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Windows 10 not displaying WiFi access points previously connected to

Anonymous
2018-08-31T22:12:11+00:00

I have a Samsung TabPro S Windows 10 Pro device and it has worked perfectly until about 3 or 4 days ago. The system will not display any WiFi access points except for the 3 I had last connected to. I have just come off a project and had successfully connected to the office wireless many times and it, like others, in in the Known networks list. Now, at home the system sees the 2 home networks, but will not see my third network router or even see my Samsung phone when i turn on and use it as a hotspot.

I have read as much of the solutions in the community as i could find, tried out most of them, uninstalled the adapter, ran the regedit string command, refreshed the TCP/IP, etc and nothing works. Unlike some of the others with the problem, i don't see the other networks on the logon screen, only the three it always shows.

This is definitely a Windows issue as my wife, who has the same machine, has the same problem and it occurred at about the same time. Unlike me, she does nothing remotely technical with her device and updates are automatic on hers because if left to her she wold never do them.

In all the back and forth, it seems a real issue and i just did a cumulative update hoping that would solve the problem but it did not. Microsoft cannot be unaware of this issue and has not chosen to fix it for some reason.

 I have done all the easy stuff, what I'd like to hear is from someone who has has this issue and had a fix

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-09-01T00:02:49+00:00

    I've been trying to resolve this for about 5 days off and on. Searching forums, trying things and seeing what happens, looking for the answers that had the most claims of success. 

    More fool me, i had such a good run with Windows 10 I broke the first rule of IT "never trust anything, because it will go down on you" and did a back up but not a Restore point. (Yeah, I know, dumb) and when I took a look at rolling back the update that I think caused the issue, the August 14th cumulative update, it had been overwritten by the August 30 update. Was not sure where to go with that one so went down the path of seeing what could be done to make the adapter work with the updated Windows install. Eternal optimist that I am, I have had some success with this method before, just not now.

    Looks like that will be my next attempt though.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-08-31T23:52:45+00:00

    Did you determine which Update, uninstall it or SysRestore and then hide it as I suggested. I can't imagine how you got through all of those steps before clicking the Didn't Help button, most take several hours at least and it works.

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-08-31T23:49:11+00:00

    By the way, I am an MCSE and while IO have not been active as such for a few years, I do still take care of all the obvious stuff before crying UNCLE!

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-08-31T23:47:50+00:00

    Hi Greg,

    Already did most of that and nothing worked, even went to Samsung support who reinstalled from their software the adapter. Tried all of the other items except for the Media Creation option and completely reinstalling Windows and resetting up the machine. This is not a hardware issue this is a Windows issue that happened on both my machine and my wife's machine at the same time. Same problem, same access point issues, she can't see anything even when in different [laces and neither can I. 

    Something in Windows Update caused this issue and I do not think it unreasonable to be reluctant to trash the machine, (both of ours) to satisfy what is a Microsoft issue. We live in Belize and if you knew how difficult it was just to buy a copy of Office (2 hours on the phone with Microsoft to fond a work around to letting me buy a copy from a Canadian Amazon with a US credit card while ion Belize) you would be reluctant as well.

    From the posts I see that I'm not the only person with this issue, do a search for it and you'll see, but since what seems like last year it is still a problem without an official fix short of trash the box and start over

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  5. Anonymous
    2018-08-31T22:53:20+00:00

    Hi Nick. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

    Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

    Check that the wireless button on a laptop is toggled on. It may be a Function (Fn) key or it may be an actual switch on the side.

    Try powering off modem, router and PC and then restarting in that order with 1 minute in between each.

    Try updating the Network adapter driver from the PC's Support Downloads webpage. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    If that doesn't help try Rolling back and then Uninstalling the Network adapter driver in Device Manager. Right click Start to open Device Manager, choose the Network adapter you're using, on Driver tab choose Roll back, restart PC. If that doesn't help ry Uninstall, restart to reinstall.

    Try all of these steps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/...

    Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

    Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

    I'd also check at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates if there were WIndows Updates installed before this problem started. You can uninstall them from the link there to see if the problem goes away. If so you can hide the Updates by installing and running Hide Updates tool from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...

    You can also try to System Restore to a point before the problem began: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

    If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

    You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected.

    Another option is you could replace the wireless adapter with an inexpensive USB nano adapter like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSFPDFX/ref=asc_df...

    Or you can use an Ethernet cable as necessary which should connect automatically.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

    ________________________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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