Here’s how to fix wlanext.exe problems on Windows 10
- Wlanext.exe error can cause many problems with your wireless connection on Windows 10.
- Anyone can fix this problem on their own, using one of the steps provided below.
- We've gathered more useful articles on similar issues in the Windows 10 Errors section.
- Looking to troubleshoot connectivity issues? Our Network & Internet section might help.
Wlanext.exe error can sometimes appear on your PC and can lead to various issues, mostly to network connection problems.
Here are some of the most common issues related to wlanext.exe:
- Windows Wireless Lan 802.11 Extensibility Framework stopped working – This problem can sometimes occur due to your antivirus settings.
- exe Windows 10 high CPU – This problem occurs if your drivers are out of date.
- exe crash Windows 10/ stopped working/ keeps crashing – The built-in troubleshooter might help you solve any of these issues.
- exe application error/ event id 1000 – According to users, sometimes these types of problems can occur due to missing system updates.
And now, let’s get to the more specific solutions to fix the wlanext.exe error.
How can I fix wlanext.exe error on Windows 10?
- Update your drivers
- Check your antivirus
- Disable your wireless adapter
- Run the Network troubleshooter
- Enter Safe Mode
- Perform a Clean boot
- Temporarily disable your wireless connection
- Roll back or reinstall your drivers
- Make sure that your system is up to date
- Perform a System Restore
1. Update your drivers
Wlanext.exe can cause high CPU usage if some drivers, such as the wireless driver, are out of date.
If you’re using a laptop with a built-in wireless adapter, you should be able to get all the necessary drivers from the laptop manufacturer’s website.
Alternatively, you can use third-party tools such as DriverFix to automatically update all your drivers.
With just one click, the tool scans your PC, finds the problematic software. It then lists new compatible drivers, from a huge database of compatible programs.
We should mention that using this tool is completely safe. Besides, it only suggests drivers that are compatible with your device, so if you’re unsure about what to choose on your own, DriverFix can help you.
DriverFix
Get rid of any Windows 10 errors by updating all your drivers with this powerful, yet simple tool.2. Check your antivirus
If you’re getting Wlanext.exe error on your PC, it’s possible that your antivirus is causing this issue.
In order to fix this problem, be sure to add wlanext.exe to the list of exclusions in your antivirus.
If that doesn’t work, you can try disabling certain antivirus features or disable the software altogether. In case the problem is still there, you might be able to fix it simply by removing the tool.
If this solves the problem, this might be a good time to consider switching to a more reliable antivirus .
There are many great tools on the market, but if you’re looking for a reliable antivirus that won’t interfere with your system in any way, perhaps you should try out Bitdefender.
Currently, this is the best antivirus program you can get to offer not just the best real-time protection, but also optimization tools, incorporated VPN and a powerful firewall.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
Prevent network connection issues by using Bitdefender and staying safe from any type of online attacks.3. Disable your wireless adapter
- Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
- Locate your wireless adapter on the light, right-click it, and choose Disable device.
- Now wait for a few moments, right-click the disabled adapter, then choose Enable device.
After doing that, check if the problem with the wireless adapter is still there.
4. Run the Network troubleshooter
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows Key + I.
- Now navigate to the Update & Security section.
- Choose Troubleshoot from the left pane.
- Select the Network adapter and click Run the troubleshooter button.
- Follow the instructions to complete the process.
Afterward, check if the problem is still there. If it is, you can try running Internet Connections troubleshooter and check once again if you can use the mobile hotspot now.
5. Enter Safe Mode
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Update & Security section.
- Select Recovery from the menu on the left. In the right pane, click the Restart now button.
- Head over to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click the Restart button.
- Once your PC reboots, a list of options will appear.
- Select the Safe Mode with Networking option by pressing the corresponding keyboard key.
After entering Safe Mode, check if the problem still appears.
In case you’re not familiar, Safe Mode is a special segment of Windows that runs with default applications and drivers, and it can be useful for troubleshooting various problems.
If you’re getting a wlanext.exe error, you might be able to fix the problem by using Safe Mode.
6. Perform a Clean boot
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Enter msconfig in the input field and click OK or press Enter.
- The System Configuration window will now start.
- Head over to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
- Click Disable all.
- Navigate to the Startup tab and click the Open Task Manager.
- Right-click the first entry on the list and choose Disable. Do this for all startup applications on the list.
- Head back to the System Configuration window.
- Now click Apply and OK to save changes and restart your PC.
Once your PC restarts, check if the problem is still there. If the issue doesn’t appear it means that one of the disabled applications/services was causing it.
To pinpoint the cause, you’ll have to enable applications and services one by one or in groups until you manage to recreate the problem.
Bear in mind that you’ll have to restart your PC, or at least log out and log back in order to apply changes. Once you find the problematic application or a service, keep it removed or uninstall it and the problem should be permanently resolved.
7. Temporarily disable your wireless connection
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Network & Internet section.
- Now click on Change adapter options in the right pane.
- Locate your wireless connection on the displayed list, right-click it, and choose Disable from the menu.
- Once the connection is disabled, wait for about 30 seconds, right-click the connection and choose Enable.
After restarting the connection, check if the problem is still there.
8. Roll back or reinstall your drivers
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate your wireless adapter and double-click it.
- Navigate to the Driver tab and click the Roll Back Driver button.
- Now follow the instructions on the screen to roll back your driver to the previous version.
After doing that, check if the problem is resolved.
If the rollback option isn’t available, you can fix the problem by reinstalling your wireless driver. To do that, follow these steps:
- Open the Device Manager and locate the wireless adapter driver.
- Right-click it and choose Uninstall device from the menu.
- Check Remove driver software for this device option, if it’s available.
- Then, click the Uninstall button.
- After the driver is removed, click on Scan for hardware changes icon.
This will install the default driver and the problem should be completely resolved.
9. Make sure that your system is up to date
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Update & Security section.
- In the right pane, click the Check for updates button.
- If any updates are available, they should be downloaded automatically in the background and installed as soon as you restart your PC.
Once your system is up to date, check if the problem is still there.
10. Perform a System Restore
- Press Windows Key + S and type system restore.
- Select Create a restore point from the list.
- Click the System Restore button.
- Once the System Restore window opens, click the Next button.
- Check Show more restore points option, if available.
- Select the desired restore point and click Next to proceed.
- Follow instructions on the screen to complete the process.
After restoring your system to an earlier state, the problem should be resolved completely.
We hope that these methods worked for you and you managed to get rid of the wlanext.exe problems on your Windows 10 device.
If you have further suggestions on this topic, get in touch with us using the comments sections below.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2014 and was completely revamped and updated in September 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.