How to Fix Disabled WiFi Adapter on Windows 10

Dec. 12, 2024 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

fix-disabled-wifi-adapter

On Windows 10, a disabled WiFi adapter may prevent wireless connections. This guide offers methods to re-enable it and restore connectivity.

Method 1: Check for Driver Updates

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the WiFi adapter to be disabled. Updating the network adapter driver can effectively resolve this issue. Using tools like Driver Talent can save time and prevent errors when downloading or installing incorrect drivers.

Download Driver Talent

Download and install the latest version of Driver Talent. Open the software and click "Scan".
The scan will display missing or outdated drivers. Locate the wireless network adapter driver in the results and click "Download".

driver-update

After updating, restart your computer to ensure the new driver is applied correctly.

Method 2: Check Device Manager

Press Win + X and select "Device Manager".

Expand "Network Adapters" and locate your WiFi adapter (e.g., "Intel Wireless" or "Realtek Wireless").

If the adapter is disabled (indicated by a downward arrow on the icon), right-click it and select "Enable Device".

click-enable-device

Restart your computer and verify if the WiFi functionality is restored.

Method 3: Enable the WLAN AutoConfig Service

Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter to open the Services Manager.

Find "WLAN AutoConfig" in the list, then double-click to open its properties.

Set "Startup Type" to "Automatic" and click the "Start" button if the service is not running.

enable-the-WLAN-AutoConfig-service

Click "Apply" and "OK" to save the changes, then check if the WiFi functionality is restored.

Method 4: Use the Network and Sharing Center

Press Win + S, search for "Control Panel", and open it. Go to "Network and Internet "> "Network and Sharing Center".

Click "Change adapter settings" and locate the WiFi adapter.

click-change-adapter-settings

If it is disabled, right-click the adapter and select "Enable".

Verify that the adapter is working and try reconnecting to WiFi.

Method 5: Enable via Command Prompt

Press Win + S, search for "cmd", and select "Run as administrator".

In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: netsh interface show interface

Check if the WiFi adapter is listed as disabled.

If disabled, enable the adapter by running this command: netsh interface set interface "Wi-Fi" admin=enabled

Replace "Wi-Fi" with the actual name of your adapter (found in the previous step).

Try reconnecting to your WiFi network.

Method 6: Run Network Troubleshooter

Press Win + I to open "Settings" and go to "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot".

Click "Additional troubleshooters", locate "Network Adapter", and click "Run the troubleshooter".

run-network-troubleshooter

Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix WiFi adapter-related issues.