Today's Internet technology is at a very high level. This is manifested in the spread of wireless network connections via Wi-Fi. However, there are situations when a device designed to receive such a connection (laptop, tablet, smartphone) does not want to work in normal mode. The lack of access to the World Wide Web for modern people is worse than the "plague", so much addiction. What is the cause of the malfunction, and how can it be repaired?
The main causes of a wireless network failure
Actually, to begin the repair, you need to determine the root cause why the laptop does not see wifi.
It is worth highlighting the main categories of malfunctions:
- global problems;
- not working router (router);
- a malfunction of the wireless network module on the device;
- lack of network card drivers;
- software settings for wireless Internet in the OS.
Almost all the reasons when the wifi network is not visible on the laptop can be eliminated at home. But this must be done with extreme caution so as not to aggravate the problem.
Global Wi-Fi issues
Common problems include the complete lack of Internet on the line due to the provider (for example, preventive Internet disconnection everywhere), the limited action of the router, as a result of which there may be no signal (all transmitting devices have a limited range), as well as an external factor, for example, power outage on the central control panel of the provider company.
This is perhaps the only category of malfunctions, why the laptop does not see wifi, which the user cannot fix at home, since absolutely nothing depends on him and his devices.
What can be done if there is no wireless Internet due to the distance from the router? You can move closer to the room for a signal to appear. The fewer obstacles (walls, rooms, household appliances) between the router and the laptop, the stronger and more stable the signal.
Problems with the router
But this type of problem is already somewhat more serious, although it can also be fixed independently. First of all, you need to make sure that the router is working in normal mode. To do this, try connecting another device via Wi-Fi. If a signal is detected, then the problem is solely in the signal receiving device. If not, then somewhere there is a breakdown in the router itself.
At the first stage, you need to try simple measures - just disconnect the power from the router, wait 10-20 seconds, and then turn it on again. It happens that the router simply “freezes”, and rebooting it restores its functionality. If this does not help and the laptop still does not see wifi from the router, you need to proceed to the second option.
You need to check whether the incoming network cable is firmly inserted into the distributor. It happens that due to slight deformation, movement, the cable may move away, and as a result, the connection will not be established.
Another option, how to find out why the laptop does not see wifi, is to directly check the incoming connection. To do this, connect the main Internet cable to the device. If access appears, then the problem is somewhere inside the router or its settings.
Important! Sometimes interference with Wi-Fi can be caused by home-working appliances, such as a microwave, oven. But this is rather an exception than a rule.
Laptop malfunctions
Here the range of troubleshooting is very wide, starting with technical reasons and ending with software that can block work on the Web. As with the router, almost everything can be fixed by yourself, but you need to know where and what to look for. By the way, if it is not clear what to do if the laptop does not see wifi, then it is better to immediately take the equipment to a service center, where specialists will quickly fix the problem.
Technical reasons for the lack of Wi-Fi due to a laptop
There are several options. The most common is to disable the wireless button on the laptop keyboard. It is located in the area of the F4-F5 keys. Pressing again turns on Wi-Fi.
Another option is to turn off the toggle switch on the front of the device. In a similar way, you need to move the slider to the right position, and wireless Internet should appear. As you can see, these problems can be easily solved in a few seconds. But sometimes the reasons why the laptop does not see wifi are more serious.
For example, failure of a laptop network card. No skill and knowledge will help here if this component is burned out or does not work for another reason. Only the purchase of a new board will help, and for some time you will have to stay without the Internet.
Software issues with Wi-Fi connection
In this case, there are a lot of options for the malfunction, but most of them are eliminated very easily:
- Conflict with an antivirus program installed on a laptop. It is likely that this software simply blocks access to the network. Therefore, you should temporarily disable it and check access. If difficulties arise, how to connect the laptop to wifi with the antivirus turned off, then you need to immediately configure the antivirus, or install some other software.
- Firewall. The standard Windows network protector can also add problems, so you need to open its settings and make sure that the specified wireless Internet channel is not in the list of dangerous connections. If present, the laptop does not see wifi. You need to completely disable the firewall or remove this channel from its black list.
- Technical failure of network resources in the operating system. In this case, figuring out what to do if the laptop doesn't see wifi can be problematic. Sometimes it happens that the installation of some programs entails changes in network settings. Such a problem is especially relevant when installing work programs, cryptographs, modules that require working with secure connections, and more. If this fact takes place, then you need to identify the source of the problem, and try to make a system restore. But more on that later.
- Installation of third-party software. It is likely that a program for distributing wifi from a laptop is installed. If its settings are incorrect, the device simply turns into a distributing element, and there will be no connection on it. But this is a very rare malfunction.
- But the failure of network drivers is the most common situation among laptop owners. “Curved” installation, non-original assembly - there can be many reasons for the incorrect operation of network drivers. But the result is sad - the laptop does not see wifi, and even a wired connection is missing. And the solution is only one - removing old ones and installing official packages that can be found on the official website of the laptop manufacturer.
Operating system recovery
This, of course, is the most radical decision, and can entail a variety of consequences. Although usually system recovery simply rolls back to an earlier point in recovery. If one, of course, was done. When performing this operation, the Wi-Fi connection will also roll back to its last working state.
By the way, the difficulties encountered in connecting a laptop to wifi are also associated with the clogging of the operating system with all kinds of garbage, temporary files. As a result, all processes begin to run very slowly, conflicts arise, including in the network.
As the most difficult solution to the problem of access to the Internet via Wi-Fi - a complete reinstall of Windows. This is the last instance, when all the funds have been tried, but not one has brought the desired result.
Additional ways to connect Wi-Fi to a laptop
There are several more ways in which you can check the wireless network on your device.
The same program for distributing wifi from a laptop (to use this method you need a second laptop with such software installed on it), it will help determine the source of the malfunction. If the laptop sees handed Wi-Fi, the reason lies in the router. If not, in the device itself. This is a very good way to check which party has disconnected.
In addition, you can simply go to the Network and Sharing Center, go to the "Change adapter settings" menu. All installed adapters should appear in the window that appears, including wireless. It is likely that you just need to turn it on. Or install.
Afterword
Of course, many of those users who have computer equipment at home are quite savvy in terms of troubleshooting and troubleshooting. However, Wi-Fi is a special case, as it requires software skills. Therefore, it is better not to go deeper, but to contact repair specialists.
You can identify the source of the signal interruption, and then repair either the laptop or the router.