Wi-Fi Not Working After Updating Windows 10

Rick Akura on
Learn how to troubleshoot and how to fix your WiFi it fails to work after upgrading to Windows 10 or updating your Windows 10 Operating System.

In this article, we'll show you how to fix your Windows 10 Wi-Fi if it stops working after updating Windows 10.

Wi-Fi not working after windows update


Windows 10 updates are important to keep your Windows operating system up-to-date, but it's a known fact that quality and feature updates can introduce problems. Some updates introduce a problem of Windows Wi-Fi suddenly stopping working after updating.

After installing a new feature update, or even a small hotfix update, you may notice your Wi-Fi isn't working anymore. This can happen for various reasons but luckily there are some fixes that may fix this issue and get your Wi-Fi back up and running! 

Jump to Solutions 

Fixed: Wi-Fi doesn’t work after upgrading to Windows 10

There are a few things to check if you're having an issue with your Wi-Fi not working on Windows 10. Here are some basic troubleshooting steps that will help restore the connection quickly and easily!

Method 1. Reboot your computer and router

Here's a quick fix to the most common computer issues: simply restarting your system. You can also reboot your router, which will allow it to start with a clean slate too! Here are simple steps for how to do this on Windows 10 and any internet router.

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left of your screen to bring up the Start menu.
  2. Click on the Power option, and then choose Restart. This is going to close all of your open applications and completely restart your computer.
    reboot your computer
  3. After your computer has restarted, try and see if your network connection is working. If not, move on to the next steps below.

There are many ways to resolve online issues and one of them is restarting your router. There's no reason not to try it out since all you need for this step is 3 easy steps, described below:

  1. Locate the power button on your router and turn the device off.
  2. Wait for a few minutes. We recommend waiting 5 minutes to allow your router and network to properly shut down.
  3. Turn your router back on.

If you're still unable to access the internet after restarting your computer and router, continue reading. We'll help you try some other fixes below!

Method 2. Enable your Wi-Fi

If the wireless interface is not enabled, there might be a problem with connecting to Wi-Fi. This could happen because of human error or due to Windows 10 update disabling it on accident. The good news though is that this can easily be fixed by checking and enabling it using these steps:

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
  2. Click on the Network & Internet tile.
    network and internet tile
  3. In order to check if Wi-Fi is turned on, switch to the Wi-Fi tab. Under "Wi-Fi" there should be a toggle that turns it on or off when clicked upon (it's enabled by default).
    wi-fi
  4. If this toggle appears greyed out, click on it once so that it turns blue. This will enable your Wi-Fi interface and allows you to connect to a wireless network.

After you have completed these steps, try and see if your device is able to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Method 3. Enable your network adapter

You might have had an unauthorized change to a network adapter. This could be due to malicious software or another user who has changed some of their settings. It can also happen as a result of a Windows 10 update. You can fix this with these simple steps:

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
  2. Click on the Network & Internet tile.
  3. Make sure to stay on the Status tab. Scroll down and click on the Change adapter options button.
    change adapter options
  4. A new window will appear listing your network adapters. Right-click on the adapter you’re trying to use, and choose Enable from the context menu.
    change adapter options
  5. You are now ready to connect your device. The first step is locating your Wi-Fi connection, then go ahead and test it!

Method 4. Fix your network adapter’s power settings

Your computer may sometimes turn off your wireless adapter due to power management settings. This could cause you to temporarily lose connection to the internet, but there is a simple fix for it without having to go through all of the troubleshooting steps again and again.

  1. Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard and click on the Device Manager option from the WinX menu.
    device manager
  2. Expand the Network Adapters menu by clicking on the arrow next to it. Right-click on your adapter, and then choose Properties.
    network adapters
  3. Switch to the Power Management tab, then uncheck the box next to the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
    power management
  4. Click OK.

Method 5. Disable Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)

If you're encountering connectivity issues with Wi-Fi networks after an update, it might be because Windows 10 has enabled IPv6. If disabling this feature isn't a problem for your device's functionality, here is how to disable the protocol:

  1. Press Ctrl + X on your keyboard, and then click on Network Connections from the context menu.
    network connections
  2. Select your current connection type (for example “Wi-Fi”) in the left pane, and then click on Change adapter options on the right pane.
    change adapter options
  3. Right-click on the connection you’re currently using and select Properties.
    adapter poperties
  4. Scroll down until you see the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) option. If there’s a checkmark next to it, click on the box once to disable it. If the box is already empty, then IPv6 is not enabled on your device.
    ipv4
  5. Click OK.

This solution would be most useful if IPv6 was the specific reason why you could not use your internet connection after Windows 10 updates.

Method 6. Reinstall the network adapter driver

Windows 10 users that aren't able to connect with the internet or are having network connectivity issues may want to try reinstalling their Wi-Fi drivers. All they have to do is follow these steps in order for this process to be as easy as possible!

  1. Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard and click on the Device Manager option from the WinX menu.
  2. Expand the Network Adapters menu by clicking on the arrow next to it. Right-click on your adapter, and then choose Uninstall device.
    network adapters
  3. Uninstall the driver software for this device. The box next to Delete the driver software for this device should be checked before you click the Uninstall button.
  4. After you uninstall the device and driver, click on the Scan for hardware changes button. This will install the default sound drivers.
    scan for hardware changes

We recommend that you plug any network adapter device(s) out, then restart your computer. Once you plug the device(s) back in, test if your issues with your Wi-Fi are fixed.

Method 7. Use the Internet Connections troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a variety of troubleshooters that aim to automatically solve issues on your computer. This makes solutions more accessible to users. Users have found that the Internet Connections troubleshooter is able to address and fix issues related to wireless issues.

The next steps describe how you can reach and run this troubleshooter to fix a potential Wi-Fi issue.

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
  2. Click on the Update & Security tile. This is where you can find most of your built-in troubleshooters.
    settings > update and security
  3. Switch to the Troubleshoot tab using the left-side pane. Here, you should be able to see a troubleshooter titled Internet Connections.
    internet connections
  4. If you don’t share full diagnostic data to Microsoft, click on the Additional troubleshooters link and locate the Network troubleshooter there.
    additional troubleshooters
  5. Click on the Run the troubleshooter button. Wait for the troubleshooter to scan your device and identify any issues.

Bear in mind that this troubleshooter is not perfect, which is why we suggest trying it last. It might not detect any issues, but that doesn't mean our other methods can't fix your Wi-Fi connection.

Method 8. Recreate the Wi-Fi profile

Windows 10 saves the wireless connection settings in a profile. If this is corrupted or poorly configured, you may run into issues with connecting to Wi-Fi and other networks (like cellular). This can come up after updates, which leads to not being able to connect at all. You have to recreate your network profile for it to work again!

  1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
  2. Click on the Network & Internet tile.
    settings > network and internet
  3. Switch to the Wi-Fi tab. Here, click on the Manage known networks link.
    manage known networks
  4. Select the current WiFi network you’re connected to, then click on the Forget button. This is going to completely erase the profile.
  5. Click on the Networks icon in your system tray, and select the wireless network you just deleted the profile for. Click on the Connect button.
  6. Windows 10 will automatically create a new profile for the network without any corruption or misconfiguration. It’s possible that you’ll be able to connect to the internet this way.

Now that you have completed these steps, connect your device to a Wi-Fi network by seeing if it works.

Method 9. Reset or reinstall Windows 10

If nothing above worked, your issue may only be fixed if you reset or reinstall Windows 10. Depending on your preferences, you may reinstall the system without losing any personal files. Unfortunately, most of your applications and system configuration will be deleted in order to give your device a fresh start.

Check our How to Install Windows 10, 8.1 or 7 Using a Bootable USB guide for detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows 10. For refresh and reset instructions, head to the official Microsoft support page.

How to Speed UP WiFi Connection || Increase WiFi Signal on PC/Laptop || Windows 11, 10

Final thoughts

After reading this blog post, you should be able to troubleshoot common Wi-Fi problems on Windows 10. If your Wi-Fi is still not working after following the steps provided in our article, contact our customer support.

Visit our Help Center to get access to hundreds of articles covering hundreds of topics, and with tips on how to get the most out of your system. Want more? Sign up for our newsletter to get promotions, deals and discounts from us right in your inbox. Subscribe with your email address below.

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Tags: How To