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10 Ways to Fix a Wireless Adapter or Access Point Error Message

Turn on your wireless adapter, check the configuration, forget the network, and reconnect. You can also try rebooting or resetting your network equipment

  • Northwestern University

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Reasons Why This Message Occurs
  • Solutions to Try
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Few things are more frustrating than not having network connectivity when you really need it. One of the most irritating indicators of this is the Windows “problem with wireless adapter or access point” error message, chiefly because it gives users no clear place to start troubleshooting.

Causes of Wireless Adapter Problems and Access Point Error Message

While there are a variety of specific causes for this kind of connectivity error, which you will have to determine by a systematic process of elimination, they generally have to do with either problems with your OS interacting with the access point, or problems with the access point offering up the network to client devices (like your Windows device).

Most problems originate on the desktop Windows side of the connection, and could be anything from the software misinterpreting the connection somehow, or hardware like the wireless card not being activated properly.

There are less problems on the access point side, on account of its relative simplicity compared to a desktop device, but there can still be a breakdown there, such as the network not being properly broadcast.

How to Fix Problem With Wireless Adapter and Access Point Error

There are an immense number of connectivity issues that may produce this error, but here are some of the most common causes you’re likely to encounter and how to address them.

Make sure your wireless adapter is on . Checking to see if your wireless adapter is turned off, or if you left Airplane Mode enabled, is a quick and easy first step in troubleshooting. Not only is it good to rule out this possibility early, but you’d be surprised how often this ends up being the source of the issue.

Disconnect and reconnect to the wireless network . Sometimes your device just needs to have another try at connecting to the network. This is especially common when the network of the access point you’re connected to has a landing page that requires users to sign in since it’s easy for the portal page to get dropped or not load properly. Starting over gives it a fresh chance to deliver the landing page so you can sign on and be on your way.

Check the configuration of the wireless network connection . It's possible the access point is expecting your device to handle the connection one way, only for your device to configure the connection a different way. For example, your device’s connection profile for the network might specify the wrong security encryption .

Forget the wireless network and connect again from scratch . This is helpful especially if you’ve had a network saved for a long time, but it has since changed its network encryption or some other property.

Reboot your access point . It could be the case that your Windows 10 device is working properly, but the router or access point hosting the network has entered a failure state at some point. Your best bet for fixing this is to power cycle the router, giving your access point the best chance to start fresh and re-establish its proper working configuration.

Make sure all your drivers are updated . Wireless interface drivers are constantly receiving updates to add functionality or repair existing functionality. If you miss these updates, Windows 10 may be incapable of running the device’s network interface properly and communicating with the access point’s network hardware.

Renew your IP address . Refreshing the IP address resets the underlying IP connection, which can fix common IP-related issues.

Disable antivirus software. If you run an antivirus program, it could be interfering with your connection.

Reset your router . Restoring your network equipment to its default settings can clear up problems with your router's configuration.

Consider buying a new modem . It may be time to upgrade your network equipment. Check with your ISP first to make sure you get one that is compatible with their service.

Unplug your router and modem, wait 15-20 seconds, then plug them back in to reestablish a Wi-Fi connection. If you're still having trouble connecting, you may need to reset your Wi-Fi adapter .

If your wireless printer is offline , power cycle the printer, check the network connection status, and make sure the printer is set as the default. Delete any open print jobs and reinstall the printer if you still have problems.

If your modem keeps resetting , check the power and cable connections, make sure your modem isn't overheating, then update the firmware and reset your modem. If the problem persists, contact your ISP and ask them to check your connection.

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  • How to & Guides , Windows

Problem With Wireless Adapter or Access Point

  • November 5, 2022
  • By chaitanya

Losing the internet connection is a regular part of browsing the web on your computer. More often than not, the problem arises from the local internet service provider, and hence, it gets fixed quickly. However, there are times when the connectivity issue can originate from your computer side. The most common thing that almost all Windows users do is run Windows Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter.

Once the diagnostic is complete, you might come across the message “problem with wireless adapter or access point” in most cases. What does this message imply, and what steps should you take to fix the problem? In this article, we will state the causes behind the problem and illustrate the methods to fix the problem successfully.

What Is An Access Point And  Wireless Adapter?

The wireless adapter is responsible for connecting your computer to a wireless network. Every laptop comes with a built-in wireless adapter through which you can connect to Wi-Fi networks. For desktop users, they have to purchase a wireless adapter separately in most cases to get wireless connection.

The access point is responsible for connecting a router via a LAN cable and transmitting Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, the access point is responsible for creating a wireless local area network. Hence, it is useful for an office, a home or a large building. For a wired router, the access point connects to the router via LAN cable, but in a wireless router, the access comes as an integral component.

What Is The Reason Behind “Problem With Wireless Adapter or Access Point”?

The “problem with wireless adapter or access point” message implies that the wireless adapter or the access point is preventing your computer from an internet connection. There are several causes behind this message from Windows Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter.

It could be an issue with wireless drivers, wireless connectivity, and wireless profile. Besides, the antivirus could be blocking the connectivity, and the outdated Windows version could be making the drivers malfunction. Moreover, certain IP services could be malfunctioning that are leading to connectivity issues.

How To Fix The Issue?

Since you cannot pinpoint the exact reason behind the problem, you have to try out the solutions one by one. Here are the possible solutions to fix the problem and get back your internet connection again.

1. Update Wireless Drivers

The most common solution that works in most cases is to update your wireless drivers. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Press Windows + X keys together.

Step 2: From the menu, click on Device Manager .

Step 3: Once Device Manager opens, click on Network Adapters.

Step 4: From the expanded list, select your network adapter and right-click on it.

Step 5: From the menu, click on Update Driver option .

Windows will search for the latest driver and update it instantly .

Thereafter, restart your computer and see if the problem is solved.

2. Go For A Wired Network Connection

You should definitely try out a wired network connection to ensure that the issue is not with your router. Most routers offer wired connection through LAN cable. Therefore, if you cannot connect to Wi-Fi network, you should try out the wired connection just for satisfaction even though it is not your endgame. If the problem still exists, this means the problem is with your router.

3. Delete Your Profile

Sometimes, deleting your wireless profile resets the connection and reconfigures the network. You should definitely try out this method and here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Click on Start menu button and type “ cmd ”.

Step 2: When Command Prompt appears on the start menu, right-click on it.

Step 3: From the menu, select “ Run as administrator ” option.

Step 4: When command prompt opens, type netsh wlan delete profile name=” You Wireless Profile Name “. Replace “ Your Wireless Profile Name ” with your real wireless profile name. Press Enter key.

Now, you can reconnect the network and reconfigure your profile and see if the solved is solved.

4. Check Your Password

When you are connecting to a wireless network, you need to enter the password set by the admin to get permission to use the network. If you do not enter the password correctly, there will be no connection established. Besides, if the admin changes the password in the middle of a connection and resets all the connections established, you can get disconnected, and the issue can occur. Therefore, you have to ensure that you have entered the correct password.

5. Reset Winsock

Your web browser, your antivirus software and your VPN application can make changes Winsock. Winsock is responsible for handling input and output requests for internet connection in Windows. If the entries in Winsock become corrupt or damaged by any means, you can face the issue you are facing right now. Here are the steps to reset.

Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together.

Step 2: Type “ cmd ” in the Run dialog box and press Enter key.

Step 3: The Command Prompt will open and you need to type “ netsh winsock reset ” and press Enter key again.

Step 4: Type the follow commands as well and press Enter key after typing each one of them.

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

ipconfig /flushdns

6. Check Wireless Adapter Status

Sometimes, your wireless adapter can get disabled for whatsoever reason. You have to ensure that it is running so that the connectivity issue should not occur. If it is disabled, the connection cannot be established. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Press Windows and X keys together or right-click on the Taskbar.

Step 2: From the menu, select Device Manager option.

Step 3: Once Device Manager opens, double-click on Wireless Adapter to open its properties.

Step 4: Click on Driver tab and look for Disable or Enable button.

Step 5: If it is showing Enable button, it means the wireless adapter is not turned on. Click on Enable button. If it is showing Disable, you should click on Disable button and, thereafter, click on Enable button again.

7. Uninstall Antivirus Software

Antivirus software is always a necessary evil. It is the culprit behind certain software and hardware not working properly. This is because antivirus software has the permission to block any software service and driver, whichever it deems not satisfying its parameters. In fact, antivirus software can be a hindrance to the wireless connection and mess with wireless adapter and access point.

There are many users who have reported that once they removed the antivirus software from their computers, the issue has resolved magically. You can keep Windows Security app turned on for optimal protection. To uninstall antivirus in Windows 11, go to Settings> Apps> Apps and Features. Select the antivirus software and click on Uninstall button.

8. Change Wi-Fi Credentials

Some users have reported that if you change the username and password of your Wi-Fi connection, the issue gets fixed automatically. If you are wondering how to change the credentials, there is no definite way. This is because the steps to change Wi-Fi connect credentials vary from one router to another. Therefore, you should go through the user manual of your router to find out how to make the changes.

9. Reset The Router

There are times when resetting the router can work wonders. This is because when you reset your router, the connection is re-established, and the temporary changes in settings are removed. That is why every router comes with Reset button. You can even open router settings from your computer, and you will find a reset option. You can even check the manual to find out how to reset your router.

10. Update Your Windows Version

The last option you have to try out is to update your Windows version if any update is available. With every new update, Windows comes with the latest drivers and fixes for hardware bugs that can solve your issue. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Go to start menu and search for “Settings ”. Open Settings app.

Step 2: Click on Windows Update option from the left panel.

Step 3: Click on Check for updates button . If any latest version is available, you should update your system by following the on-screen instructions.

Conclusion:

The “problem with wireless adapter or access point” issue is very common. You should not panic and purchase a new router or get a new internet connection. We have provided you with steps by steps solutions that can fix the issue immediately. You should try them out, and thereafter, you can get the help of a nearby network expert to fix the problem.

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how do i fix problem with wireless adapter or access point

Top Contributors in Windows 11: RAJU.MSC.MATHEMATICS  -  questions_  -  Ramesh Srinivasan  -  Horace Wiggins  -  neilpzz 👏

November 15, 2023

Top Contributors in Windows 11:

RAJU.MSC.MATHEMATICS  -  questions_  -  Ramesh Srinivasan  -  Horace Wiggins  -  neilpzz 👏

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Ongoing problem with wireless adapter or access point - Windows 11 Pro

Hi everyone, my laptop has Windows 11 Pro and it has this ongoing problem. Every three or four days, the laptop (Lenovo thinkbook) stops recognizing wifi networks. I have to start the troubleshooting tool to fix it. Does anybody know if there is a permanent solution to this issue? Sometimes, I am in the middle of a meeting and it takes time to run the troubleshooting.

Thank you for your help!

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David-M.

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9 people found this reply helpful

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Thanks for your feedback.

I am having the same issue with my hp desktop.

ALL of my OTHER devices (IPhone, IPad, Macbook Pro) have NO issues with connectivity.

NONE of my devices are hardwired to the modem.

So, it's apparently only an issue with my Windows 11.

10 people found this reply helpful

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how do i fix problem with wireless adapter or access point

Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows

Troubleshooting network problems in windows.

If you can’t get email, browse the web, or stream music, chances are you’re not connected to your network and can’t get onto the internet. To fix the problem, here are some things you can try.

Things to try first

Try these things first to help you fix or narrow down the connection problem.

Run Get Help to troubleshoot and fix common connection problems. Right click the network icon in the right side of the taskbar and select Diagnose network problems or open  Get Help for Network & Internet

Make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on. Select the No internet icon  on the right side of the taskbar, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. If it isn't, select it to turn it on. Also, make sure  Airplane mode  is turned off.

Select Manage Wi-Fi connections ( > ) on the Wi-Fi quick setting, see if a Wi-Fi network you recognize and trust appears in the list of networks. If it does, select the Wi-Fi network, and they try to connect to it. If it says  Connected  underneath the network name, select  Disconnect , wait a moment, and then select  Connect  again.

Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer Wi-Fi routers broadcast at two different network frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These will appear as separate networks in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If your list of available Wi-Fi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network. To learn more about the differences between 2.4 GHz networks and 5 GHz networks, check out  Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Make sure the physical Wi‑Fi switch on your laptop is turned on. (An indicator light usually shows when it's on.)

Restart your modem and wireless router. This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider (ISP). When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected. The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps.

Note:  If you have a cable modem/Wi-Fi router combo device, you only need to follow the steps for the single device.

Unplug the power cable for the router from the power source.

Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source.   Some modems have a backup battery. If you unplug the modem and lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

Wait at least 30 seconds or so. If you had to remove the battery from the modem, put it back in.

Plug the modem back into the power source. The lights on the modem will blink. Wait for them to stop blinking.

Plug your router back into the power source. Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to fully power on. You can usually tell when they’re ready by looking at the status lights on the two devices.

On your PC, try to connect again.

Narrow down the source of the problem

Connection problems can be due to a variety of reasons—problems with the website, your device, the Wi-Fi router, modem, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Try the following steps to help narrow down the source of the problem.

If the "Wi-Fi connected" icon  appears on the right side of the taskbar, visit a different website. If the website opens, there might be a problem with the specific website. If you can't connect to another website, go to the next step.

On another laptop or phone, try to connect to the same network. If you can connect, the source of the problem is likely due to your device—go to the section  Network troubleshooting on your device . If you can't connect to the network on any device, continue to the next step.

Check to see if there is a problem with the connection to your Wi-Fi router. Do this by using a ping test.

Select Search on the taskbar, and type  command prompt . The  Command Prompt  button will appear. To the right of it, select  Run as administrator  >  Yes .

At the command prompt, type  ipconfig , and then select  Enter . Look for the name of your Wi-Fi network within the results, and then find the IP address listed next to  Default gateway  for that Wi-Fi network.  Write down that address if you need to.  For example:  192.168.1.1

At the prompt, type  ping <DefaultGateway>  and then select  Enter .   For example, type  ping 192.168.1.1  and select  Enter .   The results should be something like this:

Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64

Ping statistics for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:  Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 5ms, Average = 4ms

If you see results like this and are getting a reply, then you have a connection to your Wi-Fi router, so there might be a problem with your modem or ISP. Contact your ISP or check online on another device (if you can) to see if there's a service outage.

If the results of the ping test indicate that you are not getting a reply from the router, try connecting your PC directly to your modem by using an Ethernet cable (if you can). If you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable, it confirms the connection problem is due to the Wi-Fi router. Make sure you've installed the latest firmware and see the documentation for your router.

Network troubleshooting on your device

Run network commands

Try running these network commands to manually reset the TCP/IP stack, release and renew the IP address, and flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache:

At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order, and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

Type  netsh winsock reset  and select   Enter .

Type  netsh int ip reset  and select  Enter .

Type  ipconfig /release  and select  Enter .

Type  ipconfig /renew  and select  Enter .

Type  ipconfig /flushdns  and select  Enter .

Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart

If the previous steps didn’t work, try to uninstall the network adapter driver, and then restart your computer. Windows will automatically install the latest driver. Consider this approach if your network connection stopped working properly after a recent update.

Before uninstalling, make sure you have drivers available as a backup. Visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC can't connect to the internet, you'll need to download a driver on a different PC and save it to a USB flash drive so you can install the driver on your PC. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Select Search on the taskbar, type  device manager , and then select  Device Manager  from the list of results.

Expand  Network adapters , and locate the network adapter for your device.

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), and then select  Uninstall device  > check the  Attempt to remove the driver for this device  check box >  Uninstall .

After uninstalling the driver, select Start  >  Power  >  Restart .

After your PC restarts, Windows will automatically look for and install the network adapter driver. Check to see if that fixes your connection problem. If Windows doesn't automatically install a driver, try to install the backup driver you saved before uninstalling.

Check if your network adapter is compatible with the latest Windows Update

If you lost your network connection immediately after upgrading to or updating Windows 11, it's possible that the current driver for your network adapter was designed for a previous version of Windows. To check, try temporarily uninstalling the recent Windows Update:

Select Start  >  Settings  >   Windows Update  >  Update history  > Uninstall updates .

Select the most recent update, then select  Uninstall .

If uninstalling the most recent update restores your network connection, check to see if an updated driver is available:

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), then select  Update driver  > Search automatically for updated driver software , and then follow the instructions.

After installing the updated driver, select Start  >  Power  > Restart  if you're asked to restart, and see if that fixes the connection issue.

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Do one of the following:

If you couldn’t download and install a newer network adapter driver, hide the update that’s causing you to lose your network connection. To learn how to hide updates, see  Hide Windows Updates or driver updates .

If you could successfully install updated drivers for your network adapter, then reinstall the latest updates. To do this, select Start  >  Settings  >  Windows Update > Check for updates .

Use network reset

Using network reset should be the last step you try. Consider using it if the steps above don’t help to get you connected.

This can help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It can also help to fix the problem where you can connect to the internet, but can't connect to shared network drives. Network reset removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults.

Select Start  >  Settings  >  Network & internet  >  Advanced network settings > Network reset . Open Network & Internet Status settings

On the  Network reset  screen, select  Reset now  >  Yes  to confirm.

Wait for your PC to restart, and see if that fixes the problem.

After using network reset, you might need to reinstall and set up other networking software you might be using, such as VPN client software or virtual switches from Hyper‑V (if you're using that or other network virtualization software).

Network reset might set each one of your known network connections to a public network profile. In a public network profile, your PC is not discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network, which can help make your PC more secure. However, if your PC is used for file or printer sharing, you’ll need to make your PC discoverable again by setting it to use a private network profile. To do this, select Start  >  Settings  >  Network & internet  >  Wi-Fi . On the  Wi-Fi  screen, select  Manage known networks  > the network connection you want to change. Under  Network profile type , select  Private .

Additional troubleshooting steps

Check your Wi-Fi settings

Wi-Fi adapter manufacturers might have different advanced settings you can change based on your network environment or connection preferences.

Check the Wireless Mode setting for your network adapter and make sure it matches the capabilities of the network you’re trying to connect to. If it doesn’t match, you won’t be able to connect, and the network might not appear in the list of available networks. The Wireless Mode will often be set to Auto or something similar by default, which enables connection for every kind of network that’s supported.

To find the wireless mode setting

In Device Manager, select  Network adapters , and then double-click the network adapter name.

Select the  Advanced  tab and look for a  Wireless Mode  setting. Make sure it’s set to the mode your network is using.

Wi-Fi profile settings

Windows uses the Wi-Fi profile to save the settings that are needed to connect to a Wi-Fi network. These settings include the network security type, key, network name (SSID), and so on. If you can’t connect to a Wi-Fi network that you could connect to before, it’s possible that the network settings might have changed or the profile is corrupted.

To fix this, remove (or "forget") the network connection, then reconnect to the network. When you forget a network connection, it removes the Wi-Fi network profile from your PC.

To forget a network

Select Start  > Settings  >  Network & internet .

Select  Wi-Fi , then select  Manage known networks .

Select the network you want to forget, then select  Forget .

Afterwards, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and try to reconnect to the network to renew the network connection.

Check your home layout

Your Wi-Fi network might be affected by the network's frequency band, channel congestion, and/or signal strength.  For more info, see  Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Check for additional symptoms for the "No internet connection" icon.

There may be additional troubleshooting steps you can try, depending on which symptoms you're having. To view these steps, check out  Wi-Fi connection icons and what they mean .

Related topics

Setting up a wireless network

How to find your wireless network password

Analyze the wireless network report

Wi-Fi tools and apps

Make a Wi-Fi network public or private in Windows

No Internet connection

Afterwards, see if a Wi-Fi network you recognize and trust appears in the list of networks. If it does, select the Wi-Fi network, and they try to connect to it. If it says Connected underneath the network name, select Disconnect , wait a moment, and then select Connect again.

Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer Wi-Fi routers broadcast at two different network frequency bands:  2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These will appear as separate networks in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If your list of available Wi-Fi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network. To learn more about the differences between 2.4 GHz networks and 5 GHz networks, check out Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Run the Network troubleshooter. The Network troubleshooter can help diagnose and fix common connection problems.

To run the Network troubleshooter

Select the Start  button >  Settings > Network & Internet > Status . Open Network & Internet Status settings

Under Change your network settings , select Network troubleshooter .

Follow the steps in the troubleshooter, and see if that fixes the problem.

Restart your modem and wireless router. This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider (ISP).

When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected. The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps. ( Note : If you have a cable modem/Wi-Fi router combo device, you only need to follow the steps for the single device.)

If the "Wi-Fi connected" icon  appears on the right side of the taskbar, visit a different website. If the website opens, there might be a problem with the specific website. If you can't connect to another website, go to the next step.

On another laptop or phone, try to connect to the same network. If you can connect, the source of the problem is likely due to your device—go to the section Network troubleshooting on your device . If you can't connect to the network on any device, continue to the next step.

Check to see if there is a problem with the connection to your Wi-Fi router.  Do this by using a ping test.

In the search box on the taskbar, type command prompt . The Command Prompt button will appear. To the right of it, select Run as administrator > Yes .

At the command prompt, type ipconfig , and then select Enter . Look for the name of your Wi-Fi network within the results, and then find the IP address listed next to Default gateway for that Wi-Fi network.  Write down that address if you need to. For example:  192.168.1.1

At the prompt, type ping <DefaultGateway> and then select Enter .  For example, type ping 192.168.1.1 and select Enter .  The results should be something like this:

Type netsh winsock reset and select Enter .

Type netsh int ip reset and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /release and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /renew and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /flushdns and select Enter .

In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results.

Expand Network adapters , and locate the network adapter for your device.

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), and then select  Uninstall device  > check the  Attempt to remove the driver software for this device  check box >  Uninstall .

After uninstalling the driver, select the Start button > Power  > Restart .

If you lost your network connection immediately after upgrading or updating Windows 10, it's possible that the current driver for your network adapter was designed for a previous version of Windows. To check, try temporarily uninstalling the recent Windows Update:

Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Update & Security   > Windows Update  > View update history > Uninstall updates .

Select the most recent update, then select Uninstall .

Select the network adapter, select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software , and then follow the instructions.

After installing the updated driver, select the Start button > Power  > Restart if you're asked to restart, and see if that fixes the connection issue.

If you couldn’t download and install a newer network adapter driver, hide the update that’s causing you to lose your network connection. To learn how to hide updates, see Hide Windows Updates or driver updates .

If you could successfully install updated drivers for your network adapter, then reinstall the latest updates. To do this, select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates .

This can help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from a previous version of Windows to Windows 10. It can also help to fix the problem where you can connect to the internet, but can't connect to shared network drives. Network reset removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults.

Note:  To use network reset, your PC must be running Windows 10 Version 1607 or later. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About .

Select the Start  button, then select Settings  > Network & Internet  > Status > Network reset . Open Network & Internet Status settings

On the Network reset screen, select Reset now > Yes to confirm.

Network reset might set each one of your known network connections to a public network profile. In a public network profile, your PC is not discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network, which can help make your PC more secure. However, if your PC is used for file or printer sharing, you’ll need to make your PC discoverable again by setting it to use a private network profile. To do this, select the Start  button, then select Settings > Network & Internet  > Wi-Fi  . On the Wi-Fi screen, select Manage known networks > the network connection you want to change > Properties . Under Network profile , select  Private .

In Device Manager, select Network adapters , and then double-click the network adapter name.

Select the Advanced tab and look for a Wireless Mode setting. Make sure it’s set to the mode your network is using.

Select the Wi-Fi network  icon on the right side of the taskbar, then select Network & Internet settings .

Select Wi-Fi , then select Manage known networks .

Select the network you want to forget, then select Forget .

Afterwards, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and try to reconnect to the desired network to renew the network connection.

Your Wi-Fi network might be affected by the network's frequency band, channel congestion, and/or signal strength.  For more info, see Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

There may be additional troubleshooting steps you can try, depending on which symptoms you're having. To view these steps, check out Wi-Fi connection icons and what they mean .

Make a Wi-Fi network public or private in Windows 10

Check the basics on your PC

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select  Settings , then select the  Network  icon.

Turn on  Wi-Fi .

Make sure your PC isn’t in airplane mode.

Turn off  Airplane mode .

Move closer to the router or access point if you can.

If you don’t see the network name at all, the router or access point might not be set to broadcast the network name. In this case, you’ll need to connect to it manually.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select  Settings .

Select the  Network  icon, and then select  Hidden network .

Type the network name and select  Next .

Type the password and select  Next .

Follow any additional instructions to get connected.

The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to when your computer is in range of the network. To connect to the network, follow these steps:

Open  Connect to a Network  by selecting the network icon in the notification area.

Select  Unnamed Network , select  Connect , and then type the network information. The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to in the future when your computer is in range of the network..

Use the Network Troubleshooter

Let Windows try to help you fix the problem. Try running the Network troubleshooter to see if it can diagnose and fix the problem.

Select the  Start   button, start typing  Network problems , and then select  Identify and repair network problems  in the list.

Run network commands after using the Network Troubleshooter

The Network Troubleshooter (mentioned above) can help diagnose and fix common connection problems. After using that, try running the network commands below because the combination of doing these two things can help you get connected.

If your problem isn’t fixed after running the Network troubleshooter, try to:

Reset the TCP/IP stack.

Release the IP address.

Renew the IP address.

Flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache.

Here's how to run networking commands in a command prompt:

Select the Start  button, start typing cmd , right-click Command Prompt in the list, select Run as Administrator , and then select Yes .

At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Restart your modem and router

This helps create a new connection to your Internet service provider (ISP). When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.

The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps:

Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source. Some modems have a backup battery. So if you unplug the modem and lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

See if it's a problem with your modem or your ISP

Make sure it’s not a problem with your cable modem or Internet service provider (ISP). If it is, contact your ISP.

At the command prompt, type ipconfig . Look for the IP address listed next to Default gateway . Write down that address if you need to. For example, 192.168.1.1.

At the prompt, type ping <Default gateway> and press Enter . For example, type ping 192.168.1.1 and press Enter . The result should be something like this: Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Ping statistics for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 5ms, Average = 4ms

If the ping is successful and you see results similar to the results above, but you can’t connect to the Internet on your PC, there may be a problem with your modem or Internet service provider (ISP).

Check your network adapter

If you’re still having trouble connecting to a network, it might be related to your network adapter.

Try using the Network Adapter troubleshooter to automatically find and fix some problems. This troubleshooter will disable and re-enable the adapter, and try some other common repairs.  Select the Start  button, start typing Troubleshooting , and then select Troubleshooting in the list. Select View all  >  Network Adapter .

Update the network adapter driver. An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver can cause connection problems. Check to see if an updated driver is available.

Select the Start  button, start typing Device Manager , and then select it in the list.

In Device Manager, select  Network adapters , right-click your adapter, and then select Properties .

Select the Driver tab, and then select Update Driver .

Select Search automatically for updated driver software .

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC can't connect to the Internet, you'll need to download a driver on a different PC and save it to a USB flash drive so you can install the driver on your PC. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Other steps to try on your router

Here are some things to check and try with your router if you’re at home and having trouble getting connected.

If you don't see the network name, sign in to your router and check to see if it’s set to broadcast the network name.

Connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable.

Open your web browser and type the IP address for your wireless router. (For example, 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0—check the documentation for your router to find the default IP address.)

Sign in with your user name and password, then make sure an option labeled Enable SSID Broadcast , Wireless SSID broadcast , or something similar is turned on. This setting is often on a Wireless Settings page.

Check to see if your Wi-Fi network uses Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering for security. If it does, you’ll need to add the MAC address for your PC to the access list on your router before you can connect.

Select the Start   button. Start typing cmd  and right-click Command Prompt in the list. Select Run as Administrator , and then select Yes .

At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all . Write down the address that appears next to  Physical Address for your wireless network adapter. This is the address you’ll need to add to the access list on your router.

To add the MAC address to the access list on your router:

Sign in with your user name and password, then look for a setting that says MAC Address Filter or something similar.

Add the MAC address you wrote down for your PC to the access list and save your changes.

On your PC, try to connect to the Wi-Fi network again.

Start button icon

Look in the  Wireless Network  section. If Wi-Fi is on, the button should say  Turn wireless off .

Check and make sure your PC isn’t in airplane mode.

Select  Add , and then select  Manually create a network profile .

Type the network information.

If you want Windows to automatically connect when the network is in range, select the  Start this connection automatically  check box.

Select the  Connect even if the network is not broadcasting  check box, select  Next , and then select  Close .

Open the Network troubleshooter by right-clicking the network icon in the notification area and then selecting  Troubleshoot problems .

Administrator icon

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10 Easy Fixes For Problems With Wireless Adapter or Access Point on PC

Networking and the internet are a huge and mandatory part of computers and the lives of people, today. Having no internet is inconvenient. It is more annoying when you have an internet connection but you are having problems trying to connect with it.

There are several variations of this issue and this article will help you fix issues related to the “Problems with Wireless Adapter or Access Point” error message on Windows 10 computers.

What causes the Problems with Wireless Adapter or Access Point error message on Windows 10?

The main reasons that you face this issue of not being able to connect with the internet, in this case, are as follows – 

  • Faulty wireless network adapter
  • Driver errors
  • Corrupt or faulty system services
  • Hardware damage

Techniques to fix the Wireless Adapter or Access Point problems on Windows 10

These are the different solutions to the issues that can arise related to the Wireless Network Adapter and the Network Access Point on your PC. 

Enter the correct password

Try using an ethernet cable to connect to a network.

  • Update the Wi-Fi driver software

Remove and Reinstall the Network Adapter driver

  • Reboot the network router
  • Reset your active Network Profile

Run Power Cycles

Enable the wireless adapter, enable wmm for the network router, deactivate the system antivirus temporarily, disable the ip helper on your pc, flush the network dns and reset the tcp/ip settings, run the network troubleshooter for the adapter with connectivity issues, fixing the problems with the wireless adapter or access point on windows 10.

Following are the solutions that can be used to fix all the issues that arise on your PC,  related to the Wireless Adapter or the Access Point. 

The Password entry dialog box for a Wireless Internet Connection

One of the most hilarious reasons that can stop you from connecting to a network on your computer is entering the wrong password. It is a common mistake that anyone can make. It is important to remember the correct password and enter them without mistakes.

The password could be case-sensitive and may contain numerals or special characters. If the password is correct, the device will be able to access the network’s IP address and connect to the network.

LAN/ Ethernet cable

If Wi-Fi does not work for you, your hardware alternative for this issue is to use an ethernet cable to provide an internet connection to your computer. You can get a LAN cable of sufficient length from a nearby electronics dealer and connect one end of the cable to the router, while the other end goes into your computer’s LAN socket.

A wireless modem may have more than one LAN port behind it, this means that you can help more than one device get connected to the internet with the help of cables and a few more devices with the Wi-Fi feature, without compromising on the bandwidth.

Update the Wi-Fi network drivers

If you have suspicions of a faulty or corrupt Wi-Fi network adapter’s driver software causing issues, there are two ways to replace it with a different Wi-FI driver. You update it to a newer version or remove and reinstall it again. When these processes are done, you’ll either have the latest version of the WiFi driver or a corruption-free WiFi driver.

Use these steps to update the Wi-Fi adapter driver on your computer. 

  • Open the Quick Link menu (Windows key + X). You can also right-click on the Start button to open this menu. Some users may refer to this menu as the Power User menu.
  • Choose the Device Manager option and you’ll be able to see all the devices on your computer. 
  • Locate the Network Adapters device and click on it.

Network Adapters section in the Device Manager

  • Once the Network Adapters section unfolds, you’ll have to find the wireless adapter driver and right-click on it.
  • Select the Update driver option, from the context menu. 

Update driver option for the wireless driver

  • In the Update Driver wizard window, select the Automatically search for updated driver software option. This will search your system for existing driver updates. 

Update Wireless driver window

  • You can also browse the system for updates by selecting the Browse my computer for drivers option and choosing the driver to be installed. 
  • Once the process is complete, reboot your computer for 

The second alternative for getting a fresh driver to fix the problem with the wireless adapter or access point is to remove the existing driver and install it again. These are the steps to uninstall the Network Adapter. 

  • Open the Device Manager window through the Run tool (Windows + R keys, devmgmt.msc command).
  • Locate the Wireless adapter that cannot offer network connectivity and right-click on it.
  • From the pop-up menu, choose the Uninstall device option. 

Uninstall device option for Inter Wi-Fi driver

You can alternatively open the device properties window by double-clicking on it and selecting Uninstall device from the Driver tab.

Driver tab in the Inter Wi-Fi driver properties window

  • In the prompt window, click on the Uninstall button to remove the device and its driver.
  • Restart your computer and then, open the Device Manager. You should be able to see the Wireless adapter again. This means that the driver has been newly installed after being removed.

If your driver was corrupt or outdated, it is possible that you’ll face a problem with the wireless adapter or access point on your computer. These two steps should be able to solve this issue when this is your cause. 

Reboot The Network Router

Every router has a reset button that will reboot the network connectivity that is provided for your computer. 

Back side of the Wi-Fi router with the LAN cable slots and reset button

It is a small button that is positioned at the back of the router. Use a thin toothpick or a pin to push this button and hold it for around 5 seconds. When you get network connectivity again, you will receive a reset network. A simple resetting will usually fix network-related issues on any device.

Reset Your Active Network Profile

A network profile is a set of network connection-related settings that are applied to the network when your device is connected to it. This can differ from one network type to another. If the configuration is not sufficient for the active network, you’ll have a problem with your wireless adapter or access point. Since this problem is a wireless adapter or access point-centric one, we give you the procedure that is needed to reset the wireless network profile on your computer.

Here’s how you can reset the network profile for the active wireless connection. 

  • Open an elevated Command Prompt window. Find the Command Prompt launcher option, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator . 

Run as administrator option for Command Prompt

This will give you the privilege to make changes to the computer’s configuration.

  • Copy and paste the following command and execute it with the help of your Enter key. 

netsh wlan delete profile name=”WiFi Network Profile Name”

Command Prompt script for removing the Wireless network profile

  • You might be reconnected from the current network and you will have to get connected to it again to check if you still have a problem with the wireless adapter or access point. 

Your network will now have the default configuration. Any network-related changes that you want to make will have to be made again. 

For a wireless network to be connected to your device, there are three devices involved – Wireless Router, a Wireless modem, and the computer itself. This has to be done only when the IP address of your network begins with 169.254. This is known as Automatic Private IP Address (APIPA) which refers to the system event, where an IP is aligned to the device automatically. 

First, take a look at your IP address. 

  • Open the Run tool (Windows + R key), type cmd in the command space and press Enter to execute it.
  • In the command prompt window, type in ipconfig and hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

IPv4 Address search result for the ipconfig command

  • In the operation results, check the Autoconfiguration IPv4 Address section to see your IP address. 

If your IP begins with 169.254, follow these steps to perform a power cycle of the modem, router, and computer. 

  • Turn off your computer, modem, and router. Use the switches and do not pull the power cable out.
  • Switch the modem on and wait for all the lights to glow. 
  • Then, switch on the router.
  • Start the PC

You should now be able to get internet connectivity again. 

There are chances for the wireless adapter to be disabled and this might cause a problem regarding the network. There could be no particular reason, why your adapter gets disabled. These are the steps to re-enable a disabled network adapter. 

  • Open the Start menu and search for the Network Connections option. 
  • Launch the best search result and the Network Connections window will open.

View Network connections option in the search results for Network connections

You’ll see all the network connections that are or were connected to the computer, previously.

  • Check if you have any disabled connections on this page. If there is, right-click on the option and select Enable to activate the network.

Enable option for WiFi driver

If the network was available, the computer will be able to connect with it again and you shouldn’t see the “Problem with wireless adapter or access point” error.

The Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) is a Windows tool that helps increase the internet bandwidth for applications, slightly. This is not to be confused with the Killer Network Manager .

These are the steps to enable the WMM feature. 

  • Launch the Device Manager (devmgmt.msc) window with the help of the Quick Link menu (Windows + X), search bar, or Run tool (Windows + R).
  • Navigate to the adapter that is the base of the “Problem with Wireless Adapter or Access Point” error and right-click on it.
  • From the Wireless adapter context menu, select Properties .

Properties window in the Intel WiFi driver context menu

  • In the WiFi adapter properties dialogue box, go into the Advanced tab .

Advanced tab in the Intel Wifi driver properties page

  • Here, scroll down in the Property section to locate the WMM property.
  • Select it and choose the Auto option in the Value drop-down menu. 

Every third-party antivirus tool and the Windows Security feature have a firewall that filters the content that is seen with the help of an internet connection, on your computer.

This was placed in the Windows OS to prevent any form of online threats from entering the computers. However, these features can mistake a legitimate process, file, or online entity to be some form of malware or threat. 

You might have to disable them to see, if it was the firewall that was responsible for the “Problems with wireless adapter or access point” error on your computer. The Windows Firewall can be disabled on the Windows Security page (Windows Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall and network protection).

If you use a third-party antivirus , you will be able to disable the antivirus temporarily, by right-clicking on the antivirus option in the task tray and choosing the option that will turn it off for a certain duration of time.

During this time, your computer will remain vulnerable to threats from the internet. Only use this method if you are willing to put your digital privacy and the contents of your computer at risk. 

The IP helper is a Windows Service that enhances network connectivity on your computer. With a wrong set of configurations, this service could be the factor responsible for the “Problem with wireless adapter or access point” problem. 

These are the steps to stop this service.

  • Open the Services app. You can search for it and then, launch the search result that is on top. 
  • Scroll down to the IP helper service. 

IP Helper service in the Services window

  • Right-click on it and click on the Stop option from the pop-up menu. 

This should give you access back to the internet.

Another method to fix the “Problem with wireless adapter or access point” issue is to reset the IP and DNS settings with the help of certain script lines. Open the Command Prompt tool and run the following commands, one at a time, by pressing Enter, after each command. 

  • ipconfig /release
  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • ipconfig /renew
  • netsh int ip reset
  • netsh winsock reset

Reboot your system and see if the connectivity issues still exist. 

Troubleshooters are built-in solutions to all issues that can be used to detect and fix them, without having to do much work. Since our problems lie with the Network adapters, we will troubleshoot the adapters to check if this issue can be fixed by the Windows OS itself on your system. 

This is the method to run troubleshooting of the Network Adapters. 

  • Locate the network icon on your taskbar. It can be found inside or near the task tray. 
  • Right-click on it and choose the Troubleshoot problems option. 

Troubleshoot problems option in the network icon context menu

  • Choose the adapter to scan for problems.

Network Troubleshooter window

  • If problems are detected, the window will show you solutions for it. Select the apply this fix option.

After the troubleshooting is complete, you should be able to connect to the network again. 

These are the different methods that can be used to fix the “Problems with wireless adapter or access point” error on a Windows 10 computer . If none of these methods work, you could be having damaged wireless receiving hardware. You might want to consult with technical support staff regarding this issue. Happy browsing!

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Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here .

How to Solve Problems With a Wireless Adapter or Access Point

Princess Angolluan

With almost everything about work and entertainment involving the Internet nowadays, it can be really frustrating to see a “Problem with wireless adapter or access point” error message on your computer. It usually makes an appearance in the Windows Network Diagnostics window. This guide addresses the multiple ways to solve this.

Good to know : dealing with an unidentified network issue on your Windows device ? Find out how to deal with it.

Basic Troubleshooting

1. check whether your wireless adapter is on, 2. delete your wireless profile, 3. restart network adapter, 4. reset network configurations, 5. renew your ip, 6. turn off ip helper service, 7. turn off vpns, 8. remove your antivirus software, 9. switch to a wired connection, 10. reach out to your internet service provider.

Before performing any in-depth checks on your computer, it’s best to try these preliminary solutions that may save you some time.

  • Restart your wireless connection : especially try this if you’re using an access point that requires you to log in before connecting. The sign-in page might not load properly, so restarting the connection could allow it to deliver the landing page.
  • Restart your router or access point : it’s possible that your Windows system is working properly, yet the fault lies with a router or access point failure. In such a case, unplug your access point or router, wait for a few minutes, then turn it on again to re-establish a proper working configuration.
  • Install the latest Windows updates : there could be bugs in your current Windows installation, leading to the issue you’re currently experiencing. Installing the latest updates for your system may fix this.
  • Update network adapter driver : an outdated network adapter driver is another possible cause. Make sure you’ve recently updated your drivers . If you suspect a recent update has led to a faulty wireless adapter, try rolling back the driver .

Determine whether your wireless adapter is actually turned on. To do this, you have two options:

First, check to see whether Airplane mode is on. Press Win + A to open the Action Center.

Check the “Airplane mode” tile. If it’s darkened, it means that the mode is enabled. Click to disable it, and turn on the wireless network card on your PC.

Clicking the

Next up, check the wireless adapter in the Device Manager. Access the utility by pressing Win + X on your keyboard and selecting the relevant option from the menu.

Clicking on

Open the “Network adapters” drop-down, and double-click your wireless adapter.

List of network adapters in the Device Manager.

Switch to the “Driver” tab, and click the “Enable Device” button.

Option to disable the Wireless Adapter driver in Windows indicates driver is active.

If you found “Disable Device” instead, don’t make any further changes, as your wireless adapter is already running.

Tip : learn how to control wireless networks from Command Prompt in Windows .

A wireless profile refers to the set of details (SSID, passkey, etc.) that your PC needs to connect to the network. It could be corrupted if poorly configured, thereby causing problems for your adapter and access point. Removing it and reconnecting to the same network allows you to reset the wireless profile.

Click “Manage Wi-Fi connections” in the Action Center.

Option to manage Wi-Fi connections in the Windows Action Center.

Right-click a network in the list of networks, and select “Forget.”

Selecting

Sometimes Wi-Fi connection issues lie with a malfunctioning network adapter. Restarting it may help solve the issue. Do this via the Control Panel.

Open the Control Panel, and go to “Network and Internet.”

Navigating to the

Choose “Network and Sharing Center.”

Clicking the

Select “Change adapter settings” in the left pane. (This will open the Network Connections window.)

Clicking on the

Right-click “Wi-Fi,” and select “Disable” in the context menu.

Disabling the Wi-Fi adapter in the Control Panel.

Wait a couple of minutes, then right-click “Wi-Fi” again, and select “Enable.”

Enabling the Wi-Fi adapter in the Control Panel.

If restarting your network adapter didn’t do the trick, try resetting your entire network configurations to their defaults. This will remove any adapters you have installed, as well as their settings. Do this easily via Command Prompt.

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Enter the following commands, and run them one by one:

Restart your PC, and try to reconnect to your network.

FYI : you may need to set a static IP address on your PC . Learn how to go about it.

It’s possible that your wireless connection issues have to do with your IP. Renew it by following these instructions to reset your computer’s IP connection.

Open the Command Prompt as administrator, then run the following commands in order.

IP Helper is a Windows service that is built into your operating system. It helps applications retrieve information related to the network configuration of the local computer, and modify that configuration.

If data is incorrectly changed, it may cause problems with your wireless adapter. As a result, turning off this service may be in order.

Press Win + R to open a Run dialog, and type services.msc in the box.

Typing command in Run utility.

Double-click “IP Helper” in the Services window.

Double-clicking IP Helper in Services window.

Set the “Startup type” to “Manual,” then press the “Stop” button.

how to disable the IP Helper Service by clicking the Stop button.

VPNs help you securely connect to the Web by hiding your true IP address. This way, your personal information is less likely to leak.

A person using a VPN on a laptop.

A VPN switches IP addresses multiple times, which may, unfortunately, cause problems if you’re using an access point to wirelessly connect to a particular network. Turn it off, and see whether it solves the issue.

Tip : looking for a good VPN? Check out our list of the best VPN services that are the most secure .

Antivirus software is set to scan and react to any form of threat that may pop up on your computer. Even when the issue is minor, your antivirus may completely stop a program or process it deems suspicious. This may be the case with your wireless adapter.

If you suspect that the culprit is an overzealous antivirus, disable it for a while. If your connection works fine now, you may want to consider downloading a new antivirus program. You can also uninstall your antivirus and rely on Windows Defender to protect your computer .

If nothing else works to fix your wireless connection, you may want to consider switching to a wired one. This doesn’t technically fix the root of the problem, but it does provide you with a temporary solution.

The back of a Wi-Fi router with connected Ethernet cables

Consider contacting one of your ISP’s representatives. The support team should be able to share more details regarding the status of your network. They may even have a few tips on how to fix the problem from your end.

Tip : check out how to disable TCP/IPv6 on Windows .

Staying Connected Wirelessly

Moving forward, to ensure that your Internet connection is really stable, check out our guide on fixing Wi-Fi constantly disconnecting on Windows . Or, if you need more information on your network adapter, read our tutorial on how to view network adapter details in Windows .

Image credit: Freepik All screenshots by Princess Angolluan.

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Princess Angolluan

Princess is a freelance writer based in Croatia. She used to work as an English teacher in Hokkaido, Japan before she finally changed careers and focused on content writing & copywriting, while running their own digital marketing company in Europe. For 5 years, she has written many articles and web pages on various niches like technology, finance, digital marketing, etc. Princess loves playing FPS games, watching anime, and singing.

how do i fix problem with wireless adapter or access point

How to Fix a Problem With a Wireless Adapter or Access Point

  • Last updated June 30, 2023

We recommend you simply unplug your router for a minute and reset your device. But, failing that, this guide will show you how to fix a problem with a wireless adapter or access point from a Windows device. Read on to find a solution that works.

This Article Covers:

What Is a Wireless Adapter or Access Point

A wireless adapter connects your computer to any wireless network, like Wi-Fi. A built-in adapter in your laptop or some desktop motherboards allows wireless connectivity. If you are using a PC that doesn’t have a built-in adapter, you will need to get a USB wireless adapter, which will help you get wireless access to the internet.

An access point device uses a LAN cable to connect to the router that transmits the WI-Fi signals. Using an access point, you can quickly connect to the internet through one network over a distance.

Why Your Wireless Network Adapter Is Experiencing Problems

Your computer uses a combination of hardware and software to connect to the internet. Identifying the exact origin of an internet-related problem on your computer can be challenging as many factors come into play.

You will need to identify the potential causes for this type of error in connectivity through a thorough elimination procedure where you try out many solutions to find one that works. They typically involve either an issue with how your OS interacts with your access point or issues with how your access point makes the network available to a client device, such as a Windows device.

The most common problems start on the desktop’s Windows side of your connection. They can be caused by anything from software that doesn’t properly understand the connection to hardware, such as a wireless card that’s not correctly active. There are usually fewer issues with the access point because an access point is simpler than a desktop computer. However,  there might still be an issue, like the network connection not being transmitted properly.

The worst part about troubleshooting the wireless network adapter is experiencing problems is that the message doesn’t specify the origin of the problem. This means you can’t be sure whether the problem occurred due to a driver error, an issue with the Wi-Fi router, or any other error.

Here are a few steps to fix the problem with a wireless adapter or access point. These steps range from easy to hard, hopefully one of the quick an easy solutions works for you.

Restart the Wireless Router and Your Computer

The first thing to do when facing a network connection issue is to restart the device. Temporary bugs in the operating system can be easily fixed with a restart. This can often happen if you install new software or update the operating system. However, if that’s not the case, the issue might be related to a temporary error in the wireless router.

Switch off the router or pull the plug out. Make sure to wait for around half a minute before you plug in your router again, as some wireless routers use capacitors to prevent connection failure due to power loss.

Forget and Reconnect to the Network

If you recently changed the wireless router settings, you may face a problem with the wireless adapter or access point in Windows 10 or 11. You can easily fix this by forgetting the network settings and reconnecting to the network.

Forget the network

To do this, click on the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar. This will open the Wi-Fi menu towards the bottom right. Right-click on the network you wish to forget, which will show a popup menu. Click on the Forget option there. To reconnect, reopen the Wi-Fi network menu and click on the network name. You will be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password here. Type in the password and click Connect .

If you forget the password to the Wi-Fi network, you can easily recover the password using our guide on how to find a Wi-Fi password on an iPhone .

Use a Wired Connection

Using a wired connection on a laptop can often defeat the purpose as you have to sit in a place with an ethernet connection. However, connect your laptop or pc to the router using a wired connection for troubleshooting. If the connection works fine using a wire, your issue exists with the router or the PC.

Until we find a suitable alternative, we suggest you have that LAN wire near you because some solutions we discuss will require an internet connection. If you are still unable to access the internet while plugged in, there is likely a problem with the router or ISP.

Read also: Ethernet Cable Connected But No Internet

Update the Drivers for the Wireless Device

Often, problems with wireless adapters originate due to faulty drivers. The wireless drivers can often be corrupted due to a recent update or incompatibility with other recently installed drivers. We recommend uninstalling the drivers and performing a clean install. Here is how to do this:

Open the device manager

  • Right-click on the Windows start menu icon, press the Windows + X  keyboard shortcut, and click the Device Manager option.
  • Click on the Network adapters option in the device manager to expand it. Here, locate the wireless adapter in your pc.
  • Right-click on the wireless adapter’s name to open a small menu, then click on the Uninstall device option. It will then show up as an unknown device.

How to Fix a Problem With a Wireless Adapter or Access Point by updating a driver

  • Right-click on it and select the Update driver  option. A window will open in the middle of the screen where you can select between an automatic update or a manual one.

Search for new drivers

  • Select the Search automatically for drivers  option, prompting Windows to find a suitable driver for the device. After the installation, click the Close button to close the window.
  • Open the start menu and click on the Power button. Select the Restart option, and your computer will apply the changes and restart.

When your computer restarts, reconnect to the network to see if the issue has been resolved.

Related Reading: How to Mirror iPhone to TV With or Without Wi-Fi [3 Ways]

Disable Any VPN

Your computer transports data across the internet using the VPN like a tunnel. It creates a safe connection that saves your private information from being compromised. However, issues could occur if you link to a network using an access point because the IP address keeps changing.

Simply turning off the VPN may not fix the network adapter issues. If the issue persists, uninstall the VPN software entirely. If your browser has connectivity issues but other apps are working fine, ensure you’re not using a browser VPN extension.

Remove Your Antivirus Software

Even though Windows Defender is a great tool for protecting your pc against viruses, most people still use third-party antivirus software to protect their computers. Some antivirus software can disrupt the wireless connection resulting in a problem with the wireless adapter.

You can disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus software from your computer to resolve this problem. A lot of users have claimed that McAfee has often caused this issue . You can switch to an alternative antivirus if that’s the root of the problem.

Disable the IP Helper Service

The IP Helper service built into Windows can help you retrieve any information about your computer’s local network configurations and modify it. However, if the data you modify about the computer’s local network configurations is incorrect, you may face an issue with your access point or wireless adapter. This is why disabling the IP helper may help in fixing the wireless network adapter experiencing problems.

Here is how to disable the IP Helper service in Windows 10 and 11:

  • To open Run, press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard.

Type services.msc

  • Type in services.msc and click on the  Enter  key.
  • Look for the IP Helper  option and right-click to show a dropdown menu.

Open the properties of IP helper

  • Here, click on the Properties  button.
  • Click on the  Stop  option under Service Status .

Change the drop down menu to Manual

  • Now you can check your internet connection to see if it fixed the issue. If it does, disable the IP Helper from starting up by choosing the Manual  option under the Startup type  option in the IP Helper Properties menu.

Reset the Wireless Router

Problems with wireless access points can occur due to the improper configuration of the router. This problem can be easily fixed by simply resetting the router.

Press and hold the button on the back of the router to reset it, or go to the settings and click on the  Reset  option. However, before resetting it, ensure you have saved and exported the configuration, so you do not have to replace it manually. If you are still unsure how to reset your router, take a look at the router’s manual.

We recommend checking the Best Modem Router Combos if you are looking for a new one.

Contact Your Internet Service Provider

If you cannot solve this issue, contact your Internet service provider, as ISPs will be far more knowledgeable about the state of the network. The ISP can help troubleshooting wireless access points thanks to its extensive resources. If your ISP detects an issue with the router, they can also send one of their technicians to investigate router or access point issues.

The router can often refuse new connections if too many devices are on the same network. However, before you contact your ISP, we recommend connecting to the network using another device, such as your smartphone. You can check the connected devices by following our guide on how can I see what devices are connected to my network?

If the issue persists on other devices and resetting the router doesn’t fix the issue, then you should contact your ISP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do i get an error message from my wireless printer.

If you get an error message on the printer’s status, “Printer in error state,” there might be an issue with the printer. Ensure your printer is powered on and connected by Wi-Fi or a cable on your PC. Make sure it does not have issues like low ink or paper. Also, ensure the paper is not jammed and the cover is closed.

What Does Wireless Adapter or Access Point Mean?

An access point device using a LAN cable connects to a router that transmits the WI-Fi signals. Using an access point, you can connect to the internet through any network over a long distance. The wireless adapter connects your computer to any wireless network, such as Wi-Fi. The adapter that is built into your laptop allows wireless connectivity.

How Can I Fix the Problem With Wireless Adapter or Access Point?

There are some possible ways you can fix problems with your access point or wireless adapter. You can try disabling your VPN, updating the drivers, removing antivirus software, or disabling the IP Helper service. You can also try restarting or resetting your wireless router. If none of these possible solutions fixes the problem, you should contact your internet service provider for guidance.

Why Is My Laptop Not Detecting WI-FI?

Usually, problems with wireless adapters originate from faulty drivers. To update the drivers, head to the Device Manager  and click on the Network Adapters  option. Locate the wireless adapter on your PC and right-click on the wireless adapter’s name to open a small menu. Here, click on the Update driver  option. Select the Search automatically for drivers option, prompting Windows to find a suitable driver for the device. After you are done with the installation, click the Close button to close the window and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Boost Your Productivity

Losing internet, even temporarily, can negatively impact your productivity. Make back some of the time your lost fixing your internet by completing a productivity course on Udemy .

Wrapping Up

You should now know how to fix a problem with a wireless router or access point. Unfortunately, there’s no single way to perform the fix. Let us know in the comments which fix worked for you.

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Christopher Daniel

  • Christopher Daniel

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