WiFi Option Missing in Windows 11? 10 Proven Fixes That Work (2026 Guide)
WiFi option missing in Windows 11 after update? Follow these proven fixes to restore the wireless adapter and WiFi icon.[/caption]
WiFi icon suddenly disappeared? Only Ethernet showing? No wireless adapter in settings? Issue started after a Windows update?
You’re not alone. The WiFi option missing in Windows 11 problem usually appears without warning and leaves you stuck offline. In most cases, it’s not a hardware failure — it’s a driver issue, a disabled adapter, a broken service, or a buggy update.
The good news: you can fix it in minutes if you follow the right order.
Why WiFi Option Is Missing in Windows 11
This issue doesn’t happen randomly. One of these is the real cause:
- Windows update bug → breaks the working driver
- WiFi adapter disabled → hidden from system
- Missing / corrupted driver → WiFi option disappears
- Power management → Windows turns off the device
- Airplane mode glitch → adapter becomes unavailable
- Update Wireless Driver
These are exactly the scenarios behind most “WiFi disappeared” searches — and they’re all fixable.
Fix WiFi Option Missing in Windows 11
Restart Your PC
Steps:
- Click Start
- Select Power → Restart
Expected result:
Temporary glitches clear and WiFi icon may return.
Run Network Troubleshooter
Steps:
- Settings → System → Troubleshoot
- Other troubleshooters
- Run Network and Internet
Expected result:
Windows auto-detects missing configuration.
Enable WiFi Adapter from Device Manager
Steps:
- Right-click Start → Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your wireless device → Enable
Expected result:
WiFi option instantly appears in taskbar.
Update Wireless Driver
Steps:
- Device Manager → Network adapters
- Right-click WiFi device → Update driver
- Search automatically
Expected result:
Broken or outdated driver gets replaced.
Reinstall Network Adapter
Steps:
- Device Manager → Network adapters
- Right-click WiFi device → Uninstall
- Restart PC
Expected result:
Windows reinstalls a fresh driver.
Reset Network Settings
Steps:
- Settings → Network & Internet
- Advanced network settings
- Network reset
Expected result:
All adapters restored to default state.
Check Windows Services
Steps:
- Press Win + R → type services.msc
- Find WLAN AutoConfig
- Set to Automatic → Start
Expected result:
WiFi detection becomes active again.
Roll Back Windows Update
Steps:
- Settings → Windows Update → Update history
- Uninstall updates
- Remove latest update
Expected result:
WiFi returns if update caused the issue.
WiFi Option Missing After Windows 11 Update
If your WiFi vanished right after an update, the update replaced a perfectly working driver with an incompatible one.
Your priority order:
- Roll back the update
- Install latest driver from laptop manufacturer website
- Pause updates for 1–2 weeks
That sequence works far better than randomly trying fixes.
No WiFi Option in Device Manager?
This is where most people panic — incorrectly.
If the wireless adapter is completely missing, it means:
- Driver is not installed
- Adapter is disabled in BIOS
- Hardware fault (rare)
Fix path:
- In Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices
- Scan for hardware changes
- Install official driver manually
Still not visible? Then — and only then — suspect hardware.
FAQs
Why did my WiFi disappear in Windows 11?
Because the driver stopped loading, the adapter got disabled, or a Windows update replaced a compatible driver.
How do I restore my WiFi option?
Re-enable the adapter → reinstall the driver → reset network. That order solves most cases.
Can Windows update remove WiFi?
Yes. It can install an incompatible driver and make the WiFi option vanish.
Conclusion
The WiFi option missing in Windows 11 issue is almost never permanent.
In 90% of cases, the real fix is:
Enable adapter → reinstall driver → network reset.
Don’t jump randomly between methods — follow the sequence.
Now the real engagement trigger:
Which method worked for you?
Also Read: Wifi Option Disappeared Windows 11 After Update