On your computer, while trying to access a wireless network, did you realize that Windows 10 does not show available WiFi networks? When you click on the WiFi icon, is the list of Wireless networks empty?
I know very well that if Windows doesn’t show the available WiFi networks it can be quite a frustrating problem, but you absolutely don’t have to worry. In the next paragraphs of this short guide, I will explain in detail how to solve this type of problem.
What to do when Windows 10 does not show available WiFi networks
PCs equipped with a wireless adapter can automatically list and show you all the WiFi networks available in its range.
If your computer is not showing WiFi networks, the problem may be caused by an incorrect setting, network card driver, or system problem. Obviously, taking into consideration a priori, that the modem/router or the peripheral to which you want to connect via WiFi works correctly and therefore the problem depends on your PC.
In these cases, the steps to take are quite simple, and in most cases, they should allow you to fix the problem within minutes. In the following paragraphs, you will find explained in detail all the operations you need to perform.
Reboot the PC
The restart of the PC closes programs and blocked processes that might cause problems with network connectivity. So, first I suggest you do a very simple restart of the PC. If this “maneuver” does not solve the problem, carry out the procedures described in the following paragraphs.
Use the Network Troubleshooter
If restarting your PC didn’t solve the problem, I suggest you use the “Network Troubleshooter” tool, here’s how:
- Log in to Windows settings by pressing ALT + I. Alternatively, click on the Start button and then click on the “Settings” icon, the one in the shape of a gear on the left, in the Start menu;
- Click on “Network and Internet” ;
- From the left side menu, select the “Status” item ;
- Click on the item “Network troubleshooting”;
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure.
Restart the network card
Windows 10 still not showing available WiFi networks? In this case, try restarting the network card.
- Keyboard press WIN + R ;
- In the Run window, type “devmgmt.msc” ;
- Click on the “OK” button or press ENTER ;
- Expand the item “Network card” ;
- Right-click on the name of the wireless card;
- Click on the item “Device Disability” ;
- Wait about 20 seconds, then right-click again on the name of the network card and then click on the item “Enable device”.
Update your network card drivers
Have the procedures seen so far not led to the desired outcome? Try updating the network card drivers.
- Press WIN + R ;
- Type “devmgmt.msc” and then click “OK” or press ENTER ;
- Expand the item “Network cards” ;
- Right-click on the name of the network card;
- Click on “Update Driver” ;
- Click on the item “Automatically search for drivers”.
Reset network settings
If you have not yet managed to solve the problem, most likely the malfunction is caused by a network setting. For this reason, I recommend that you reset the latter. Here’s how to do it:
- Press WIN + I to open Windows Settings;
- Click on “Network and Internet” ;
- From the left side menu, select the “Status” item ;
- Scroll down the page and click on “Network reset” ;
- Click on the “Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure.
IP address refresh
The problem continues to exist, try to refresh the IP address.
- Open the Command Prompt as administrator, to do so type “cmd” in the Windows search field, then click on “Run as administrator”. Alternatively, click on the Start button, open the “Windows System” folder, right-click on the “Command Prompt” item, select the “Other” item, click on the “Run as administrator” item ;
- In the Prompt window type “ipconfig/release” and press ENTER ;
- Next, type “ipconfig/renew”, then press ENTER ;
- Close the Prompt window and then restart your computer.
