN software you're using.
   3. Go back into your Wi-Fi settings and try to connect to your network.

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