Windows does not see the router. What to do if the computer cannot see the wireless Wi-Fi network? Sees everything, but not what is needed

Often Android users complain about not being connected to a public or home Wi-Fi network. Therefore, for all those who are faced with a similar problem, we have prepared a material that contains the causes and troubleshooting methods.

Why the phone does not see the wifi network

Problems affecting the display of access points are conditionally related to problems:

On the mobile device side.
On the side of the router.

To fix problems with displaying Wi-Fi networks, you must correctly diagnose the problem. To identify the cause, the best way is to connect another mobile device. If the second smartphone also does not see the wireless network, then the problems are related to the router or incorrect settings. To clarify the latter, it is better to connect to another access point.

Probable problems and solutions

Problem 1: Wi-Fi is turned on on the phone, but hotspots are not displayed

Reason: failure of the Wi-Fi module on the phone

Sometimes the phone has problems that prevent it from displaying the list of available access points. More often this problem is observed in custom firmware, where the Wi-Fi / mobile network is not debugged.

Decision:

If the problems started after changing the firmware / communication module, flash the factory system back.

Problem 2: the phone does not see wi-fi at home

Reason 1: incorrect router settings

If the phone does not see only the home network, but shows other access points in the house / apartment or in other places, the router is probably not configured correctly to work with your phone. Then you need to enter the router management console and double-check the set parameters.

Decision:

Make sure the mobile internet distribution function is activated. To do this, open the section "Wireless network settings", the name of the item differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. It is important to check the boxes next to "Enable wireless router broadcast" and "Enable SSID Broadcast".
Change the network mode to a less modern standard, such as 11b or 11g. Since some phones are equipped with outdated standards and do not always see the Wi-Fi network, with new standards.
Also change the region, channel and channel width if the above recommendations are ineffective.

If your router is broadcasting a 5 GHz signal and your phone only supports 2.4 GHz, your phone will not display the network.

Reason 2: the frequency range is not set correctly

If the smartphone has a dual-frequency Wi-Fi module, the default mode is auto. Thus, the phone detects access points operating at 2.4 and 5 GHz. If the settings are set to work only on one frequency, routers broadcasting a signal on a different frequency will not be displayed in the phone menu.

Decision:

Check the operating mode of the module in the phone settings: phone settings - Wi-Fi - advanced settings in the drop-down list - Wi-Fi frequency range - automatic mode.

Problem 3: the network is intermittently displayed and disappears

Reason 1: weak antenna signal, interference

If the access point appears in the phone at different intervals and then disappears, it is likely that the transmitter's power is set to low at the router's antenna. It is worth paying attention to the number of icon divisions in the line with the name of the access point. One or two bars indicate a weak signal.

Signal strength is also affected by interference. For 2.4 GHz routers, a critical location near access points, with the same operating frequency. And also working equipment: microwave oven, joysticks, mice, etc. For models broadcasting a signal at a frequency of 5 GHz, even a sheet of paper is considered interference.

Decision:

Increase the transmitter power to the maximum level. To do this, open the router settings console and select the "Advanced wireless network settings" section. Set the value to "High", and then save the settings.

Remove objects that interrupt the antenna and obstruct the free flow of the signal. Move the router away from interfering equipment such as microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, etc.

Reason 2: the option to hide access points with low signal is active

There is a function in the Wi-Fi settings that allows you to hide the display of access points where the signal strength is low or often interrupted. Deactivating this option will expand the number of available access points nearby.

Decision:

Open the phone settings - Wi-Fi - advanced settings in the drop-down list - uncheck the box "do not use weak connection".

Problem 4: the phone does not catch wai wai at home, but works stably with other access points

Reason: a malfunction of the router or damaged firmware

If no device connects to your home access point, but connects stably to neighboring routers, and changing the router's settings does not work, the home router is probably broken. Sometimes the firmware flies.

Decision:

Perform a factory reset and / or update the firmware. If the performance does not recover, replace the router or take it to a service center.

Reason: breakdown of the Wi-Fi module in the phone

Wi-Fi failure is rare. Usually other modules - Bluetooth and / or GPS - fail along the way. To identify a breakdown, you should carefully check the settings in the phone and router. Connect with other equipment at 2.4 and 5 GHz. If the change of the firmware / communication module is ineffective, you should contact the service center. Upon confirmation of a module breakdown, the motherboard removed from another device is often replaced for recovery.

Output

Finding a problem is not difficult if you determine on which side the problem occurred. If there were no actions to change the settings / firmware, and the network does not see a certain phone, then the problem lies in the mobile device. If the access point is not visible to other smartphones, then the problems are related to the router. Interference due to other access points and equipment operating at 2.4 GHz cannot also be ruled out.

A fairly large number of Wi-Fi network users face a similar problem. This is not surprising, because now almost everyone in the house or apartment has a Wi-Fi router, which allows you to wirelessly connect various gadgets to the Internet, be it laptops, smartphones or TVs.

It is worth noting that the problem when a certain network is not visible in the list of available Wi-Fi networks can be encountered not only on a laptop, but also on any other device with the ability to connect to the Internet wirelessly.

Reasons for the lack of the desired Wi-Fi network in the selection list

Immediately, we denote that everything written below applies only to cases when at least one Wi-Fi network is visible. If the laptop does not see any Wi-Fi networks at all, then you.

So, the main reasons are:

Long distance between router and laptop;
Incorrectly exposed.

The first reason should be clear. To check it, just go to your router as close as possible and see if the network you need is visible on the device.

As for the second reason (the most likely), you need to check it. To do this, you need to have a device already connected to your router via Wi-Fi or wire.

How to enter the settings of the router, we wrote in detail in.

After you have entered the router settings, you need to go to the section related to the Wi-Fi settings. Depending on the router model, it may look like this.

Options for the location of the setting responsible for changing the Wi-Fi channel on Tp-Link routers

Channel or Channel is what you need. The value of this option is usually Auto or 12 (13).

The fact is that 12 and 13 channels are border channels, with which many Wi-Fi modules installed in smartphones and laptops simply cannot work. You need to set the “Channel” option to any value from 1 to 11. After that, save the changes made and reboot the router.

Output

Most often, a laptop or smartphone does not see some Wi-Fi networks, due to the installation of a border broadcasting channel on the router. These channels are 12 and 13. To correct this situation, just go to the router settings, change the channel to any of the 1-11 range, save the settings and reboot the router.

Developing wireless networks, the developers came up with the wifi standard. This is when one or more computers connect to a wireless access point and through it access the Internet. Or through a router. Before we figure out the reasons why the laptop does not see wifi, we think it would be logical to find out something about this technology.

How to understand the term correctly

When we ask ourselves why a laptop does not see wifi, we mean the absence of the Internet. In truth, this is not entirely true. It's just that wifi is, and if a device is equipped with it, then it is certified to work in these networks, that is, it is a guarantor of normal functioning for the intended purposes. Just like there are copiers from Xerox, and there are - from other suppliers. However, out of habit, people call any paper multiplier a "copier".

Wifi equipment

Among most devices for wireless access, two categories of equipment can be distinguished: "access point" and There is also an extended access point - a multifunctional wifi device.

The hardware part of the equipment is similar, it differs in software firmware and, as a result, in the quality of work. If you have network problems and think that the laptop does not see the wi-fi router, then the problem is not always in the machine itself. The firmware of the router may be incomplete, causing unstable communication with the access point.

The optimal choice of hardware with quality software should include:

Famousness of the manufacturer (branded models are less likely to "glitch").
Careful study of even top-class models. It is recommended that you review with a specialist.

How to connect to wifi. Connection setup

One of the ways is to use the services of cable network providers, and then install wifi equipment on the wired connection.

The next option is to connect through the appropriate access point in the local network of the provider, if such a service is provided to them.

The access point is a hardware radio wave amplifier with the function of receiving and transmitting content. From the PC, a wifi radio signal is received, which is received by it. The signal is unified for the equipment of different manufacturers, which allows you not to develop thoughts like "the laptop does not see wifi, probably this is due to the incompatibility of my equipment with the access center."

Wifi connection in windows xp via laptop

The step-by-step setup is discussed below.

Switch on with a hardware button or key combination (depending on the model). At the same time, as a rule, the indicator light should come on - a light signaling that the receiver is on.
For some laptop models, the inclusion of the wi-fi module is provided for by a special instruction that regulates the procedure. If necessary, check whether this is the case in the relevant documentation.
If your receiver uses Wimax technology, you can configure this operating mode using special software.
Enable the wireless access service (right click on the My Computer icon - control - services and applications - services - wireless settings - start if the service is not running).

If the laptop does not see the wifi router, and the system reports this, then most likely a special driver utility from the manufacturer of the wifi equipment is responsible for managing the wireless connection. Open "Network Neighborhood" - "view available wireless networks".

If the router does not respond at all, then the problem is purely technical. In this situation, you should look for a problem in the wires, power supply, or carry the router for repair. As a rule, it is easier to replace a router with a new one than to take it to service centers for inspection.

Drivers

As you know, any hardware requires software that guarantees stable operation. If the laptop does not detect WiFi, then it is worth checking the drivers. Even if they are installed, it is recommended to update them.

You can check the drivers through the control panel. In the section "Device Manager" there is a line "network adapters", which should contain the name of the router, if the problem is in the drivers. Right click on it and see the driver version. Compare it with the current version, which can be found on the Internet.

If the version is outdated, download the new one and install. It is best to download from official sources. Hardware drivers are distributed by developers for free, and you shouldn't risk the health of your operating system in vain.

Signal distance

If, after searching for a network, the answer appears: "No available connections" - think about the signal. In apartments, this option is not very relevant, since modern routers have a strong signal and spread it far enough. But in private homes or other places where the distance can be quite large, the signal may simply not reach the laptop. Therefore, do not be surprised if the Internet suddenly disappeared when you were walking around the house or yard.

Mac address

There are situations when it was possible to connect, but the router does not see the Internet through my WiFi or has stopped seeing. When using the services of some providers, the user cannot just change the network adapter, as the Mac address changes.

The Mac address is written on each router and the user only needs to call the operator to bind the new address to replace the old one. You may be asked to dictate it in full, or to clarify only the last few values \u200b\u200bof the entire number.

Antivirus or third-party programs

Third-party programs installed on a laptop may conflict with drivers or interfere with the correct establishment of an Internet connection, which often happens when the device sees wifi but does not connect. In addition, sometimes antiviruses prevent you from creating a connection. If possible, it is better to try first to connect the Internet without a router. If all is well, then the programs are not to blame.

In addition to the above, there can be a lot of reasons. Basically, a variety of reasons are due to malfunctions in the operating system. Therefore, if all else fails, try reinstalling your operating system. Perhaps all the problems come from here.

Laptop does not see WIFI network on Windows7 / on Windows 8 / on WindowsXP

For those who are wondering why a laptop does not see wifi Windows 7, first of all, you need to try manually enabling the wireless network.

This requires:

In Windows 8, activity is checked through the "PC Settings" item. Next, select the line "wireless" and move the slider on the right side of the menu to "On".

When using Windows XP, the wireless network does not require manual activation and, as a rule, is connected, like Windows 7. It is enough to activate it via the control panel or via the wireless icon via the bottom panel of the system.

Video: how to create and configure a WI-FI network

How to set up a wireless network

For a comfortable use of the network, some users resort to settings. Usually, there are enough standard settings, but if you want, you can delve into your personal account. It is through the personal account that the parameters are changed.

The login and password are indicated by the manufacturers of the router, and you can find these data in the instructions. The address is also indicated there, which will lead you to your personal account. It is best to replace the standard data so that no one can use it.

All other settings are made on the laptop itself, and they are installed using the Network Control Center.

WiFi without internet due to Windows

There are rare cases when the operating system itself does not want to detect a wireless connection and shows that there is no external network at all. This option can be when using non-licensed operating systems. Some people prefer to use amateur assemblies, which do not load the system so much and allow you to squeeze more out of iron.

Another reason could be "blockage" of the system. System folders, over time, become clogged with unnecessary files and if you do not defragment, then the processor will be loaded more and more. Antiviruses also cannot keep a laptop clean forever.

In any case, all problems with the OS are solved by a simple reinstallation. After reinstalling Windows, everything should work. Thus, the solution to the problem lies only in the operability of the router, WiFi enabled on the laptop, or in the presence of the necessary software. Subject to these points, WiFi will not provide difficulties, and will delight the user with stable work.

A fairly common problem for owners of laptops with Windows 10, Windows 7 or 8 (8.1) - at one point in the notification area, instead of the usual wireless Wi-Fi connection icon, a red cross is displayed, and when you hover over it, a message stating that there are no available connections.

At the same time, in most cases, this happens on a completely working laptop - yesterday, perhaps, you successfully connected to an access point on it at home, but today this is the situation. The reasons for this behavior may be different, but in general terms - the operating system believes that the Wi-Fi adapter is turned off, and therefore reports that there are no available connections. And now about the ways to fix it.

If Wi-Fi was not previously used on this laptop, or you reinstalled Windows

No Wi-Fi access

If the laptop does not see the wireless network, then the first step is to check if the adapter is enabled on the laptop. Take a look at the row of keys F1-F12: one of the keys should have the designation of the antenna receiving the signal. Find this key and press it in combination with the Fn button - for example, Fn and F2.

Some laptop models use a hardware switch on the front of the case instead of hotkeys. After pressing the keyboard shortcut or applying the hardware switch, a message should appear stating that Wi + Fi is on / off. You, of course, need to put it in an active state.

But that's not all: sometimes the wireless connection in the system is turned off, while the adapter itself is working. To fix this problem:

Open the "Network and Sharing Center".
Go to the "Change settings" section.
Find your wireless network and make sure it works.

If the adapter is turned on, the wireless network is active, but you still cannot access the Internet, then it makes sense to check the Wi-Fi drivers. This is especially true if connection problems started after reinstalling Windows.

Right-click on the Computer icon.
Open the Manage tool.
Go to "Device Manager".
Find the wireless module among the network adapters.

Even if it is written that the equipment is working correctly, do not be lazy to go to the official website of the laptop and download the drivers for the Wi-Fi module of your particular laptop model.

Checking router settings

If the laptop does not catch the wireless network, but you see that everything is fine in the system, then you should pay close attention to the router. Make sure the signal distributor is working properly. Go to its web interface and see the Wi-Fi settings.

Enter the address of the router in the browser (192.168.0.0 or another specified on the router).
Open advanced settings and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
Save the correct configuration and close the router interface.

After applying the new configuration, try connecting to a wireless connection again. To make it appear in the list of available networks, turn off and then turn on the Wi-Fi adapter on the laptop.

LAN problems

We figured out the wireless connection, now let's look at a more complicated situation - the device does not see the local network, although you connected the Internet cable to the network card connector. What to do in this case?

First check if the wire is damaged. Often, it is the malfunctioning state of the cable that causes the laptop to be unable to detect the local network. If the wire is broken or cut, it must be replaced.

The second step is to check the NIC connector where the internet cable is inserted. If you inadvertently remove the cable or drop the laptop, the connector could be damaged. The problem is solved at the service center, where the broken port will be replaced. Another unpleasant situation of this kind is a burnt out network card. It is also better to entrust the operation to replace it to specialists: after all, a laptop is not a computer where modules can be changed at home.

But before you go to the service, be sure to check the drivers for the network card: they may have crashed. This can be done through the "Device Manager", the order of launching which we described above. The principle is the same - download the drivers for the network card from the official website of the laptop manufacturer and install them, and then check again if the local network is detected.

The computer does not see the router - first of all we look at the cable. A full-fledged patch cord is needed. The twisted pairs of the crossover transceivers are crossed. It's hard to come across a wrong option today. However, there were times of influx of people who wanted to connect 2 PCs directly. The factor of the features of the Ethernet ports of the router and computer appears here - they are mirrored ...

There were curious cases: ping passes, the PC does not see the network. Early versions of Microsoft operating systems (XP, 7) had to reboot constantly. Windows 10 does not have this drawback. By the way, open the command line, type ping 192.168.0.1 (the numbers indicate the IP address of the router, sometimes the values \u200b\u200bare different: 192.168.1.1, 192.168.10.1 ...).

Perfect option

Try connecting another device. There was Asus, now Zyxel. Locate the source of the problem quickly:

Cord.
Router.
External reasons (hacker attack, hacking attempt).

Change cable

Change the cable immediately. The problem is in the wire. The vein was cut off, or the patch is incorrect, incomplete. They produce cables where only a part of the clamped pins is present. Early networking protocols sometimes took shocking liberties. The system is fully functional, but backward compatibility is lost.

Take a working cable.
Make a connection.

Sees the network, but the address of the admin panel is not available? Two options:

Someone changed the IP address of the router by setting up the equipment. Then the combination of numbers is also not available via Wi-Fi. Check the current IP address using wireless communication.
A hacker attack is underway. Unplug the cord, reboot.

Reload equipment

Routers hang at times. Sometimes Wi-Fi works. The reason is the same. The Internet breeds hackers every day. Probably TP-Link, or a laptop via a cable were attacked. Even if the functionality is restored, it is recommended to perform a hard reset of the device. Then check "doctor web smokes".

Antivirus

Before a hard reset, download an antivirus.

Open a search engine.
Type "Doctor Web Smokes".
Download the utility.
Disconnect the cable.
Run a check.
Destroy found threats.

Let's consider a typical example. A user of the f1comp forum complains: a TP-Link router, a laptop works fine (including Wi-Fi, Ethernet), a connected PC gets an IP address like 169.154.x.x, refuses to recognize the hardware. A typical case of infection. Immediately download the antivirus in any way, perform a hard reset, heal, tune in again. The problem is compounded by the slow response of antivirus vendors. Fresh infection is practically invulnerable, take comfort in the example of Red October.

Hard reset

Examine the body of the router looking for a recessed miniature (2-4 mm diameter) button labeled Reset.
Take a ballpoint pen refill or paper clip.
Push the sting inside, holding the key down for 3-5 seconds.
Check the connection.

If the computer still does not detect the router, please complete the WAN settings via Wi-Fi. There is a high probability of cable failure.

After performing a hard reset, re-configure the technique.

Failed update

An unusual case has been described by users of the forums. The admin panel asked to update the firmware. The user agreed. However, impatience let down. Tired of waiting, the user turned off the power.

After loading it turned out: the wired interface is not available. Although the wifi regularly gives the panel. An excellent example of irrecoverable damage to equipment. Why irrevocable? Router manufacturers prohibit over-the-air updates. Since the cable stopped working, further actions become mysteriously unpredictable.

It is interesting! Operating systems Windows often break, try the user to hurry by turning off the power. Nonsense. The first PCs rebooted easily. Consider the gift from the router manufacturers as another exercise in patience.

Unlikely causes

In our memory, D-Link stubbornly refuses to break. Computers are also very reliable. However, there are authors who claim: the iron has broken!

LAN card.
Motherboard.
Brain ... PC.

The probability is extremely low. Craftsmen, however, provide one more piece of advice ... check the drivers. The ability to surf the Internet while the Rostelecom router refuses to get in touch at the same time makes such arguments laughable. Recall the stubborn location of Device Manager:

Win + R (Run tool Run).

Select your Ethernet NIC, right click, select update drivers.

We have already considered solutions to many problems that may arise when connecting a laptop to a Wi-Fi network, or during use. But, there is one popular problem that I have not yet written about. This is when the laptop does not see the Wi-Fi network. In principle, the problem applies not only to laptops, but also to stationary computers that are connected to Wi-Fi via an adapter (external, or internal)... The problem when a laptop does not see Wi-Fi can be encountered in Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and even in Windows 10. If you have Windows 10 installed, and the computer does not see your router, then see a separate instruction:. Since the solutions there are practically the same, it does not matter which system your laptop is running on. Now we will try to figure out why the laptop does not see wireless networks, using the example of Windows 7.

Before moving on to any settings, let's try to figure out what problem you have. There are two options:

When no Wi-Fi networks are displayed in the list of networks available for connection. That is, the computer does not find Wi-Fi at all. But, you are sure that there are wireless networks in the radius. Other devices see them.
And when the laptop does not see only your Wi-Fi network, and sees others, neighboring networks.

I will divide this article into such two parts. You can go straight to the necessary section with the solution to your problem.

Another important point. If you have an error on your computer "No connections available", and a red cross next to the Wi-Fi connection icon, then there is a separate one for solving this error.

Why can't my laptop see wireless networks (none)?

The laptop does not see my Wi-Fi, while others can see. Solution to the problem.

If above we considered the situation when wireless networks are not displayed at all on a laptop, now we will figure out why the laptop does not see only one Wi-Fi network we need. And other networks, adjacent, are displayed in the list of available ones. This problem appears more often on mobile devices: smartphones and tablets. But computers are no exception.

In this case, the problem must already be looked for on the side of the Wi-Fi router. Almost always, the solution is the same: change the Wi-Fi network channel... If the router itself, or you manually set a static 13 channel in the settings, then the computer will most likely not see the network. Therefore, you need to check and change the channel in the router settings. How to change the channel on different routers, I wrote in the article:

For example, changing the channel to Tp-Link. You can change it in the settings, on the Wireless tab (Wireless Mode)... Try to put a static channel (just don't put 12 and 13), or set Auto.

If it does not help, then you can still change the name of the Wi-Fi network. You can also do this in the settings, on the tab with the wireless network settings.

Another tip: try moving your laptop closer to the router, or vice versa. Perhaps this is the problem. There are often times when Wi-Fi catches in general near the router, but does not work at a short distance. This is certainly not normal, but I do not know any specific solution. Again, try experimenting with channels.

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