Hi Bob Lawrence,
Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand how inconvenient it can be when the Network option doesn’t open as expected, and I’m here to help.
In order to assist you more effectively, may I ask for the following information:
- When did you first notice this issue? Was it after any recent changes or updates?
-Have you tried any troubleshooting steps so far (e.g., restarting your device, checking Wi-Fi settings)?
-Which Windows version are you using?
- To check, press Windows + R, type
winver, and press Enter. A small window will show your Windows edition and version number.
In the meantime, here are a few steps you can try to resolve the issue:
Step 1: Open the Main Network & Internet Page
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- In the left panel, click Network & Internet (not the sub-item like Ethernet).
- This should display the overview page with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other options.
- If it still opens to Ethernet, click Network & Internet again in the left panel, then close Settings and reopen it.
Step 2: Check Wi-Fi Adapter
- In Network & Internet, scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
- Under Network adapters, check if Wi-Fi is listed and enabled.
- If it’s disabled, click Enable.
Step 3: Create a New User Profile
Sometimes profile corruption causes navigation issues:
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Other users.
- Click I don't have this person's sign-in information> Add a user without a Microsoft account to create a new local profile.
- Sign in with the new profile and check if the issue persists.
For more detailed instructions, please refer to the official Microsoft support page at:
How to create a Local account in Windows 11 - ARTICLE - Microsoft Q&A
In case you encounter any further issues or have additional questions, feel free to reach out. I'll be glad to assist you further.
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