Windows 11 not connecting to cellular network

Question

after upgrade from window 10 to window 11 i fail to connect to cellular network

Answer 1

Hi NTONDA CTC,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

After upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, some devices may temporarily lose cellular connectivity. This usually happens when the cellular driver or SIM profile is not fully detected after the upgrade.

Please take these quick checking steps first:

1, Confirm Cellular is available

• Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet
• Check that Cellular appears in the menu
• If it’s listed, Windows has detected the cellular hardware

2, Verify the correct SIM / eSIM

• Open Network & Internet > Cellular
• Under Use this SIM for cellular data, select the correct SIM or eSIM profile
• Turn Let Windows keep me connected on

If Cellular shows signal but no internet

1. Check Mobile Operator & APN

• Go to Cellular > Mobile operator settings
• Confirm the operator name and SIM status
• If needed, add the APN provided by your mobile carrier and apply it

2. Set network selection to Automatic

• In Mobile operator settings, set Network selection to Automatic
• If needed, use Search and manually select your operator

If the Cellular option is missing

1. Reinstall the cellular driver

• Open Device Manager
• Expand Network adapters
• Right‑click the Mobile Broadband / LTE / 5G adapter and select Uninstall
• Restart the device so Windows can re‑detect it

2. Install the device manufacturer’s Windows 11 driver

• Visit the device manufacturer’s support site
• Download and install the Windows 11‑specific cellular (WWAN), chipset, and firmware drivers

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Answer 2

Try the following steps to restore cellular connectivity after the upgrade to Windows 11.

1. Confirm the device supports cellular on Windows 11

• On the Windows 11 device, select Start > Settings > Network & internet.
• Look for Cellular in the left pane.
  • If Cellular is not listed or the shortcut to Network & internet > Cellular does not open, the PC does not have a usable SIM/eSIM for cellular data and cannot connect via mobile networks.

2. Make sure Surface/PC drivers and firmware are up to date If using a Surface model that supports LTE/5G:

• Connect to Wi‑Fi or Ethernet.
• Select Start, search for Surface, and open the Surface app.
• Go to Help & support and check the update status.
• If updates are available, install them and restart.
• For full driver/firmware coverage, follow the guidance in Download drivers and firmware for Surface from the same article.

3. Check which SIM/eSIM is being used

• Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Cellular.
• If there is a Use this SIM for cellular data drop‑down, select the correct SIM or eSIM profile (for example, work vs personal, or local vs roaming profile).
• Ensure Let Windows keep me connected is turned on if automatic connection is desired.

4. Verify mobile operator and SIM status

• In Settings > Network & internet > Cellular > Mobile operator settings, check Properties to see SIM and connection details (such as IMEI). Use Copy if this information needs to be sent to the mobile operator for troubleshooting.
• If a SIM PIN is configured, ensure the correct PIN is entered under Use SIM PIN and restart the device so the SIM lock state is applied correctly.

5. Adjust network selection and roaming

• In Settings > Network & internet > Cellular > Mobile operator settings:
  • Under Cellular network selection, leave it on Automatic.
  • If a message appears that the selected network is not available, choose Search and manually select another available network.
  • Confirm the Active network shows the expected mobile operator.

6. Fix APN (Access Point Name) settings if there is no internet If the device shows a cellular signal but cannot access the internet:

• Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Cellular > Mobile operator settings > Add APN.
• Enter the APN details provided by the mobile operator:
  • Profile name: any descriptive name.
  • APN: the operator’s internet APN.
  • User name and Password: if required by the operator.
  • Type of sign‑in info, IP type, and APN type: set as required; for APN type, select Internet.
• Select Apply this profile, then Save > OK.

7. If still not working on a Surface

• Use Wi‑Fi to connect and follow the guidance in Can’t connect to cellular data on Surface to verify drivers, firmware, and cellular configuration.
• Also see Set up the LTE or 5G connection on your Surface (linked from the wireless‑network article) to confirm the LTE/5G setup steps were completed after the upgrade.

If the Cellular section is missing entirely in Windows 11 settings and the device previously used cellular on Windows 10, install the latest OEM/Surface drivers and firmware as described above; if it still does not appear, contact the device manufacturer or mobile operator with the Properties information for further support.

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References:

• Can’t connect to cellular data on Surface?
• Cellular settings in Windows
• Connect Surface to a wireless network
• Windows Arm-based PCs FAQ