No WiFi Tile

Question

No WiFi Tile

Laura Vesey 0

My laptop does not display the WiFi tile, only airplane mode, which I cannot deselect. I have tried resetting it and checking the WiFi, which another device is able to connect to. My laptop was connecting to WiFi fine this morning.

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2 answers

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Answer 1

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

This behavior is usually caused by problems with the Wi-Fi adapter driver. It is necessary to investigate to understand the reason for this behavior.

To better understand the problem, please do the following:

Press "Windows + X" and select "Device Manager";
Click on the "View" menu and select "Show hidden devices";
Expand "Network adapters";
If the Wi-Fi adapter is listed, right-click and select "Properties". Check if there is an error in "Device Status". If you see an error under Device Status, please share a screenshot.

If you can't identify your PC's Wi-Fi adapter, share a screenshot of the network adapters.
Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool. Or take a picture of the screen using a camera or smartphone and share it.

Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool. Or take a picture of the screen using a camera or smartphone and share it.

Looking forward to your reply.

Daniel Ashie 0 Reputation points

2026-06-30T15:52:18.7666667+00:00

how can I know if my wifi adapter is there..

Answer 2

The missing Wi‑Fi tile and stuck Airplane mode indicate Windows is not seeing any usable Wi‑Fi adapter.

Use these steps in order:

Run the built‑in Network/Network Adapter troubleshooters
1. Select Start and type settings.
2. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
3. Select Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Network Adapter > Run.
5. Follow the steps and apply any fixes offered.
On Windows 11, you can also:
1. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
2. In Status, scroll down and run the Network troubleshooter.
Verify Wi‑Fi settings visibility
1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet.
2. Check whether Wi‑Fi appears in the left pane / list.
- If Wi‑Fi is not listed in Network & internet and the internet access icon is also missing from the taskbar, Windows is not detecting the Wi‑Fi hardware or driver. In that case, continue with the next steps and use the troubleshooter as above.
Check the network on another device Since another device already connects to the same Wi‑Fi network, the router is likely fine. This points to an issue on the laptop (driver, hardware, or Windows configuration), so focus on Windows repair steps.
Restart modem/router and laptop
1. Power off the modem and Wi‑Fi router for at least 30 seconds, then power them back on.
2. Restart the laptop and check if the Wi‑Fi tile returns and Airplane mode can be turned off.
If Wi‑Fi still does not appear
- Treat it as “Wi‑Fi settings are missing”:
  - Confirm again that Wi‑Fi is not listed under Settings > Network & internet and that only Airplane mode is shown.
  - If so, the issue is with the laptop’s Wi‑Fi adapter/driver or Windows configuration, not the network itself. The Network Adapter troubleshooter (step 1) is the primary supported fix from the provided guidance.

If, after running the Network Adapter troubleshooter and restarting, Wi‑Fi is still missing from Network & internet and only Airplane mode is available, further steps would typically involve driver or hardware diagnostics outside the provided material.

References: