Share this article

Improve this guide

How to Fix Your Laptop Wi-Fi Adapter if It’s Disabled & Hidden

Laptop Wi-Fi adapter moderates Wi-Fi performance on PC

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Encountering the issue of a disabled laptop Wi-Fi adapter can be pretty infuriating, just like it was for other users.

This issue is more prominent amongst Windows 10 users, and many have complained about the same problems. However, the Wi-Fi adapter can be disabled automatically on Windows 11 also.

Most users complain that the issue began shortly after updating their Windows, and they find it challenging to use their Wi-Fi.

Since the Wi-Fi adapter houses the drivers that help the Wi-Fi function effectively, this issue can prevent your access to the internet, especially for users who rely on a wireless connection for their daily activities.

Hence, this guide will explain the causes and possible solutions to fix the problem.

Why is my Wi-Fi adapter disabled on my laptop?

How do I fix my Wi-Fi adapter if disabled?

1. Update the Wireless Adapter driver

Outbyte Driver Updater

2. Unhide devices and drivers

If the cause of the problem is the hidden drivers in the Device Manager, by doing this, it should be fixed. Also, you can check the device status under the general tab.

3. Reset Winsock from CMD

Using commands to fix the issue might be a worthy alternative forcefully. Unfortunately, since Winsock defines how Windows networks interact with network services, its data can be wrong.

4. Adjust Power Management settings

Hence, the laptop will stop distracting the Network adapter’s performance when there are power issues.

5. Run the Network Troubleshooter

This Is an effective solution for Dell/HP/Lenovo/Surface/Asus laptops’ Wi-Fi adapter disabled problem. It will help diagnose and fix it in no time.

6. Reset the Network

7. Repair NIC card

If none of the options above have worked for you, there is an issue with the NIC card hardware. Hence, you may need to repair or buy a new one to replace it.

What does it mean when a Wi-Fi network is disabled?

When the Wi-Fi network is disabled, you cannot use it. The issue could be that the device is turned off and unavailable. Also, the device won’t be able to connect via a wireless connection to any network.

Hence, you cannot use the Wi-Fi network until it is enabled. As earlier stated, the causes of this can be down to multiple reasons.

These are the most effective troubleshooting fixes if the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled automatically on Windows 10/11. Hence, ensure to follow the steps precisely for optimal results.

Further, ifWi-Fi is not working on your laptop butyour phone, check out our guide to fix it. Also, our article on setting slow Wi-Fi connections on your computer can be pretty helpful if your Wi-Fi is slow.

In conclusion, if yourWindows 10/11 device can not find a Wi-Fi network, it might be best to consider our step-by-step guide.

If this guide has been helpful to you, kindly leave your comments and suggestions below. We’d like to hear feedback from you.

How to Fix Your Laptop Wi-Fi Adapter if It’s Disabled & Hidden#

Why is my Wi-Fi adapter disabled on my laptop?#

How do I fix my Wi-Fi adapter if disabled?#

1. Update the Wireless Adapter driver#

Outbyte Driver Updater#

2. Unhide devices and drivers#

3. Reset Winsock from CMD#

4. Adjust Power Management settings#

5. Run the Network Troubleshooter#

6. Reset the Network#

7. Repair NIC card#

What does it mean when a Wi-Fi network is disabled?#