Unable to detect or find any wireless networks in range - Windows 10 and 11
System does not work with wireless connections - Windows 10 & 11
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.
- Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on with your device, refer to Steps of enabling and disabling Wi-Fi.
- Make sure Airplane mode (flight mode) is turned off.
- Try to remove previously saved Wi-Fi networks, search, and reconnect.
- 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.
- Use the Troubleshoot option. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon and select 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:
- Click Start and type Device Manager in the search box. Click Device Manager.
Device Manager search in Windows 11:
- Look for Network Adapter. Click to expand the menu.
- Look for your wireless card. Right-click to Enable.
- If Enable is not shown, the function is already Enabled.
- If enabled, but no wireless networks are in range, proceed to the next step (B).
B. Start the WLAN Services
- Click Start and type Run in the search field.
- In Run type services.msc.
- Scroll down and search for WLAN Auto Config.
- Double-click and make sure the service status is started. If not, click start.
- 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
- Click Start and type Device Manager in the search box. Click Device Manager.
Device Manager search in Windows 11:
- Locate Network adapters and expand the menu.
- Right-click on each / all network adapter one by one, and select Uninstall.
- Once all have been removed, right-click again, and select Scan for hardware changes.
- The adapters will be rediscovered and when the drivers are loaded back, the devices will re-appear in Network Connections.
D. Reset Network Settings
- Right-click Start menu and select Settings.
- Click Network & Internet.
- In the left pane, click Status, then click Network reset.
- On the next page, click Reset now.
- Your computer will automatically reboot and then try searching for wireless networks again.
- If the issue still persists, please contact Lenovo local service for further diagnosis.
Related Articles
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- [Video] How to connect to a wireless network
- [Video] Trouble connecting to the internet or a wireless network
- Frequent drop, or intermittent wireless connection in Windows 10
- Popular Topics: Wireless, Wi-Fi
- Popular Topics: Tips for PC's
- Windows Support Center
- How to run Windows Troubleshooters - Windows 10 and Windows 11
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