Fix: Airplane Mode Not Showing / Greyed Out in Windows 10

Airplane mode not showing up or is greyed out (so unusable) in Windows 11? We’ll show you how to fix it. Follow the steps below and you’ll be able to use it within minutes.

How do I fix Airplane Mode Greyed Out in Windows 10?

1. Try using keyboard shortcuts to disable Airplane mode

1. Press Fn + key with radio tower (for some users it’s PrtScr key, it might be a different key on your computer).
2. You might have to hold those keys for a few seconds.
3. If this shortcut works you should see Airplane mode turned off message on your screen.

2. Change network adapter properties

1. Press Windows Key + X and choose Device Manager from the list of options.
   
2. When Device Manager opens go to the Network Adapter section and expand it.
3. Find your wireless adapter, right-click and choose Properties.
4. When Properties window shows up to go to the Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Then click OK to save changes.

If the above-mentioned solutions weren’t helpful, you can try changing your network adapter settings.

3. Update your network adapter drivers

1. Open Device Manager and go to the Network adapters section.
2. Expand it and find your network adapter.
3. Right-click and choose Update Driver Software.
   
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software option.
   
5. Wait for the process to complete.

If updating drivers via Device Manager fails, try using a specialized tool like PC HelpSoft Driver Updater. This app scans your PC, identifies outdated drivers, and updates them automatically.

You can also enable automatic updates whenever new hardware is installed.

⇒ Get PC Helpsoft Driver Updater

4. Disable and enable network connection

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. When Settings app opens go to Network & Internet category.
   
3. On the left pane choose Wi-Fi.
4. Now on the right pane look for Change adapter options. Click it.
   
5. This will open a new window.
6. Locate your wireless connection, right-click it and choose Disable.
   
7. Now right click your wireless connection again, and this time choose Enable.
   

The next thing we’re going to try is disabling the network connection and enabling it again. If changing the network adapter settings and disabling the network connection didn’t work, try our next solution.

5. Uninstall the wireless adapter

1. Open Device Manager and find your wireless adapter.
2. Right-click it and choose Uninstall device.
   
3. When the confirmation dialog shows click Uninstall.
   
4. After the uninstallation process is complete Windows 10 will install its default wireless driver.
5. Now you just need to restart your computer in order for changes to take effect.

Another thing you can try to solve the problem with Airplane mode in Windows 10 is to uninstall the wireless adapter driver.

6. Perform a clean boot

1. Press Windows Key + R and enter msconfig.
2. Now click OK or press Enter.
   
3. System Configuration window will now open.
4. Go to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
5. Now click Disable all button.
   
6. Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
   
   • When Task Manager opens, you’ll see a list of startup applications.
7. Select the first item on the list, right-click it and choose Disable from the menu.
8. Repeat this step for all startup applications on the list.
   
9. Go back to System Configuration window and click Apply and OK to save changes.
10. Restart your PC.
    

According to users, sometimes a third-party application can cause this problem to occur. To fix the issue, it’s advised to disable all startup applications and services.

Once your PC restarts, check if the problem is still there. If not, you can enable applications and services one by one until you find the application that is causing the problem.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to restart your PC every time after enabling an application in order to apply changes. Once you find the problematic application, it’s advised to remove it.

There are several ways to do that, but if you want to completely remove the application, including all of its files and registry entries, we suggest that you use uninstaller software

7. Disable radio switch device

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand HID Interface Device section and right-click Radio Switch Device.
3. Choose Disable device from the menu.
   
4. When the confirmation menu appears, click Yes.
   

According to users, Airplane mode errors can occur due to certain devices, such as the Radio Switch Device. To temporarily fix the issue, it’s advised to find and disable those devices.

8. Change your adapter settings

1. Open Device Manager and locate your wireless adapter.
2. Double-click it to open its properties.
3. When Properties window opens, go to Advanced tab.
4. Select 802.11n Channel Width for band 2.4 from the list and set its value to 20MHz Only.
5. Now click Apply and OK to save changes.

According to users, you might be able to fix Airplane Mode being greyed out on Windows 10 by changing a couple of network adapter settings. After making these changes, check if the Airplane mode errors are resolved.

9. Check your BIOS

1. While your system boots press F2 or Del to enter BIOS.
2. If you don’t know which key to use to enter BIOS, check your motherboard manual.
3. Now go to Onboard Device Configuration and enable Onboard WLAN/WiMax feature.

If you want to know more about the BIOS update, we advise you to check our useful article dedicated to flashing BIOS on your PC.

That’s it, after performing some of these solutions, your Airplane Mode shouldn’t be greyed out anymore. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just write them down in the comments, below.