Wireless Capability Is Turned Off & Won’t Turn On In Windows 7/10/11
These suggestions will help if WiFi isn’t working on Windows 11/10.
- Windows Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter
- Make sure to check the physical switch
- Modify adapter settings
- Get the latest WiFi Driver
- Enable wireless adapter
- Use Network Reset.
How To Turn On Wireless Capability
Method 1: Turn On Your Wireless Option
You will likely find a function key for turning your laptop’s wireless on/off. You might find it in F12 on different laptops. Find the wireless symbol and find the key. If you can’t find the key or you are using a desktop, you can enable wireless capability in network connections.
Windows 10 Users:
- Start typing wifi in the search box. Next, click on Change Wi-Fi Settings from the search result.
- Check that your Wi-Fi is active.
Windows 7 Users
- Enter network in the search box starting at Start. Next, click Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your wireless network adapter to enable it
Method 2: Verify The Power Management Setting Of Your Wireless Network Adapter
Windows has a feature that turns off devices when they’re not being used to conserve power and energy. Although this feature can extend the battery life of your computer’s battery, there is a wireless capability that Windows may have turned off your device but not turned it on.
You can therefore check the Power Management settings for your wireless network adapters. Here’s a quick guide.
Step 1: To open the Run box, press the Win + R keys simultaneously.
Step 2: Type in devmgmt.msc into the box, and then click OK to open Device Manager.
Step 3: Expand Network adapters, then click the right-click on your wireless network adapter device and choose Properties
Step 4: To save power, go to the Power Management tab. Uncheck Allow the computer turn off this device to save power.
Method 3: Update Your Wireless Network Adapter Driver
An incorrect or outdated wireless adapter driver could also be the cause of this problem. Driver Easy makes it easy to automate driver installation if you aren’t confident with manual tweaking.
Driver Easy will recognize your computer and locate the correct drivers. It doesn’t require you to know the exact system of your computer. You don’t have to be concerned about installing the wrong driver or making mistakes.
Driver Easy is available in two versions: the free and the pro version. Driver Easy will automatically update your drivers. The Pro version is much easier and takes only 2 clicks. You also get full support, and a 30-day guarantee of your satisfaction.
- Easy Driver Download and Installation
- Start Driver Easy and then click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will scan your computer and identify any driver problems.
- To automatically download the network adapter driver, click the Update button (next to the flagged driver). You can then install it using the FREE version. Or click Update All to download the latest version of all drivers on your system. This requires the Pro version. If you click Update All, you will be asked to upgrade.
- Start your computer again and connect Wi-Fi.
Method 4: Updating your BIOS
BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System. It is firmware that performs the hardware initialization during your computer’s boot process. Your manufacturer preinstalls the BIOS system on your computer. It is the first program that runs when your computer starts up. It acts more like a key that starts all processes on your computer.
The BIOS also tests hardware components of your computer and ensures that they work correctly. Many BIOS are specifically designed to work with specific motherboard models. In the past, BIOS was written in RAM and needed to be updated when it was changed.
Modern computer systems store BIOS in flash memory to be rewritten without having to replace the hardware.
Many people reported that the BIOS of the computer was updated instantly. However, we recommend it only as a last resort because it can be very technical. Before you attempt this solution, make sure to backup all your data. We have several articles that will help you update your bios. Have a look.
Method 5: Run Windows Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter
Now run the Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter Tool after you have completed the above steps. Let windows address the other problems that may be preventing Wireless connection.
This can be done by going to Settings > Network and Internet > Status, then clicking on the Network Troubleshooter button.
This will launch the Network Troubleshooter and Windows Network Diagnostics tool. If any problems prevent the network connections window, this tool will help you to fix them. This could also resolve the Wireless Capability is Turned Off in Windows 10.
Method 6: Turning On Wifi At The Login Screen
Many users also reported that the WiFi could be turned on at the login screen when you turn on Windows. This feature is often available so that Windows can check the internet for the latest password and match it with yours. Although this is not known, it may be because you have a different account that works with wireless functionality.
- Start your computer again and allow it to go to the login screen.
- Locate the wireless adapter icon at the bottom of the screen. Turn on the WiFi by clicking it.
- Once WiFi has been turned on, verify that it works as it should.
Notable: If you’re on your login screen, you can also turn the WiFi button on. Some users reported that this solved their problem.
Method 7: Power Cycling Your Laptop
Power cycling your laptop is another option that works well for many users. A power cycle is the act of turning off your computer completely and then turning it on again. Power cycling is used to reset a computer’s configuration parameters or to recover from an unresponsive state.
You can also use it to reset all network configurations, which are lost when the laptop is turned off completely.
Turn off your laptop and disconnect all wires. Next, please obliterate the battery and disconnect it. Wait for approximately 2-3 minutes before you plug the battery back into your computer.
To ensure that the capacitors are properly discharged and that no data is lost in RAM, you must remove the battery. Check if the problem has been solved by turning on the laptop again.
Method 8: Windows Mobility Center Turns Off Wireless
In the Windows search bar, type “Windows mobility center” and click the button to open the app. Turn on the wireless if it is off.
Conclusion
When running the Network connection troubleshooter, the standard error message is “Wireless capability is turned off.” This is more common on laptops than it is on desktop computers.
Many things can cause this error message. Most common is the ability to turn off your network adapter in order to conserve the battery. People often accidentally turn off wireless capability using the keyboard shortcut on most laptops. Rezence hopes you found this article useful, and if you have any questions, suggestions, or difficulties, please comment below.