Most computers today rely on an Internet connection. Some apps work offline, but eventually you need that Wi-Fi. Especially in these times when most of the workforce is moving away. One of the most common problems faced by users is Windows 10 not detecting Wi-Fi network.
I don’t know if it’s more frustrating or worrying. Everyone would want their computers to be connected to Wi-Fi for work or play. Are you that person too? Let’s take a look at all the troubleshooting steps we can take to fix the problem.
1. Reset TCP/IP
Stage 1: Search for and open Command Prompt (CMD) from the Start menu with administrator rights.
Step 2: Issue the following command.
netsh int ip reset
Stage 3: To troubleshoot the network adapter, close CMD and follow the steps in the next point.
Here is another set of commands that can help your computer detect and connect to Wi-Fi:
ipconfig /release
and
ipconfig /renew
Enter these two commands one at a time. What they will do is release the existing DHCP-assigned IP address and assign a new one.
Are you encountering the ‘Wi-Fi Does Not Have a Valid IP Configuration’ pop-up error? Give the following commands one by one.
netsh winsock reset ipconfig /release netsh int ip reset ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
2. Troubleshoot Network and Internet Issues
Stage 1: Press the Windows key + I shortcut to open Settings and look for two options, one at a time:
- Find and fix network problems
- Find and fix problems with your network adapter
Step 2: The steps will remain the same for both. Therefore, I will only show one of them. Select one of the troubleshooting options and select Apply repairs automatically and click Next.
Stage 3: After that, follow the on-screen instructions to see if it fixes the problem. If the problem persists, repeat the same steps for the other troubleshooting option.
To wait. There is another troubleshooting option released with the launch of the Creators Update. For some reason it doesn’t show up in the search results.
Stage 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Internet Connections.
Step 2: Click on Run the troubleshooter to start the process and after that follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Change Network Name/SSID and Password
I can’t give you specific steps for this solution as it will vary by the make and model of your router. All you have to do is connect to the internet with an ethernet cable, enter the router’s IP address in the browser (something like 198.168.1.1), log in and change the login information. You can also refer to the router’s manual for more details.
4. Forget the Network
Stage 1: Simple solution for Windows 10 not detecting Wi-Fi network error. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and click Manage known networks.
Step 2: Click once on the name of your Wi-Fi network and select Forget.
Note that you will need to reconnect to the Wi-Fi network for which you will need the password. Make sure you have it.
5. Troubleshoot DHCP Issues
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a process that Windows uses to configure and assign an IP address to a compatible wireless device. This includes your computer. Let’s check if the service is active.
Stage 1: Search for and open View network connections.
Step 2: Right-click the network adapter you are using and select Diagnose.
This should re-enable the process if it was disabled for some reason.
Stage 3: If that doesn’t work, you can try to manually set your IP address. In the same menu, choose Properties instead of Diagnose.
Step 4: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
Step 5: Select ‘Use the following IP address’ and enter the values. You can try the following values for Google Public DNS. If things don’t work out, talk to your ISP.
Save all the settings and check if your Windows 10 computer is now detecting the Wi-Fi network. You can always revert to default if things don’t work out.
Note: Changing the number of users on your DHCP might help. The upper limit is 50 and going above it can cause errors like the one you’re encountering. You will need to check your router’s manual to find out how to change this.
6. Disable Firewall/Antivirus
Maybe it’s the firewall that’s messing up your Wi-Fi connection.
Stage 1: Open Control Panel and search for Windows Defender Firewall and open it.
Step 2: Select ‘Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off’ from the sidebar.
Stage 3: You can turn off Windows Defender, but only do so temporarily until you resolve the error.
If it’s already turned off because you’re using an antivirus, turn off the antivirus. You may need to restart your computer once.
I recommend checking for malware using Malwarebytes.
7. Update Network Drivers
Stage 1: Open Device Manager from the start menu. You can also launch it from a hidden menu that reveals itself when you press the Windows key + X shortcut.
Step 2: Double-click the Network adapters heading and right-click your adapter to select Update driver.
Here is a detailed guide on updating drivers in case you run into problems. It will teach you how to uninstall and reinstall the driver because that sometimes works.
8. Channel Width
Some users suggested that setting the channel width value to Automatic helped them fix Windows 10 computer not detecting Wi-Fi network error. It doesn’t hurt to try and you can change it later.
Stage 1: Open Network Connections again from the start menu. Right click on the network name to select Properties like last time, but this time click on Configure.
Step 2: You should set it to Automatic, but sometimes this option is missing. In this case, you will need to try a few options to see if one of them helps. Note the default settings before making changes.
There may be too many routers in your area using the same channel width and thus blocking network airwaves. Changing your channel can help.
For reference purposes:
- 802.11a/ac uses the 5 GHz band.
- 802.11b/g uses the 2.4 GHz band.
- 802.11n uses the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands.
9. Power Management
The network adapter needs power to work its magic. The power management settings of the Windows 10 computer may be turning off the power supply to save battery juice.
Stage 1: Open Device Manager again from the start menu and right-click on your network adapter to select Properties. This time select the Power Management tab.
Step 2: Uncheck ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ and save the settings. Restart the computer and check again.
10. Delete Wireless Profile
A bug or error may be responsible for the corruption of the wireless profile.
Stage 1: If you have administrator rights, open CMD again from the Start menu and issue the following command.
netsh wlan delete profile name=WirelessProfileName
Step 2: Replace ‘WirelessProfileName’ with your network name and press Enter. When done, you will reconnect to your network from scratch and Windows will automatically create a new profile.
11. Enable SSID Broadcast
The router broadcasts the SSID or name of the network to nearby devices and this is how you connect your laptop and smartphones to the network.
Stage 1: Open a new tab in the browser and open the router’s IP address, which is usually 198.168.1.1 but may be different in your case, and login.
Step 2: Usually, you will find the Enable SSID Broadcast option under Wireless Settings. After saving the settings, you will need to restart the computer.
12. Open WLAN AutoConfig Service
Stage 1: Search for and open the Services app.
Step 2: Locate WLAN AutoConfig in the list and right click to select Properties.
Stage 3: Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic. If necessary, save the changes and restart the computer.
Step 4: Here is a list of other services. Values are indicated in parentheses. Make sure it mirrors the same to your computer.
- Network Location Awareness (Automatic)
- Network List Service (Manual)
- Windows Event Log (Automatic)
- Windows Update (Manual)
13. Open Network Discovery
Stage 1: Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
Step 2: Click on Change advanced sharing settings.
Stage 3: Network Discovery should be turned on here. If not, do it and save the changes.
HiFi on Wi-Fi
There are many things that can go wrong with a Wi-Fi network. For example, Microsoft has written a short guide for Surface users. If you have it, it might work for you. Check it. We consider such services natural, without appreciating all the technical features required to make them work. After fixing the Wi-Fi network detection error, I’m sure you’ll understand.
Next: Click the link below to learn more about the Wi-Fi Sense feature in Windows 10 and what you need to know about it.