Why Does Windows Not Show Available Networks?

Windows does not show available networks when it cannot communicate with your wireless adapter. The most common causes are a disabled WiFi radio, Airplane mode being turned on, a stopped WLAN AutoConfig service, or a missing or corrupt network driver. In about 80% of cases, one of these four issues is the reason your network list is empty.

How Windows Detects WiFi Networks

Before diving into fixes, it helps to know how Windows finds networks. Your computer has a wireless network adapter, which is either built into the motherboard or plugged in through USB. This adapter sends out radio signals on the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency bands. Nearby routers and access points broadcast their network names (called SSIDs) on these same frequencies.

The WLAN AutoConfig service in Windows listens for these broadcasts and builds the list you see when you click the network icon. If anything breaks this chain, from the physical radio to the software service, the list stays empty.

Check If WiFi Is Turned On

The simplest reason for an empty network list is that WiFi is turned off. Windows and many laptops have more than one switch that can disable wireless.

Windows Quick Settings

Click the network, sound, or battery icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. This opens Quick Settings. Look for a WiFi button. If it looks grayed out or says "Off," click it to turn WiFi on. You should see networks appear within a few seconds.

Keyboard Function Keys

Many laptops from manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS have a function key that controls the wireless radio. Look at the top row of your keyboard for a key with an antenna, radio waves, or airplane icon. Press Fn plus that key to toggle wireless on or off.

Some laptops have a small LED light near this key or on the side of the case. An orange or red light often means the radio is off. A white or blue light usually means it's on.

Physical Wireless Switch

Older laptops sometimes have a physical slide switch on the front or side edge. This switch can accidentally get bumped to the off position. Look around the edges of your laptop and make sure any wireless switch is set to the on position.

Windows Settings App

Open Settings, then go to Network & Internet, then WiFi. Make sure the WiFi toggle is set to On. If the toggle is missing entirely, your adapter may be disabled in Device Manager or the driver may be missing.

Turn Off Airplane Mode

Airplane mode disables all wireless radios at once, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular. Microsoft added this feature to make it easy to comply with airline rules, but it can be triggered by accident.

• Open Quick Settings by clicking the icons in the bottom right corner of your taskbar.
• Look for an airplane icon. If it's highlighted or colored, Airplane mode is on.
• Click the airplane icon to turn Airplane mode off.
• Open Settings, go to Network & Internet, then Airplane mode and make sure the toggle is set to Off.

After turning off Airplane mode, wait about 10 seconds for the wireless adapter to start scanning again. Networks should then appear in the list.

Restart the WLAN AutoConfig Service

The WLAN AutoConfig service is responsible for finding and displaying wireless networks. If this service stops or gets stuck, Windows cannot populate the network list even if the hardware works fine.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down and find WLAN AutoConfig in the list.
4. Right click it and select Restart. If Restart is grayed out, click Start instead.
5. Double click the service to open its properties.
6. Set the Startup type to Automatic so Windows starts this service every time you boot.
7. Click OK and close the Services window.

While you're in the Services window, also check these related services and make sure they're running:

• Network Connections
• Network List Service
• Network Location Awareness

These services work together to detect and display networks. If any one of them stops, you may see problems with your network list.

Check Your Wireless Adapter in Device Manager

Device Manager shows all the hardware Windows knows about. If your wireless adapter has a problem, Device Manager will display a warning icon next to it.

1. Right click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section by clicking the arrow next to it.
3. Look for your wireless adapter. Common names include Intel Wireless, Realtek WiFi, Qualcomm Atheros, or Broadcom Network Adapter.
4. If you see a yellow triangle with an exclamation point, the adapter has a problem. Double click it to see the error message.
5. If you see a small down arrow on the icon, the adapter is disabled. Right click it and select Enable device.

Update or Reinstall the Wireless Driver

The driver is software that lets Windows communicate with your wireless hardware. Corrupt or outdated drivers are a leading cause of network problems. According to Microsoft support forums, driver issues account for roughly 30% of all WiFi connectivity complaints.

Update the Driver

1. In Device Manager, right click your wireless adapter.
2. Select Update driver.
3. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
4. Windows will check for newer versions and install them if found.
5. Restart your computer after the update completes.

Reinstall the Driver

If updating doesn't help, a clean reinstall can fix corrupted driver files:

1. In Device Manager, right click your wireless adapter.
2. Select Uninstall device.
3. Check the box that says "Delete the driver software for this device" if you see one.
4. Click Uninstall.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Windows will try to reinstall the driver automatically during startup.

Disable and Re-enable the Wireless Adapter

Sometimes the adapter gets into a stuck state where it won't scan for networks. Disabling and re-enabling it forces a reset without uninstalling anything.

1. In Device Manager, right click your wireless adapter under Network adapters.
2. Select Disable device and confirm if prompted.
3. Wait about 10 seconds.
4. Right click the adapter again and select Enable device.
5. Wait another 10 seconds, then check if networks appear.

For USB wireless adapters, you can also try unplugging the adapter, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it into a different USB port. Sometimes a specific USB port can have power delivery issues that affect the adapter.

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows includes built in diagnostic tools that can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

1. Open Settings and go to System, then Troubleshoot.
2. Click Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Network Adapter or Internet Connections and click Run.
4. Follow the on screen instructions.
5. Apply any fixes the troubleshooter suggests.

The troubleshooter can reset adapter settings, restart services, and clear cached network data automatically. It's not always successful, but it can save time when the problem is a common configuration issue.

Reset Network Settings

If individual fixes haven't worked, resetting all network settings returns Windows networking to its default state. This is more thorough than the other steps and can clear deep configuration problems.

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
3. Click Network reset.
4. Click Reset now and confirm.
5. Your computer will restart automatically.

Check Proxy and DNS Settings

Incorrect proxy or DNS settings can sometimes make Windows behave as if there are no networks. Malware sometimes changes these settings to redirect your traffic.

Disable Proxy

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet, then Proxy.
2. Turn on Automatically detect settings.
3. Turn off Use a proxy server unless your workplace requires one.
4. Turn off Use setup script unless you know you need it.

Flush DNS and Reset Network Stack

These commands clear cached network data and reset the TCP/IP stack to default values:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type each command below and press Enter after each one:
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
3. Restart your computer after running all commands.

Could the Problem Be Your Router?

If other devices also cannot see your WiFi network, the problem might be with your router or access point rather than your computer.

• Test with other devices: Check if your phone, tablet, or another computer can see the network.
• Power cycle the router: Unplug the power cable, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 2 to 3 minutes for the router to fully restart.
• Check the wireless indicator light: Most routers have a light that shows WiFi status. It should be solid or blinking. If it's off, WiFi may be disabled on the router.
• Log into the router admin page: Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Check the wireless settings to make sure WiFi is enabled.
• Check for hidden network: Some routers are set to hide the SSID. If your network is hidden, it won't appear in the list and you'll need to connect manually by typing the exact network name.

Signal Interference and Range Issues

WiFi signals can be blocked or weakened by physical obstacles and electronic interference. The 2.4 GHz band travels up to about 150 feet (45 meters) indoors under ideal conditions, while 5 GHz typically reaches only about 50 feet (15 meters) but offers faster speeds.

• Move closer to the router: Test whether networks appear when you're in the same room as the router.
• Check for interference: Microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors, and Bluetooth devices can interfere with 2.4 GHz WiFi.
• Try a different channel: Log into your router and change the WiFi channel. In crowded areas like apartment buildings, many networks compete on the same channel.
• Switch between bands: If your router offers both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, try connecting to the other band to see if it's more stable in your location.

Scan for Malware

Some types of malware disable network services or modify settings to prevent you from getting online. This can make antivirus updates and removal more difficult.

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu or Settings.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Scan options and select Full scan.
4. Click Scan now and wait for the scan to complete.
5. If threats are found, follow the prompts to remove them.
6. For stubborn malware, use the Microsoft Defender Offline scan option, which restarts your computer and scans before Windows fully loads.

When Hardware Might Be the Problem

If none of the software fixes work, your wireless adapter hardware may have failed. Wireless adapters can fail due to heat damage, power surges, or simple wear over time.

Signs of Hardware Failure

• The adapter doesn't appear in Device Manager at all, even after scanning for hardware changes.
• The adapter appears but shows persistent error codes like Code 10 or Code 43 that don't resolve after driver reinstallation.
• The computer worked fine after a fall, liquid spill, or power surge, but now the adapter is dead.

Testing with an External Adapter

The easiest way to test for hardware failure is to plug in a USB wireless adapter. These cost between $10 and $30 and work without opening your computer. If a USB adapter works perfectly while the internal one doesn't, the internal hardware has likely failed.

How to Prevent This Problem

Once your WiFi is working again, a few habits can reduce the chance of this issue returning:

• Keep Windows updated: Windows Update often includes driver updates and fixes for network issues.
• Update drivers periodically: Check your computer manufacturer's website once or twice a year for newer wireless drivers.
• Create restore points: Before making major changes, create a system restore point so you can roll back if something breaks.
• Run regular malware scans: Catching malware early prevents it from disabling network services.
• Document your settings: Take screenshots of your network configuration when everything works, so you have a reference if settings get changed.

Getting Professional Help

If you've tried all the steps above and your network list is still empty, it may be time to consult a professional. This is especially true if:

• Multiple devices in your home have the same problem, suggesting a router or ISP issue.
• Your computer shows signs of physical damage near the wireless antenna area.
• The computer is still under warranty and opening it would void coverage.
• You're not comfortable working in Device Manager or running command line tools.

Contact your computer manufacturer's support if the device is under warranty. For out of warranty systems, a local computer repair shop can diagnose whether the issue is hardware or software and recommend the most cost effective fix.

Getting Back Online

When Windows doesn't show available networks, the cause is usually one of four things: WiFi turned off, Airplane mode enabled, the WLAN AutoConfig service stopped, or a driver problem. By working through the fixes in this article from simplest to most thorough, you can identify and resolve most cases without professional help.

Start with the quick checks for switches and Airplane mode. Move on to service restarts and driver reinstallation if those don't work. Use network reset as a more thorough option, and test with external hardware if you suspect the adapter has failed. Following these steps in order will get most computers back on WiFi within minutes.