Manually install the WLAN driver supplied for your exact PC model rather than relying on Windows Update or Device Manager’s automatic driver search.
1. Install the manufacturer’s wireless drivers
Since Windows Update and Device Manager have already been tried, use a different computer or Ethernet/USB tethering if necessary:
- Find the exact PC model:
- Press Windows + R, enter
msinfo32, and press Enter.
- Note System Manufacturer and System Model.
- Go to that manufacturer’s support site and download, for the exact model and Windows 11:
- Chipset driver
- Wi-Fi/WLAN driver
- Any available wireless radio, hotkey, or system-interface driver
- Copy the files to the affected PC using USB.
- Install the chipset driver first, restart, then install the Wi-Fi/WLAN driver and restart again. Installing chipset support first can be necessary when Windows is not detecting the wireless hardware correctly.^1^
- Open Settings → Network & internet. Confirm that both Wi-Fi and Airplane mode are available and that Wi-Fi can be enabled.
Microsoft’s Windows guidance also recommends having the PC manufacturer’s driver available before removing or replacing an adapter driver.^2^
2. If the Wi-Fi adapter is absent from Device Manager
If Device Manager → Network adapters contains no wireless adapter—even after installing the correct chipset and WLAN packages—perform a full power drain:
- Shut down the PC completely.
- Disconnect the charger and all USB devices.
- If the battery is removable, remove it.
- Hold the physical power button for 15–30 seconds.
- Wait several minutes, reconnect power, and start the PC.
- Check Device Manager → Network adapters again.
This can restore detection when the wireless device remains in an unresponsive hardware state.^3^
If it is still absent:
- Enter the PC’s BIOS/UEFI setup and check whether WLAN, Wireless, or Internal Wi-Fi is enabled, if that setting exists.
- Check the manufacturer’s support page for a newer BIOS/UEFI release.^3^
- Follow the manufacturer’s BIOS instructions exactly and keep the PC connected to power; interrupting a BIOS update can prevent the computer from starting.
If the adapter is absent from both Windows and BIOS hardware information after these steps, contact the PC manufacturer because the wireless module or its connection may require hardware service.
3. If the adapter appears but has an error
In Device Manager → Network adapters, open the wireless adapter’s Properties:
- If Enable device is offered, select it.
- On the General tab, record any Device status/error code.
- On the Driver tab, compare the installed driver version with the manufacturer’s downloaded version.
- If an Unknown device appears under Other devices, open Properties → Details → Hardware Ids. Use that identifier on the PC manufacturer’s support site to select the correct WLAN package.^1^
4. Network reset only if the adapter is detected
Use this only when the wireless adapter appears normally in Device Manager but Windows still cannot expose or use Wi-Fi:
- Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.
- Select Reset now → Yes.
- Allow Windows to restart.
Network reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and returns their settings to defaults. VPN clients or virtual-switch software may need to be configured again afterward.^4^
If Wi-Fi returns but only Internet access fails, run Windows 11’s Network and Internet troubleshooter through the Get Help app.^2^
References
- Missing Drivers After Fresh Windows 11 Installation - Microsoft Q&A
- Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
- Missing Wifi Adapter - Microsoft Q&A
- [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)