WiFi Doesn’t Work on Laptop? Simple Fixes October 2025

Is your laptop refusing to connect to WiFi while other devices work fine? You’re not alone. When wifi doesn’t work on laptop, it can feel frustrating and confusing, especially when your phone connects without issues. The good news is that most laptop WiFi problems have simple fixes you can do yourself in minutes, without being a tech expert.

This guide will show you exactly why your laptop won’t connect to WiFi and how to fix it step by step. We’ll cover everything from basic checks to advanced solutions, so you can get back online quickly.

Key Takeaways

• Most laptop WiFi issues are fixable with simple troubleshooting steps you can do yourself
• Check the basics first: WiFi is on, airplane mode is off, and you’re within range of your router
• Restart your devices – this fixes over 50% of all WiFi connection problems
• Update your WiFi drivers when wifi won’t work on laptop after trying basic fixes
• Different devices connect differently – that’s why wifi on laptop but not phone (or vice versa) happens
• Phones use WiFi to save data and get faster speeds than cellular connections

Why WiFi Doesn’t Work on Laptop?

When your laptop won’t connect to the internet, there’s usually a simple explanation. Think of your laptop’s WiFi like a radio trying to tune into a station. If something blocks the signal or the radio is broken, you won’t hear anything.

The most common reasons why wifi doesn’t work on laptop include:

• WiFi is turned off – the simplest fix is often the right one
• Airplane mode is on – this blocks all wireless connections
• Wrong password – laptops save passwords but sometimes forget them
• Outdated drivers – the software that controls your WiFi needs updates
• Hardware problems – the WiFi card in your laptop might be failing

These issues happen to everyone, and they’re usually easy to fix once you know what to look for.

Why WiFi Doesn’t Work on PC?

Desktop computers have slightly different WiFi issues than laptops. When you’re wondering why wifi doesn’t work on pc, consider these unique factors:

• No built-in WiFi – many desktops need a separate WiFi adapter
• Adapter problems – USB WiFi dongles can come loose or fail
• Location issues – desktops are often far from routers with poor signal
• Driver conflicts – desktops have more hardware that can conflict

If you’re using a desktop PC, make sure you actually have a WiFi adapter installed. Many desktop computers don’t come with WiFi built-in and need a separate USB adapter or PCIe card to connect wirelessly.

WiFi Won’t Work on Laptop? Start With These Basic Fixes

When wifi won’t work on laptop, always start with the simplest solutions first. These basic fixes solve most WiFi problems in under five minutes:

Check if WiFi is turned on

This sounds obvious, but many people overlook it. Look for a WiFi switch on your laptop’s keyboard or sides. On most Windows laptops, you can:

1. Click the network icon in the bottom-right corner
2. Make sure the WiFi button is blue (not gray)
3. If it’s gray, click it to turn WiFi on

Turn off Airplane mode

Airplane mode turns off all wireless connections, including WiFi. To check:

1. Click the network icon in your taskbar
2. Look for “Airplane mode” – if it’s blue, click it to turn it off
3. Try connecting to WiFi again

Move closer to your router

WiFi signals get weaker with distance. If you’re far from your router or there are walls between you and it, move closer. A good test is to sit in the same room as your router and try connecting.

Restart your laptop and router

This fixes more tech problems than anything else. Here’s how:

1. Save your work and shut down your laptop
2. Unplug your router from power
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Plug your router back in and wait for all lights to stop blinking
5. Turn on your laptop and try connecting to WiFi

Pro tip: Restart your devices in this order – laptop first, then router. This helps clear any temporary glitches in both devices.

Why Does My Cell Phone Use WiFi?

Understanding why phones prefer WiFi helps explain device connection differences. When you wonder why does my cell phone use wifi, the answer is simple: WiFi is usually faster and cheaper than cellular data.

Phones use WiFi because:

• It’s faster – WiFi typically provides better speeds than cellular connections
• It saves data – using WiFi doesn’t count against your mobile data plan
• It’s more reliable – WiFi signals are stronger indoors than cellular signals
• Better battery life – phones use less battery on WiFi than cellular data

This is why you might notice wifi on phone but not pc – phones are designed to prioritize WiFi connections and automatically switch between networks to give you the best connection possible.

WiFi on Laptop But Not Phone? Here’s Why

It’s confusing when wifi on laptop but not phone happens. You’re sitting there with your laptop working perfectly, but your phone won’t connect to the same network. This usually happens because:

• Different WiFi standards – newer laptops support better WiFi than older phones
• Network settings – phones have more aggressive power-saving features
• App interference – some phone apps can block WiFi connections
• Forgotten networks – phones sometimes “forget” WiFi networks

To fix this issue on your phone:

1. Go to WiFi settings and “Forget” the network
2. Restart your phone
3. Reconnect to the WiFi network and enter the password again

WiFi on Phone But Not PC? Common Causes

The reverse problem – wifi on phone but not pc – is equally frustrating. When your phone connects perfectly but your computer won’t, try these solutions:

Check your computer’s WiFi adapter

Desktop computers often need separate WiFi adapters. Make sure:

• The WiFi adapter is properly plugged in (for USB adapters)
• The adapter drivers are installed and updated
• The adapter isn’t disabled in Device Manager

Update your network drivers

Outdated drivers cause many WiFi problems. To update them:

1. Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager”
2. Expand “Network adapters”
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select “Update driver”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”

Check for IP conflicts

Sometimes devices get conflicting IP addresses. To fix this:

1. Open Command Prompt (search for “cmd” in Start menu)
2. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
3. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter
4. Try connecting to WiFi again

Laptop Won’t Connect to Internet? Advanced Solutions

When basic fixes don’t work and your laptop won’t connect to internet, try these more advanced solutions:

Reset your network settings

This clears all network configurations and starts fresh:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet
2. Click “Status” in the left menu
3. Scroll down and click “Network reset”
4. Click “Reset now” and confirm
5. Your computer will restart – reconnect to WiFi after it boots up

Reinstall your WiFi drivers

Corrupted drivers can prevent WiFi connections:

1. Right-click Start and select “Device Manager”
2. Expand “Network adapters”
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select “Uninstall device”
4. Check “Delete the driver software for this device” if available
5. Click Uninstall and restart your computer
6. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically

Check for hardware issues

If nothing works, you might have a hardware problem:

• Try a USB WiFi adapter as a temporary solution
• Test with a different WiFi network to see if the problem is your laptop or your home network
• Consider taking your laptop to a repair shop if it’s under warranty

Why Does My Phone Use WiFi Even When Data is Available?

Many people wonder why does my phone use wifi when cellular data is available. Phones are designed to automatically choose the best connection available, and WiFi is usually better than cellular data for several reasons:

• Speed: WiFi networks typically offer faster download and upload speeds
• Reliability: WiFi connections are more stable than cellular signals indoors
• Cost: Using WiFi doesn’t count against your mobile data limit
• Battery life: Phones use less battery power when connected to WiFi

Phones automatically switch between WiFi and cellular data to give you the best possible connection. If your WiFi signal is weak, your phone will switch to cellular data without you even noticing.

Common WiFi Connection Mistakes to Avoid

When troubleshooting WiFi issues, avoid these common mistakes:

• Skipping the basics – always check if WiFi is on before trying advanced fixes
• Ignoring restarts – restarting devices fixes more problems than people realize
• Forgetting passwords – double-check you’re entering the correct WiFi password
• Overlooking interference – microwaves, cordless phones, and other electronics can interfere with WiFi signals
• Neglecting updates – outdated software and drivers cause many connection problems

Real example: A friend called me panicking because their laptop wouldn’t connect to WiFi during an important video call. We spent 30 minutes trying advanced solutions before realizing they had accidentally turned on airplane mode. A simple click fixed everything!

Step-by-Step WiFi Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this complete guide when wifi doesn’t work on laptop:

Step 1: Basic Checks (5 minutes)

• Verify WiFi is turned on
• Check airplane mode is off
• Move closer to your router
• Restart your laptop and router

Step 2: Network Settings (10 minutes)

• Forget and reconnect to the WiFi network
• Check if other devices can connect
• Try connecting to a different WiFi network

Step 3: Driver Updates (15 minutes)

• Update your WiFi drivers through Device Manager
• Check Windows Update for driver updates
• Download drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s website

Step 4: Advanced Fixes (20 minutes)

• Reset network settings
• Reinstall WiFi drivers
• Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Step 5: Hardware Check (30 minutes)

• Test with a USB WiFi adapter
• Try connecting to different networks
• Consider professional repair if needed

Data point: According to Microsoft, over 65% of WiFi connection issues are resolved with basic troubleshooting steps like restarting devices and checking settings.

Prevent Future WiFi Problems

Once you fix your current WiFi issue, prevent future problems with these tips:

• Keep drivers updated – check for updates monthly
• Position your router properly – central location, away from walls and metal objects
• Use strong passwords – this prevents unauthorized connections that can slow your network
• Regular restarts – restart your router once a month to clear memory
• Monitor connected devices – check what devices connect to your WiFi regularly

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When wifi doesn’t work on laptop, it can feel like a major problem, but most issues have simple solutions. Start with the basics – check that WiFi is on, airplane mode is off, and you’re close enough to your router. If those don’t work, move through the troubleshooting steps methodically.

Remember that different devices connect differently, which explains why you might see wifi on laptop but not phone, or wifi on phone but not pc. Understanding these differences helps you solve problems faster.

The key takeaways are simple: restart devices first, keep drivers updated, and don’t overlook the obvious solutions. With this guide, you can fix most laptop WiFi problems yourself and get back to work or play without frustration.

If you’re still having trouble after trying all these steps, consider checking out our guide to fix extremely slow WiFi or learn about WPS buttons on routers for additional help. For more complex issues, Microsoft’s support page on WiFi connections offers detailed technical solutions.

Don’t let WiFi problems slow you down – with the right knowledge, you can fix them quickly and get back online.