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Windows 10 laptop won't show WiFi networks, Network & Internet settings app crashes

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Anonymous
2024-03-06T01:35:37+00:00

Currently trying to use my laptop on a new network for the first time in a long time, and after never having issues with connecting to WiFi at home, it's unable to find the WiFi at my workplace because the box of networks just won't load, the five loading dots just spin forever. Hovering over the icon says networks are available, so it can detect them, it just can't display the list. I opened Network & Internet Settings and the app freezes when I try to click on WiFi, then closes itself after a few minutes. Running Windows 10, already tried a few different ideas on other Microsoft help threads.

Final note, I'm writing this on my phone with the work WiFi, so it's not an issue with that network. And my regular work laptop that died yesterday never had any issues connecting to the WiFi here. So I don't think it's the network's fault. Any thoughts?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-07T07:44:24+00:00

    Hello MentallyWill

    Welcome to the Microsoft Community.

    It sounds like you're experiencing a couple of different issues with your Windows 10 laptop's network functionality. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve these problems:

    1. Run the Network Troubleshooter: Windows 10 has built-in troubleshooters that can sometimes automatically fix network issues.
      1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
      2. Select Internet Connections and then Run the troubleshooter.
      3. Follow the prompts and see if the troubleshooter can resolve the issue.
    2. Update Network Drivers: Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause issues with connecting to WiFi networks.
      1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
      2. Expand the Network adapters section, right-click on your WiFi adapter, and select Update driver.
      3. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the prompts.
    3. Restart Network Services: Sometimes, restarting the network services can resolve connectivity issues.
      1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
      2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
      3. Locate WLAN AutoConfig in the list, right-click on it, and select Restart. If it's not running, right-click and select Start.
    4. Disable and Re-enable the Network Adapter:
      1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections.
      2. Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select Disable.
      3. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.
    5. Check for Windows Updates: Ensuring that your Windows 10 is up to date can resolve many issues due to bugs or incompatibilities in the system. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click Check for updates.
    6. Reset Network Settings: This can often resolve more stubborn network issues, but note that it will erase all saved networks and passwords.
      1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
      2. Scroll down and select Network reset.
      3. Click Reset now and confirm.
    7. Safe Mode with Networking: Try booting your laptop into Safe Mode with Networking to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if third-party software is causing the problem.
      1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press F8 or Shift + F8 during the boot process to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
      2. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

    If there is anything not clear or I can't understand your problem, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Best Regards

    Patch - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-07-22T13:55:11+00:00

    Non of this solution works

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-14T19:16:55+00:00

    Step 3. WLAN Autoconfig service was disabled, and set to MANUAL I restarted it and set it to AUTOMATIC. I guess this was disabled after the last update.

    How rude.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-03-17T05:07:31+00:00

    My curser passed over the wifi button and it disappeared it only shows for seconds after restarting laptop but won't even try to work iv tried everything

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-09-20T07:39:47+00:00

    Problem solved after following step 3.

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