No WiFi Networks Found: 7 Ways to Make Them Show Up

Updating the Wifi adapter often works

Fix » Laptop & PC

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by Elena Constantinescu 

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No WiFi networks found message will prevent you from connecting to wireless networks, and this can be a big problem. Luckily, there are ways to fix it.

If your Wi-Fi is turned off or your wireless adapter is disabled, you’ll encounter this issue. Problems with network drivers or malware can also lead to this issue.

How can I fix the no WiFi networks found error?

Before proceeding, try restarting your PC and removing peripherals that might interfere with your wireless network.

1. Correctly update your WiFi adapter driver

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager to open it.
    no wifi networks found
  2. In the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on the WiFi adapter and select Update driver.
  4. Next, click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
    no wifi networks found

Alternatively, you can use an automated driver updater such as PC Helpsoft’s.

In the long term, this tool allows you to schedule periodic system checks so you will always be aware if any driver is going out of date before it can cause any problems to your system.

⇒ Get PC HelpSoft Driver Updater

2. Roll back the WiFi adapter driver

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager to open it.
    no wifi networks found
  2. In the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click on the WiFi adapter and select Properties.
  4. Click on the Driver tab and click the Roll Back Driver button.
    no wifi networks found
  5. Follow the instructions to complete the process.

*If the Roll Back Driver button is greyed out, it means that you don’t have a backup of the previous network driver. So, you can skip this step.

3. Reinstall the corrupt WiFi adapter driver.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager to open it.
    no wifi networks found
  2. In the Device Manager window, scroll down and expand Network adapters.
  3. Select your Network adapter driver and click Uninstall device.
  4. Click OK when asked to confirm.
  5. Restart the system, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers after the restart.

4. Run the network adapter troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. Open Update & Security.
    no wifi networks found
  3. From the left pane, click on Troubleshoot, click on Network Adapter from the right pane, and press the Run the Troubleshooter button.

5. Disable VPN

If not used properly, a VPN can affect your WiFi connection, and multiple VPNs with TAP adapters can cause issues. VPN kill switch can also cause this problem at times.

If you’re keen on protecting your online privacy by using a VPN (which we strongly encourage), consider investing in a premium VPN service that won’t mess up your Internet routing.

We recommend you try a VPN that quickly connects and disconnects from VPN servers, leaving your WiFi connection untouched.

6. Run a full virus scan on your computer

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, then select Update & Security.
    no wifi networks found
  2. Click on Windows Security and then select the Virus & threat protection option.
  3. Select Scan options.
  4. Tick Full scan and click the Scan now button.
    no wifi networks found

7. Temporarily disable your firewall

  1. Press the Windows key, type firewall, and select Check firewall status.
  2. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  3. Set Private network settings to Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended), and do the same for Public Network Settings.
  4. Click OK.

Try to connect over WiFi now. If it works, it means that your firewall is the culprit.

Sometimes, the firewall can interfere with your internet connection and cause issues like no internet when entering safe mode with networking. Therefore disabling the firewall temporarily can be a great fix to resolve such issues

If no WiFi networks are found on your system, any of the above solutions should come in handy. You can also check our Ethernet works but not WiFi for more potential solutions.

Many also reported that the Wi-Fi adapter is not working, and we have a guide that tackles this issue. Others reported that Wi-Fi is connected but no Internet access and we have an article addressing this.

We also have a guide on what to do if a laptop won’t connect to Wi-Fi but other devices will, so don’t miss it.

Did you fix your WiFi issue using the solutions above? However, did we forget to add an important step? Let us know in the comment section below.

More about the topics: Fix WiFi problems, Wi-Fi issues, windows 10 fix

Elena Constantinescu

Elena Constantinescu Shield

Windows Software Expert

Elena started writing professionally in 2010 and hasn't stopped exploring the tech world since. With a firm grasp of software reviewing and content editing, she is always trying new things to improve her skill set. Once in a blue moon, she steps aside from the desk to play with her bunny and to water her probably dead plants.

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