How to Fix Disabling and Reconnecting WiFi on a Windows 10 Laptop

Your WiFi connection issues in a Windows 10 laptop can arise from various sources. Whether it is a problem with the hardware, software, or even the network settings, a thorough troubleshooting process can help identify and resolve the issue. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you overcome these challenges.

Isolation of the Problem

First, isolate the problem to ensure it is with the computer's WiFi connection. Try connecting other devices to your WiFi network to determine if the issue is specific to your laptop. If another device can connect properly, the problem might lie with the laptop’s WiFi adapter. If other devices also have connectivity issues, the problem might be with the internet service provider (ISP) or the router. Here are some tests to conduct:

Check if another computer can access the internet through your WiFi network. Try connecting to a public WiFi or a friend’s WiFi to see if the laptop can connect. Temporarily connect your laptop to the router using an Ethernet cable to see if the internet is accessible. If it is, the issue might be with the WiFi adapter or drivers.

If the Problem is with the Laptop's WiFi Connection

Once you’ve determined that the problem is with your laptop, follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the WiFi connection:

1. Restart Your Devices

Restart your laptop. Restart your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.

2. Check WiFi Settings on Your Laptop

Ensure WiFi is turned on. Press Fn> the appropriate Function Key (e.g., Fn F2 if your laptop has a dedicated WiFi toggle key).

Go to Settings > Network Internet > WiFi and ensure the WiFi switch is turned on.

3. Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Go to Settings > Network Internet > WiFi > Manage known networks. Select your WiFi network and click Forget. Reconnect by selecting the network from the WiFi list and entering the password.

4. Run the Network Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Click Internet connections and run the troubleshooter.

5. Reset the Network

Open Settings > Network Internet > Status. Scroll down and click Network reset. Restart your laptop after the reset.

6. Update Network Drivers

Right-click on Start and select Device Manager. Expand Network adapters. Right-click on your WiFi adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless Adapter) and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

7. Check WiFi Adapter

In Device Manager, ensure your WiFi adapter is not disabled: right-click on the adapter and select Enable device if it’s disabled. If updating the driver doesn’t work, uninstall the WiFi driver: right-click the adapter, select Uninstall device, then restart your laptop. Windows will reinstall the driver.

8. Verify Network Settings

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 laptop after running these commands.

9. Check for Windows Updates

Go to Settings > Update Security > Windows Update. Install any pending updates.

10. Contact Your ISP

If other devices also have connectivity issues, the problem might be with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Call your ISP for further assistance.

After trying these steps, your WiFi issue should be resolved. If not, the WiFi adapter may be faulty, or there might be an issue with the router's compatibility with your laptop.