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My wifi icon keeps disappearing (Windows 11)

Anonymous
2022-12-13T17:54:40+00:00

I can't help it, it sometimes disappears on its own and nothing seems to fix it

I've tried -

  1. Network reset
  2. Disable/Enable driver
  3. Uninstall driver then restart
  4. Complete factory reset and windows clean installation

The driver in question is Intel Wireless AC 9560 (160 MHz)

When this problem happens, the driver has a yellow mark, and two other drivers that are microsoft wifi direct virtual adapter 3# and 4# say that the adapters are not connected, and hence turn grey. The "Allow computer to turn this device off" option in all three drivers are also unchecked. I don't know what to do.

Wifi in mobile, other laptops are working fine. The "view hidden devices" in device manager also keeps unchecking itself.

I tried external tools like driver booster 10 to install other drivers that may be connected to the wireless wifi, but that didn't help as well, I uninstalled the software now because I've heard they can cause problems.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. David-M 110.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2022-12-13T18:32:10+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    Reinstall the Wi-Fi driver as instructed below.

    Before starting the procedure, go to the support area of your computer manufacturer's website and download the latest Wi-Fi driver.

    (If you cannot find it, let me know the manufacturer and model of your computer)

    Uninstall the current driver:

    1. Open "Device Manager" (Windows + X and select Device Manager);
    2. Expand "Network adapters";
    3. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter and select "Uninstall device";
    4. On the confirmation screen, check "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" and click "Ok";
    5. Restart the PC.

    Install the driver you downloaded from the manufacturer.

    As for the Driver Booster, you did the right thing by uninstalling it.

    I suggest not using third-party software to update your computer's drivers. This type of software causes more problems than it helps.

    Always install drivers downloaded from the computer manufacturer's website, using driver update software provided by the computer manufacturer or Windows Update.

    Feel free to ask back any questions.

    90+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-13T17:57:49+00:00

    You instal drivers only from that PC/Laptop maker and no other source

    Do NOT use device Manager

    Mod edit for visibility:

    https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2025/07/wifi-icon-not-showing-in-windows-11.html

    Why does the problem happen?

    Upon researching the problem, I see that the issue revolves around a low-quality MediaTek integrated WiFi adapter used by ASUS and other manufacturers on their devices, which was probably not fitted correctly due to Quality control issues in the Assembly lines – some unconfirmed sources support this statement.

    How to Fix the WiFi icon not showing in Windows 11?

    There are two primary fixes for this issue. One is a short-term solution, and the other is a long-term one, which others have also reported as helpful. First of all, let’s discuss the short-term one.

    Shut down and turn on the PC once (Not restart)

    The fix is simple, serving as a short-term solution. If you shut down the laptop and then turn it back on, the WiFi option will magically appear. This works because of powering down the adapter and resupplying the power, thereby starting it. Furthermore, I am suggesting this as a short-term solution, because the problem would likely recur within days/Weeks or months. The likelihood is very high of that. The second solution, which is permanent, is below:

    Long term solution for WiFi missing in Windows 11 – replug the adapter again

    The one solution confirmed by many users is a bit challenging. In this case, you need to do the steps below:

    Open the Laptop Casing. Take help of a YouTube video or tutorial.

    Locate the WiFi card. Sometimes the Bluetooth and WiFi are Integrated into it.

    Plug out the Adapter/card.

    Replug it again.

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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