This tutorial is a complete guide to fix almost every wireless connectivity issues on a computer. If you face issues like Wireless Network not found or Windows cannot found any wireless networks, I recommend you to follow the steps provided in this guide in the same order listed here.
- Make sure there is a WiFi broadcast
If there is no broadcast, you may follow the instructions provided in the link below.
No SSID Broadcast From Access Point - Check whether WiFi adapter is configured properly.
- Start WZC
Make sure that the service Wireless Zero Configuration (for Windows XP) or WLAN AutoConfig (Later Windows versions) is started on your computer. If you do not know how to start these services, follow the instructions provided in the links below. - Refresh Wireless Network lists
This step is valid for Windows XP only.- Double click on the WiFi Icon on the system tray (a PC propagating radio signals)
- Click on View Wireless Networks
- Click on the option Refresh Network list
- Double click on the WiFi Icon on the system tray (a PC propagating radio signals)
- Delete all preferred Networks
This step too valid only for XP. If you are using later Microsoft OS versions, I recommend you to follow the instructions provided in the link below.
Delete Saved Preferred Network Profiles On Windows 8- Select " Change the order of Preferred Networks"
- Delete all the networks saved under preferred Networks
- Make Sure that the checkbox" Windows to configure my Wireless Network settings" is checked
- Click OK
- Select " Change the order of Preferred Networks"
- Disable Firewalls
Windows Firewall and third party firewalls installed on your computer may block WiFi connection. Here we need to disable Firewalls on your computer and check for the issue. Steps to disable Windows Firewall are:- Double click on the wireless Icon on the system tray(a computer propagating wireless signals)
- Click on View Wireless Networks
- Click on change advanced settings
- Click on the advanced tab
- Click on the button settings under Windows Firewall
- Select off button and click on OK.
For third-party firewalls, follow respective manuals. - Double click on the wireless Icon on the system tray(a computer propagating wireless signals)
- Unplug and reconnect WiFi Adapter (USB adapter)
If you are using USB Adapter, you should unplug it from your computer and reconnect it after 30 seconds. This might bring back the available WiFi networks. Make sure the LED on the adapter is on. - Check the presence of any Interference
There is a chance that someone is using cordless Phone or any other devices which sends a signal having the same frequency of the Access Point near to you. If so, you should ask them to switch off that device. - Restart your computer
- For Laptops
If you are using a laptop instead of a desktop computer, you can follow another guide which explains steps specifically for laptops and netbooks. Link to that tutorial is provided below.
My Laptop is Not Getting Signals and Internet - Update Adapter Driver
Outdated drivers show issues and it is very important to use the latest driver software released by the adapter manufacturer. To learn how to update driver, visit the link below.
Update Adapter Driver
