Wi-Fi won't connect or keeps dropping

Quick checks

1. Turn off Airplane mode and turn on Wi-Fi: select the network icon on the taskbar to open Quick Settings.
2. Check for a Wi-Fi key or switch. Some laptops have an F-key with an antenna icon.
3. Restart the computer and the router. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.
4. Check other devices. If nothing in the house can connect, the problem is the internet service or router.

Reconnect to your network

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
2. Select your network and choose Forget.
3. Connect again and re-enter the password.

Connected, but no internet

1. Run Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet.
2. Right-click Start, select Terminal (Admin), and run these one at a time, then restart:
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • ipconfig /flushdns
   • netsh winsock reset
3. Still nothing? Use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. You'll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterwards.

Wi-Fi keeps dropping

• Stop Windows turning the adapter off: in Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click the Wi-Fi adapter, select Properties > Power Management, and untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• Move closer to the router, or connect to the 5 GHz network if your router has one.
• Update the Wi-Fi driver with your maker's tool (article 66).

No Wi-Fi option at all?

• Some desktops and Micro PCs don't include Wi-Fi. Check the product description.
• In Device Manager, check whether a Wi-Fi adapter appears under Network adapters. If it does, right-click it and select Enable device or Uninstall device, then restart.