Unable to detect or find any wireless networks in range - Windows 10 and 11

System does not work with wireless connections - Windows 10 & 11

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System does not work with wireless connections - Windows 10 & 11

Symptom

The device is unable to detect any wireless networks in range. There is no internet connection as a result.

Applicable Brands

  • ideapad
  • ThinkPad
  • ideacentre
  • ThinkCentre

Operating Systems

  • Windows 10
  • Windows 11

Solution

Check Out the Quick Steps

Note: For Microsoft troubleshooting steps, see Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows.

Here are some quick troubleshooting steps for connecting to a wireless network.

  1. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on with your device, refer to Steps of enabling and disabling Wi-Fi.
  2. Make sure Airplane mode (flight mode) is turned off.
    Airplane mode
  3. Try to remove previously saved Wi-Fi networks, search, and reconnect.
  4. Try to setup a temporary network using a mobile phone, another machine (using hot spot function), or a wireless router.
    • If the machine is able to find the wireless network, suspect router failure or a router settings issue. Check the router and modem and any cables. Make sure the lights are shown as mentioned in the user guide of your service provider.
    • If unable to find the wireless network, contact Lenovo local service for further diagnosis.
  5. Use the Troubleshoot option. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon and select Troubleshoot problems.
    Troubleshoot problems
    Open Internet settings
    troubleshoot problems

A. Enable Wireless Adapter

If your wireless adapter is disabled, you will not be able to detect any wireless network in range. Use the following steps to enable the adapter:

  1. Click Start and type Device Manager in the search box. Click Device Manager.
    Device Manager
    Device Manager search in Windows 11:
    Device Manager search in Windows 11
  2. Look for Network Adapter. Click to expand the menu.
  3. Look for your wireless card. Right-click to Enable.
  4. If Enable is not shown, the function is already Enabled.
  5. If enabled, but no wireless networks are in range, proceed to the next step (B).

B. Start the WLAN Services

  1. Click Start and type Run in the search field.
  2. In Run type services.msc.

    Run program
  3. Scroll down and search for WLAN Auto Config.

    Auto configure
  4. Double-click and make sure the service status is started. If not, click start.

    Check status
  5. Click Apply. The machine should be able to detect wireless networks in range. If this fails, proceed to the next step (C).

C. Update Network Drivers

  1. Click Start and type Device Manager in the search box. Click Device Manager.
    Device Manager
    Device Manager search in Windows 11:
    Device Manager search in Windows 11
  2. Locate Network adapters and expand the menu.
  3. Right-click on each / all network adapter one by one, and select Uninstall.

    Uninstall
  4. Once all have been removed, right-click again, and select Scan for hardware changes.

    Scan
  5. The adapters will be rediscovered and when the drivers are loaded back, the devices will re-appear in Network Connections.

D. Reset Network Settings

  1. Right-click Start menu and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Click Network & Internet.
  3. In the left pane, click Status, then click Network reset.
    network reset
  4. On the next page, click Reset now.
  5. Your computer will automatically reboot and then try searching for wireless networks again.
  6. If the issue still persists, please contact Lenovo local service for further diagnosis.

Document ID:HT501545
Original Publish Date:08/12/2016
Last Modified Date:01/28/2025