Wireless network Adapter is missing

~OSD~ 2,201 Reputation points
2023-08-29T12:46:14.4366667+00:00

Hi,

I have a Dell Laptop (2016 model) and was using Wi-Fi without any issues on this device. Now, suddenly, the wireless adapter is invisible, cannot find it under control panel, neither device manager, see below:

User's image

This particular model has a button on the side for the "Airplane mode", which I have checked already and it's not due to the Airplane mode.
User's image

To rule out if, I have done following activities but nothing worked so far:

  • Fresh installation of Windows 10.
  • Fully Updated.
  • All Device Drivers from Dell + MS Updates.
  • BIOS Update
  • Checked in BIOS if device is disabled in BIOS, but it was not.

But Network adapter didn't shows up. Any thoughts?

Windows for business Windows Client for IT Pros Networking Network connectivity and file sharing
Windows for business Windows Client for IT Pros User experience Other
{count} votes

6 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Anonymous
    2023-08-29T22:35:33.2166667+00:00

    I have re-installed the Windows

    Make sure the Dell mother board chipset driver has been installed. The chipset allows the operating system to find and use devices integrated into the mother board.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--


  2. Anonymous
    2023-08-30T13:03:21.3533333+00:00

    all device drivers are up-to-dated

    Keep in mind the chipset is a prerequisite.

    --please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--


  3. franco d'esaro 291 Reputation points
    2023-09-06T13:42:38.7233333+00:00

  4. Reza-Ameri 17,336 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-09-06T20:18:06.65+00:00

    Make sure report this issue through the Feedback Hub app.

    Also check with the Dell's support.

    0 comments No comments

  5. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T03:56:30.0666667+00:00

    Hello,

    Here are some steps you can try to fix this issue:

    1. Access Device Manager in Safe Mode:

    Boot your laptop with Safe Mode and check if the wireless adapter appears in Device Manager. Sometimes, 3rd party software or incorrect driver may have some impact on normal functioning of hardware.

    1. Scan for Hardware Changes:

    Open Device Manager, click "Action" in the bar and then select "Scan for hardware changes." This will prompt Windows to re-scan for all connected hardware, and it might detect the missing wireless adapter.

    1. Driver Rollback:

    In Device Manager, right-click on the wireless adapter (if visible) and select "Properties." Go to the "Driver" tab and see if the option to "Roll Back Driver" is available. If so, try rolling back to the previous driver.

    If none of the above solutions work, there's a possibility of a hardware problem with the wireless adapter. In this case, it might be necessary to contact Dell support for further assistance.

    0 comments No comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as Accepted Answers by the question author, which helps users to know the answer solved the author's problem.