Why is WiFi not showing up in Windows 10 and how to see it

The vast majority of users use the wireless networks to surf the Internet from their computers. Gone are the days when a cable was used between the computer and the router, since the WiFi connections are getting better quality. We have become so used to this good performance that when it fails we feel really upset. Suddenly there is no connection. And what is worse: the WiFi icon does not appear in Windows 10. What happened?

There are times when these types of connections give problems. For this reason (and also to have a higher data transmission speed), some continue to use the cable, effective but uncomfortable. We do not believe that it is necessary to return to that, although it is important to know why the problem happens and especially How to solve it.

If Windows 10 WiFi does not appear on your computer and you want to solve this annoying setback, we recommend that you continue reading:

Why is WiFi not showing up in Windows 10?

Although it is a real joy to navigate from our computer or laptop without cables that bother us or restrict our mobility, we must be aware that this technology still presents certain drawbacks. In general, wireless networks are more unstable and tend to offer us less speed. And they also give more problems.

Precisely for this last reason it is important to correctly configure this connection. The problem we come across with some frequency is that Wi-Fi settings do not appear. Then we feel lost and we don't know what to do.

Like almost everything in life, to solve a problem you must first know what caused it. Its origin. We are going to analyze what are the most common causes:

Drivers error

When the WiFi settings icon does not appear in Windows 10, the most common reason is an error in the network card drivers. For example, it may happen that we are using an outdated version, or that the version is updated, but has not been installed correctly. When this happens, connection failures are generated continuously.

In addition to the drivers, the problem can be caused by problems with the software. If the operating system is not up to date, it is easy to generate conflicts with the drivers that give rise to errors at times.

Problems with some malware

Another of the most frequent causes that can cause this type of problem is the presence of a virus in our system. Unfortunately, security flaws can give us many headaches and make our system not respond as we expect, affecting elements such as the WiFi connection.

These viruses are often not excessively dangerous, although they are extremely annoying. One of the things to bother us with is to make icons, programs and files disappear, or at least make them invisible or hide the shortcuts. Also the WiFi icon, making it impossible to access its configuration.

Hardware failures

Third and last, we must mention the hardware errors. If for example we are using a USB receiver that is damaged, it may be the network card itself that is not working properly.

Of course, if the hardware fails, Windows will not be able to detect it, making it impossible to view and access the configuration. Thus we will find that there is no connection and, worst of all, that we will not be able to enter the configuration menu to restore it.

Solutions

Once you know the most common reasons that explain the failure of WiFi does not appear in Windows 10, you have to see what are the solutions that we have. And which is the most appropriate for each case:

Updating the system and network drivers

It is drawer, but it never hurts to insist on it: you always have to try keep the system up to date. This can also be extended to network drivers. You must have the latest versions installed on your computer. With this we will avoid incompatibility issues that can be the source of all kinds of problems.

Sometimes it is not a lack of update, but an update that has not been carried out correctly. It is quite common that we forget Restart your computer after installing updates. If we do not, they can stay halfway and generate all kinds of conflicts in our system.

So the first solution we should try It is this: a simple update of the system and the network drivers. This may be enough to get the WiFi connection back to normal.

Restart the router

Another obvious and simple solution, but effective in a large percentage of cases. Let's remember the correct way to do it: you have to keep the router off for at least 30 seconds. After that time it must be switched on again. In this way the router reboot it will run unhindered. Then we will only have to check if the WiFi icon is visible on the computer and if the connection has been reestablished.

Use the Windows Troubleshooter

I know that many users will find this option a waste of time. However, on many occasions the classic Windows troubleshooter It can be very useful when it comes to solving certain situations such as when WiFi does not appear in Windows 10.

The steps to follow to use this solution they are well known: We have to go to "Start", then select "Settings", then "Network and Internet" and finally click on "Status" and on "Network troubleshooter". If we are lucky, the solution to the problem awaits us there.

Checking the network card

Another of the points where the origin of this error is usually. Necessary check that our WiFi network card is installed correctly. Otherwise, the connection will not work. The risk of this failure is greater if it is an external card, one of those that can be connected and disconnected manually.

Sometimes the problem is not that the card is damaged, but simply inserted incorrectly or that it has been moved from its location.

Eliminate interference from other programs

The malfunction of certain programs is on many occasions the cause of this and other problems in our computers. When we find that the WiFi does not appear in Windows 10, we have to do a little memory and try to remember if we have installed any kind of software recently. Perhaps there is the cause of this malfunction.

 Interference can manifest itself in a number of ways: sometimes you can't access the network, while sometimes the WiFi settings don't even appear in Windows.

Generally speaking, it is security programs such as antivirus programs that cause us this type of headache. For example, a badly configured firewall or a VPN that can block our installed connections and adapters. To solve these annoying situations, you have to stop these programs and, if necessary, even uninstall them.

Conclusion

After reviewing the most common causes and solutions in the event that the WiFi configuration does not appear in Windows 10, we must insist on the importance of updates, one of the best methods for our equipment to function properly.

Just as important is keep viruses and malware at bay that pose a constant threat to our computer. Security tools, as much as they can sometimes generate some setback or other, are very important.