Fix WiFi Option Not Showing in Windows 10: Ultimate Guide

If you're facing the issue of the Wi-Fi option not showing up in Windows 10, don't worry! This guide will walk you through several methods to get your Wi-Fi settings back.

What to do if Wi-Fi Disappeared from Computer in Windows 10?​

1. Check BIOS Settings​

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC during startup).
• Navigate to the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals tab.
• Ensure that the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled.
• Save changes and exit the BIOS.

Checking the BIOS ensures that the Wi-Fi adapter is not disabled at the hardware level.

2. Turn off Wi-Fi Sense​

1. Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet.
2. Go to Wi-Fi tab and click Manage Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Locate Wi-Fi Sense and turn it off.

Wi-Fi Sense can cause Wi-Fi icon to become missing in Windows 10, but you can easily solve this by disabling Wi-Fi Sense, as presented in the above steps. After doing that, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.

3. Update Windows 10​

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Click on Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update and then Check for updates.
• Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Updating Windows can fix compatibility issues that might be causing the Wi-Fi settings to disappear.

4. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter​

• Click on Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Scroll down to Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix the issue.

The troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix network-related issues.

5. Check Device Manager​

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Network adapters category.
• Look for your wireless network adapter. If you see it, right-click and select Enable if it’s disabled.
• If it’s already enabled, right-click and select Uninstall device.
• Restart your computer to reinstall the driver automatically.

This ensures that the Wi-Fi adapter is correctly recognized and functioning.

6. Make sure that Airplane mode is turned off​

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Select Airplane mode tab.
3. Be sure to set Turn this on to stop all wireless communication option to Off to disable Airplane mode.
4. The Wi-Fi option from Wireless devices should be On.

This issue can also appear if the Airplane mode is turned on because it will stop all wireless communication, so be sure to check its status.

7. Add Legacy Hardware​

• Open Device Manager.
• Click on Action > Add legacy hardware.
• Click Next, select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced), and click Next.
• Select Network adapters and then click Next.
• Select Microsoft > Network Adapter Microsoft Hyper-V for WiFi and click Next.
• Restart your computer.

Adding legacy hardware can sometimes restore missing network adapters by forcing the system to recognize them.

8. Reset Network Settings​

• Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
• Go to Network & Internet.
• Scroll down and click Network reset.
• Click Reset now and confirm.

This will reset all network settings to their defaults, potentially fixing the issue.

9. Update Wi-Fi Adapter Driver​

• Open Device Manager (Windows + X, then select Device Manager).
• Expand the Network adapters section.
• Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
• If no updates are found, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver manually.

Updating the driver ensures that you have the latest fixes and compatibility improvements.

10. Use a USB Wi-Fi Adapter​

If all else fails, consider using a USB Wi-Fi adapter as a temporary solution. Simply plug it in, and it will typically install the necessary drivers automatically.

Using a USB Wi-Fi adapter can provide a quick workaround while you diagnose the internal Wi-Fi adapter issue.

By following these methods, you should be able to restore Wi-Fi functionality on your Windows 10 computer. Each method addresses potential causes, ensuring that you cover all bases for resolving the issue.