You install a Windows 11 update, restart your laptop, and suddenly… no WiFi networks are showing. The WiFi icon might be missing. Or it shows “Not connected” with zero available networks. Everything worked perfectly before the update — and now you’re stuck offline.
If you’re facing the Windows 11 WiFi not showing networks after update fix situation, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common post-update issues users experience. The good news? In most cases, the solution is simple — and you can fix it yourself without reinstalling Windows.
This guide will walk you through practical, step-by-step solutions that actually work.
Why Does Windows 11 WiFi Not Show Networks After an Update?
Windows updates often modify system files, drivers, and network configurations. While these updates improve security and performance, they can sometimes:
- Replace or corrupt your WiFi driver
- Disable the wireless adapter
- Reset network settings
- Cause compatibility issues with older WiFi cards
- Turn off required services like WLAN AutoConfig
In short, the update doesn’t “remove” your WiFi — it usually breaks the connection between Windows and your wireless adapter.
Quick Fix Summary (Try These First)
Before diving deep, try these quick checks:
- Restart your PC (yes, again)
- Toggle Airplane mode ON and OFF
- Restart your router
- Check if WiFi is disabled in Settings
- Run Windows Network Troubleshooter
If WiFi networks still don’t appear, follow the step-by-step solutions below.
How to Fix Windows 11 WiFi Not Showing Networks After Update
1. Check If the WiFi Adapter Is Disabled
Sometimes updates disable the wireless adapter.
- Press Windows + R
- Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
- Look for your WiFi adapter
- If it says “Disabled,” right-click and choose Enable
Wait a few seconds and check if networks appear.
2. Restart WLAN AutoConfig Service
If this service stops, Windows won’t detect wireless networks.
- Press Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Find WLAN AutoConfig
- Right-click → Click Restart
- Set Startup Type to Automatic
This alone fixes many cases of WiFi missing after Windows 11 updates.
3. Update or Roll Back the WiFi Driver
Driver conflicts are the most common reason for this issue.
To Update Driver:
- Right-click Start → Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your wireless adapter
- Select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically
If the problem started after update, try Roll Back:
- Right-click wireless adapter
- Click Properties
- Go to Driver tab
- Click Roll Back Driver (if available)
Restart your PC and check again.
4. Reinstall the WiFi Driver (Clean Method)
If updating doesn’t work, reinstall it completely.
- Open Device Manager
- Right-click wireless adapter
- Select Uninstall device
- Check “Delete the driver software” if available
- Restart PC
Windows will reinstall a fresh driver automatically.
5. Perform a Network Reset
This resets all network components.
- Open Settings
- Go to Network & Internet
- Click Advanced network settings
- Select Network reset
- Click Reset now
Your PC will restart. After reboot, check for available WiFi networks.
6. Enable WiFi in BIOS (Rare but Possible)
Some updates affect BIOS settings.
- Restart PC
- Press F2, F10, or DEL (depends on manufacturer)
- Find Wireless or Internal Devices
- Ensure WiFi is Enabled
Save changes and exit.
7. Run Command Prompt Network Repair
This resets TCP/IP and network stack.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run these commands one by one:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your computer afterward.
Advanced Fixes If WiFi Networks Still Don’t Show
1. Install Driver from Manufacturer Website
Windows drivers aren’t always the best. Visit your laptop brand’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) and download the exact WiFi driver for your model.
Install it manually and restart.
2. Uninstall the Latest Windows Update
If the issue appeared immediately after updating:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update
- Click Update history
- Select Uninstall updates
- Remove the most recent update
This can instantly restore your WiFi networks.
3. Check for Hidden Network Mode
If your router is set to hidden SSID, networks won’t appear automatically.
Try manually connecting:
- Go to WiFi settings
- Select Add Network
- Enter SSID and password manually
Prevention Tips for Future Windows Updates
- Create a restore point before major updates
- Keep WiFi drivers updated from manufacturer site
- Avoid force shutdown during updates
- Don’t use third-party driver booster tools
- Pause updates temporarily if system is stable
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Immediately reinstalling Windows (usually unnecessary)
- Resetting BIOS without checking adapter first
- Using random drivers from unofficial websites
- Ignoring Device Manager warnings
- Blaming router without testing other devices
FAQ – Windows 11 WiFi Not Showing Networks After Update
1. Why did my WiFi disappear after Windows 11 update?
Most commonly due to a driver conflict or disabled wireless adapter. Updates sometimes replace drivers with incompatible versions.
2. How do I reinstall WiFi driver on Windows 11?
Open Device Manager → Network adapters → Right-click WiFi → Uninstall → Restart PC. Windows will reinstall it automatically.
3. Can a Windows update permanently damage WiFi hardware?
No. Updates affect software and drivers. Hardware failure is rare and unrelated to updates in most cases.
4. Why is WLAN AutoConfig important?
This service detects and connects to wireless networks. If it stops running, no WiFi networks will appear.
5. Should I uninstall the latest Windows 11 update?
If the issue started immediately after updating and other fixes fail, uninstalling the update is a valid temporary solution.
6. What if WiFi option is missing completely?
This usually means the adapter is disabled, driver is corrupted, or not recognized by Windows. Check Device Manager first.
7. Does network reset delete saved WiFi passwords?
Yes. Network reset removes saved WiFi networks and VPN settings.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 11 WiFi not showing networks after update fix problem looks serious — but in most cases, it’s just a driver or service issue. By following the step-by-step solutions above, you can restore your wireless networks without reinstalling Windows or calling technical support.
Start with simple fixes. Move to advanced steps only if necessary. And always keep your drivers updated directly from your device manufacturer for long-term stability.
With the right approach, your WiFi will be back in minutes.
