Windows Won't Connect to Wi-Fi: Step-by-Step Fix
Fix the most common wireless connection problems on Windows 10 and 11.
Windows cannot connect to your Wi-Fi. First things first: if you do connect but see an exclamation mark next to the icon, that is a different and somewhat more specific problem — our guide on the Wi-Fi icon with an exclamation mark covers it. This article is for when you cannot connect at all.
1. Basic checks
- Confirm Wi-Fi is turned on (Action Centre or Settings → Network & Internet).
- Confirm airplane mode is off.
- Check whether other devices do connect to that same network — if they cannot either, the problem is with the router, not your PC.
2. If no network appears available at all
First confirm whether it is a problem only with your PC (other devices do see networks) or with the whole area (no one sees anything, perhaps due to a brief power cut). If it is only your PC, update the network adapter's driver: Device Manager → "Network adapters" → right-click yours → "Update driver".
3. If it rejects the password even though it's correct
- Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → "Manage known networks".
- Select the network → "Forget" (stop remembering the network).
- Connect again from scratch, typing the password carefully.
This creates a new connection profile, removing any saved data that could be corrupted or outdated (for example, if you recently changed the router's password).
4. Restart network services
Search for "Services" in Windows → find "Network Connections" → right-click → "Restart".
5. The network adapter could be damaged
If none of the above works and you suspect the Wi-Fi adapter itself may be failing (for example, on a laptop that has been dropped or is very old), an external USB Wi-Fi adapter is an affordable alternative that avoids relying on the internal hardware while you decide whether to repair or replace the machine.
Tip: if the problem started right after a Windows update or installing something new, a system restore to an earlier point usually fixes it without needing to diagnose anything more specific.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if the problem is with my PC or the router?
Try connecting another device (phone, tablet) to the same network. If that other device connects normally, the problem is with your PC. If it cannot connect either, the problem is with the router or the network in general.
Why does Windows reject my Wi-Fi password if I'm sure it's correct?
It is usually due to a saved, outdated connection profile (for example, if you changed the router's password recently). Forgetting the network and reconnecting from scratch usually fixes it.
Do I need to buy a USB adapter if my internal Wi-Fi is failing?
It is a reasonable and affordable option if you suspect a hardware fault in the internal adapter, while you decide whether to repair the machine or not — it is not mandatory, but it is a practical, quick fix.