Fix: Wi-Fi icon missing in Windows 11

Sometimes, Windows 11 users find the Wi-Fi icon to be missing. This problem may be arising because of many reasons. It could be due to corrupt Wi-Fi drivers, a hardware issue, or sometimes even a problem with Windows OS. There are many ways you can solve this issue in your system. This article illustrates step-by-step how you can fix Wi-Fi icon missing in Windows 11 issue.

Fix: Wi-Fi icon missing in Windows 11

Below are seven methods you can go about.

Fix 1: Internet Connection Troubleshooter

The first option you should try is the built-in troubleshooters that Windows 11 provides to fix some common issues in the computer and/or network devices. It will run a system scan for these common problems and fix them automatically if found. Here is how you do it.

1. Open the Settings app and go to Systems.
2. Scroll down and select Troubleshoot.

3. Go to Other troubleshooters.

4. The first option you will see here is Internet Connections. Click on Run that appears across it.

5. In the dialogue box that opens, select Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet.

Windows will now run the troubleshoot scan and recommend potential fixes. Apply those fixes and the issue should be solved.

If the icon is still missing, you can run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter. To do it, you need to follow the same steps till step 3. In the Other troubleshooters window, select Run for Network Adapter.

In the window that appears, select All network adapters, and click on Next.

Now all you need to do is follow the instructions that appear on the screen and apply the fixes that it recommends. That should restore your Wi-Fi connectivity.

Fix 2: Enable Wi-Fi Adapter in Network Connections

Sometimes, you may not be able to see the Wi-Fi option if the Wi-Fi adapter is disabled. You can easily fix it in the Control Panel.

1. Open Control Panel from the Start Menu or by searching for it in the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R.
2. Select Network and Sharing Center. If you don’t see it, you can change the view by option to Large icons or go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.

3. Click on Change adapter settings. This will show all your installed network devices.

4. Right click on the Wi-Fi and select Enabled in the menu.

If the Wi-Fi is already enabled, click on Diagnose to run a network diagnostic and troubleshoot the driver. This will fix the issue at hand.

Fix 3: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Your Windows may not have the latest network drivers installed, causing corrupt drivers. Here is how you fix it.

1. In the start menu, search for Device Manager.
2. Click on the arrow before Network Adapters to expand it.
3. In the list of connections, right click on your Wi-Fi device and select Update driver.

4. Now select Search automatically for drivers in the screen that pops up.

This will run the scan and install new drivers if available. It will solve the issue.

Fix 4: Reinstall Network Adapter Device

In the Device Manager only, you can uninstall your Wi-Fi device by expanding Network adapter section and right clicking on your device similarly as shown above. Select Uninstall device.

Once uninstalled, you simply need to click on Action in the Device Manager toolbar and select Scan for hardware changes. The Windows will now scan the system for missing yet connected devices and reinstall necessary driver for the same. This could also fix your issue at hand.

Fix 5: Perform Network Reset

There is a built-in option to Reset Network in Windows 11. It removes and reinstalls the network adapters. Moreover, it also reset the other networking components to their default settings to fix problems arising due to incorrect configurations. Here is how you do it.

1. Open Settings app and go to Network & internet.
2. Go to Advanced network settings.
3. Scroll down to select More settings.
4. Here, click on the Reset now button appearing with Network Reset and click Yes to confirm your action.

You may need to reinstall and reconfigure other networking device after the reset. However, this will solve your issue of Wi-Fi icon missing.

Fix 6: Reset Network Device and Network Stack through Command Prompt

Through Command Prompt, you can reset the network devices. You need to follow all the commands below in order.

1. Press Win + X keys. It will open the WinX menu.
2. In this menu, click on Windows Terminal (Admin). Select Yes in the UAC prompt.

3. In the black window that opens. Type the following commands and hit enter in the given order.

netsh int ip reset

netsh advfirewall reset

netsh winsock reset

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

You may need to restart your computer. Then, check if the issue is solved and Wi-Fi is restored.

Fix 7: Install pending Windows Updates

Lastly, the issue could be because there may be some Windows updates pending for you to install. These updates can contain bug fixes and necessary driver releases for the network devices. To do it,

1. Open Settings and go to Windows update section in the left pane.
2. Click on Check for updates.
3. If available, download and install the updates and restart your PC.
4. Next, on this page, go to Advanced options.
5. Select Optional Updates.
6. Here, click on Driver updates and select the updates from your system manufacturer.
7. Now click on Download & Install.

8. Once done, Restart your PC and you are good to go.

That is it, we have covered all the seven different ways you can fix the issue of Wi-Fi icon missing in your Windows 11 system.

Hope it helps!