Why can't I see available Wi-Fi networks when I go to "Network and Internet" in my settings?

Question

Why can't I see available Wi-Fi networks when I go to "Network and Internet" in my settings?

Paul 25

My new laptop was continuously crashing and despite trying all troubleshooting options presented by the community support team, I was unable to fix the issue. I had to take it to Best Buy so they could reinstall the operating system and do a factory reset. I picked up my laptop 2 hours ago and have been setting it back up. However, when I try to connect to my Wi-Fi under "Network and Internet," no Wi-Fi networks show up like they usually do. It just says "Not connected" and next to it is the option to "Get Help." When I click on that it just tells me the basic steps to set up the Wi-Fi that I already know and have already tried. I also ran the troubleshooter and it couldn't identify the problem. Can someone please help me find out how to see what Wi-Fi networks are available so I can connect to them. Thank you.

Brian Jones 0 Reputation points

2026-02-06T08:19:45.3866667+00:00

Ever since uninstalling the McAfee program as I have another security program, after rebooting to complete uninstall, my laptop will not recognize or connect to my wifi. It states there is no Ethernet connection…..

I have rebooted the router, the laptop, the wifi module, and tried a different Ethernet cable, with no luck. I reset the network, I’ve tried everything I can think of to restore (and have been able to hotspot off my iPhone, so know it can connect), with no luck.

Anyone have some suggestions? Thanks!!

Brian

3 answers

Your answer

Brian Jones 0 Reputation points

2026-02-06T08:19:45.3866667+00:00

Ever since uninstalling the McAfee program as I have another security program, after rebooting to complete uninstall, my laptop will not recognize or connect to my wifi. It states there is no Ethernet connection…..

I have rebooted the router, the laptop, the wifi module, and tried a different Ethernet cable, with no luck. I reset the network, I’ve tried everything I can think of to restore (and have been able to hotspot off my iPhone, so know it can connect), with no luck.

Anyone have some suggestions? Thanks!!

Brian

Answer 1

John DeV 158.6K Independent Advisor

When you say it crashed again, do you mean it BSOD or just restarted suddenly?

You can try to download all the latest drivers(Chipset, Audio, LAN, etc.) for your device from the manufacturer's support page. Kindly include updating your BIOS to the latest version.

You can also check if your laptop is creating any minidump files.

Open File Explorer

Navigate to the path below.

C:\Windows\Minidump

Check if there are any minidump files inside then copy them to the Desktop

After that, zip those files and upload to the cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.)

Kindly allow to share those and get a shared link.

Please post the shared link here of the zip files so I can try to check it.

Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-27T22:54:16.5166667+00:00

https://1drv.ms/u/c/2d0292271a71227a/EYsXaR5MSFdBkWDLKrHZcDUBTUKYeZKs0GK1ojZZmKpWFA?e=w7Ixce

https://1drv.ms/u/c/2d0292271a71227a/EVwmcRc06jdIrEeDhGm88ugBEFbZM78c35RVPs6raRKLOg?e=ZDkQ0C
Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-27T22:58:29.33+00:00

There's the first 2 mini dump files. Yes it was the blue screen of death. Same as I was getting before. Curiously, my laptop was running fine for a prolonged period after the reset. It was only after I downloaded the Realtek RTL8xxx Wireless LAN Drivers that it started crashing again. So maybe it has something to do with those drivers?
John DeV 158.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-27T23:49:24.7066667+00:00

Did you install the latest version of the Realtek RTL8xxx Wireless LAN Driver? Is your laptop's wifi working now? If it still doesn't work, you can try another wireless driver that is an older version on the manufacturer's support page. If your Wi-Fi is working now, you don't need to update it.
Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-28T03:48:47.7366667+00:00

Yeah my WiFi is working. I was just saying that the crashes didn't start happening till after I downloaded it which is why I was suspicious of a possible correlation. Did the mini dump files I uploaded above reveal anything?
John DeV 158.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-07-28T05:17:55.77+00:00

Upon inspection, it did not reveal anything pointing to the Realtek wireless driver. Since it works, there is no need to update it right now and check your computer in the next few days to see if the issue still occurs.

Answer 2

John DeV 158.6K Independent Advisor

If you just bought this laptop and the issue still occurs even after you factory reset it, it would be best to return it to where you bought it to file or request a warranty claim.

Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-27T06:04:09.79+00:00

I bought it in February from Walmart so it's past their 30 day return policy for electronics. Would downloading the rest of the drivers in the picture help with anything? Here's the previous community threads concerning my crashing issue: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/3866122/how-do-i-stop-my-laptop-from-crashing?forum=windows-all&referrer=answers
Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-27T06:04:54.96+00:00

And this one: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4372649/how-do-i-stop-my-laptop-from-crashing-and-can-i-re?page=1&orderby=Helpful&comment=answer-8264180&translated=false#newest-answer-comment

Answer 3

John DeV 158.6K Independent Advisor

Hi, good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

If you can connect via LAN (ethernet) cable, please try to visit your manufacturer's support page and download the latest Wireless driver there.

If the issue persists, what is the exact make and model of your laptop? Press Start then search System Information. Please take a screenshot of the resulting window and post it in your next response.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed.

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-27T04:17:01.79+00:00

Hi John, I was able to connect my phone to my laptop and use it to download Realtek RTL8xxx Wireless LAN Drivers. The touchpad on my laptop also started working after I did this. Other software and drivers showed up in addition to Realtek when I had HP do a laptop detection. Attached are two screenshots showing the list of available drivers. Please let me know which other drivers are important and that I should download so that my laptop works as intended. Thank you for your assistance.
Paul 25 Reputation points

2025-07-27T04:46:03.9533333+00:00

Well after going though all this trouble, my laptop has again crashed just a few minutes ago. If not even a factory reset can resolve this issue then I think this laptop is a lost cause. I just don't know what else to do.

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Why can't I see available Wi-Fi networks when I go to "Network and Internet" in my settings?

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