How can I enable my PC to connect to WIFI before log-in?

Question

I have been having this issue since I got a new PC over a month ago. When I turn my PC on, it won’t connect to WIFI until I log in. The WIFI button is on the screen, but there aren’t any networks showing up in it until I log in. I tried general fixes such as scanning the network drivers to make sure there aren’t any issues. I’m not really sure what to do here. I have Windows 11 home.

Answer 1

Hi Audrey!

Sorry to hear you are having Wi-Fi issues. Just to get some more context to your issue, could you answer some of the questions below?

• Is this a Laptop or a Desktop PC?
• What CPU is installed on your PC?
• Are you using an external Wi-Fi adapter such as a USB adapter?

Thank you!

Hope you can get this sorted!

Answer 2

Hello，

Below are several steps you can try to get your Wi‑Fi connection working at the sign‑in screen (i.e. before you log in):

1. Verify That Essential Services Are Running

• Open the Run box (Windows key + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.

• In the Services list, locate “WLAN AutoConfig.” Make sure its Startup type is set to Automatic and that the service is running.

• (Optional) Also check “Network List Service” and “Network Location Awareness” to ensure they are running.

2. Check Your Wi‑Fi Adapter Properties

• Open Device Manager (right‑click on the Start button and select Device Manager).

• Expand Network adapters, right‑click your Wi‑Fi adapter, and select Properties.

• Under the Advanced tab, look for any options related to “Power Management” or “Connectivity” and ensure that nothing is set to “Disable” connectivity when the computer is idle or at startup.

• Under the Power Management tab, uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” Then click OK.

3. Update Wi‑Fi Drivers and Windows

• Visit your PC manufacturer’s website (or your Wi‑Fi adapter’s website) to confirm that you have the latest drivers installed.

• Also, run Windows Update to ensure your OS is fully up to date as sometimes such issues are resolved via updates.

4. Consider the Timing of Services

In some instances (especially with Windows 11) the Wi‑Fi adapter and corresponding services may not “wake up” until after log‑in. If you rely on Wi‑Fi connectivity at the Windows log‑on screen (for things like Microsoft Account authentication), ensuring that the profile is available to all users and disabling any power‑saving settings for your adapter usually helps.

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