Thanks to wireless routers, using the Internet is much more convenient. Wires do not get confused, and the laptop can be installed in any convenient place. However, sometimes the connection begins to junk, which causes great sadness in people who are used to spending a lot of time on the Web. Why does the Internet disappear on the laptop via WiFi? How to determine what exactly is the cause of the malfunction? Can I solve the problem myself? Let's take a closer look at what to do if WiFi is missing on a Windows 7 or 10 laptop.
How to find out what the problem is in the router
First of all, the “prime suspects” should be excluded. Therefore, if the laptop has lost WiFi, you need to try to connect to a wireless network using any other gadget. To do this, you can use a mobile phone, game console or tablet. If the wireless network signal is not present on any device, then it is safe to say that the problem lies in the router itself.
Based on this, it is easy to conclude that in a situation where the Internet will work properly on third-party gadgets, the cause of the breakdown is associated with the operation of a laptop computer.
Laptop problems
If the router works well, then you should switch directly to computer technology. On a laptop, Internet via WiFi disappears in this case for several reasons. If the laptop does not see any available connections at all, it is recommended to check if the wireless module on the laptop is disabled. As a rule, the operation of this unit is reported by the corresponding indicator light located on the laptop case. If the light does not light, and WiFi is lost on the laptop, you need to connect the module yourself.
To do this, press a certain key combination (usually Fn + F2, but it all depends on the model of the device), after which the necessary node will be forced to power on. Also on some modern laptops, the power button for the wireless connection is placed on the laptop case. In this case, it must be found and clicked.
On some laptops , the Fn key is completely absent. What to do when WiFi is missing on a Windows 10 laptop? In this case, you must go to the section called "Networks and the Internet." Next, just find the wireless tab and see if the corresponding module is enabled.
And what about those who have lost WiFi on a Windows 7 laptop? In this case, the described method will not work. Then you can connect an external keyboard to the USB port of the laptop, on which there is the treasured Fn key. If such a device is not at hand, it is recommended to use a little trick. Every system has an on-screen keyboard. To activate it, just click on the "Start" button and enter the appropriate request in the "Search". After that, it remains only to press the combination with the Fn button on the on-screen keyboard.
If the problem occurs after reinstalling Windows
If the laptop has lost WiFi, it is worth recalling your recent actions. The OS may have recently been reinstalled. In this case, sometimes all default settings are reset.
To correct the situation, it is necessary to make a hardware inclusion. It runs on the same technology for all versions of this OS. To connect the network module, it is enough:
- Go to the "Network Control Center".
- Select “Parameter Changes”.
- Find the desired wireless network name in the list that opens and right-click on it.
- Select "Enable" in the list that opens.
If the situation has not changed after these manipulations, then perhaps to answer the question “Why does the WiFi disappear on the laptop?”, It will be necessary to check the operability of the router drivers. This is a fairly common problem that can occur at any time for no apparent reason.
Check Wi-Fi driver
Regardless of the brand of the laptop, after the first connection of the router, the corresponding software is installed in the system. Based on this, it is easy to guess that the router should be in the list of devices in the “Device Manager”. It will be displayed there regardless of whether the drivers are correct. To update them, it is enough to perform just a few simple manipulations:
- Click on "My Computer" with the right mouse button.
- Select "Management" from the drop-down menu.
- Go to the "Device Manager".
- Find the section called “Network Adapters” and find the right router.
As a rule, a warning sign is displayed next to a malfunctioning module. In this case, you must right-click on it and update the current drivers.
Typically, the system finds them automatically via the Internet. However, when WiFi is gone on the laptop, it will be somewhat difficult to do. It is necessary to download drivers from the official website of the manufacturer using another device. After that, you should save the files on your computer and try again to go to the "Device Manager". Only in this case, it is advisable not to select automatic driver search, but to specify the address that will lead to the folder with the downloaded files.
Antivirus
This problem is extremely rare, but do not rule it out. Some antiviruses check the strength of the encryption of the router's signal and conclude that it is unreliable. In this case, the antivirus can block the operation of the module for security purposes. Therefore, it is recommended to add the router to exceptions. Or you can try to disable the antivirus for a few minutes and reconnect to the wireless network.
Signal Obstacles
In the case when there is no connection to the network from the moment of moving to a new apartment - most likely, something in the room blocks the operation of wireless waves. If the router is installed in a separate room, then perhaps the walls are too thick to transmit a signal or they have too massive reinforcing elements.
Everyone knows that the level of communication quality is indicated by a triangular icon, on which there are several pictures. The more of them, the better the signal. Therefore, after moving it is recommended to pick up the laptop and walk around the apartment with it. If in any place on the screen only 1-2 risks are displayed, it is better to stay away from this area. Here the signal will be just disgusting.
In addition, you should avoid other obstacles between the laptop and the router. Therefore, it is not recommended to put the router behind a TV or microwave. However, sitting too close to the router is also undesirable. It can also negatively affect the signal level.
Other possible causes of the problem
Many laptop owners love to clean them periodically. Therefore, if the problem appeared after the next procedure, most likely, during the cleaning process, the user simply touched the wireless network module. To correct the situation, it is necessary to reassemble the portable device and return the displaced element to its rightful place. It is also worth taking extra care when cleaning your laptop.
Sometimes a computer sees a router, but cannot connect to it at all. In this case, the problem may lie in the fact that the OS and router settings do not match. This usually happens when using modern routers capable of operating at 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. You need to go into the settings of the wireless network module and adjust them.
If all else fails
When everything has been tried, it remains to use the simplest tool, which often helps in a variety of situations - to restart the computer and the router itself. In this case, the router must be disconnected not only from the network cable, but also pulled out of the power supply. After you turn it back on, Internet distribution will not begin immediately, so you should wait a bit.
It is necessary to check with your Internet provider if any repairs are being carried out in the house. It can also lead to signal loss.