Fix: Couldn’t find wireless devices on this PC error on Windows

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on October 25, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

The “Couldn’t find wireless devices on this PC” error means Windows can’t detect your wireless adapter, stopping Wi-Fi connections. This often happens because the device driver is missing, corrupted, or outdated. The main cause is usually a wrong or incompatible driver.

It can also be due to a disabled adapter in Device Manager, recent system changes, hardware issues, or wrong power settings.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can prevent Windows from communicating with your wireless adapter. Updating these drivers can fix the error and restore Wi-Fi connectivity.

  1. Open Device Manager via the search icon.
    Open Device Manager
    Open Device Manager
  2. Choose Network adapters.
  3. Right-click the Ethernet/Wireless Adapter and select Update Drivers.
  4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Wait for installation to finish.
  6. Check your wireless connection.

2. Reset TCP/IP Settings

Resetting TCP/IP settings fixes network problems by clearing wrong configurations. It restores network components to default, helping the wireless adapter work properly.

  1. Search for Command Prompt using the search icon.
    Running Command Prompt as an administrator
  2. Right-click and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt in the window and press Enter.
  4. Restart your PC and check your wireless connection.

3. Reset Winsock Catalog

Resetting Winsock fixes network issues by restoring default settings and letting the system recognize wireless devices.

  1. Search for Command Prompt from the search icon.
  2. Right-click and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Type netsh winsock reset in the window and press Enter.
    Resetting Winsock
  4. Restart your PC and check your wireless connection.

4. Change Power Management Option for Your Wireless Adapter

By adjusting the power management settings for your wireless adapter, you prevent the system from turning it off to save power. This stops connection drops and ensures the adapter stays active, improving connection stability.

  1. Open Device Manager via the search icon.
    Device Manager in Windows Search Box
  2. Select Network adapters.
    Double-clicking on the Network Adapters option
  3. Right-click the Ethernet/Wireless Adapter and choose Properties.
  4. Go to the Power Management tab.
    Disabling Power Management
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and click OK.
  6. Verify your wireless connection.
Kevin ArrowsUpdated on October 25, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo of Kevin Arrows

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

18
    SA
    Sarah Oct 17, 2019

    I tried all of these and my computer still won’t find any WiFi. What else can I do?

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author Oct 19, 2019

      There might be an issue with the Wifi Adapter, to ensure that, put the computer in safe mode and check if it helps. If it doesn’t, the Wifi adapter might be faulted

      Reply
    AD
    Alfred Duckett Mar 13, 2020

    You mentioned hardware issue Did not deal with that as soon in your narratives

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author Mar 14, 2020

      Can u please elaborate?

      Reply
    SM
    Sobia Melia Apr 14, 2020

    Method 2 resolved my issue, thank you so much for sharing you knowledge.

    Reply
    JC
    Josh Cooper May 3, 2020

    I don’t have the wireless bit in network adapters

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author May 5, 2020

      Click on all drivers listed there one by one and select “Update Drivers” on each one of them one by one.

      Reply
    PR
    priyesh Aug 16, 2020

    tried everything. did not work

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author Aug 18, 2020

      Uninstall your network drivers and restart your computer, check to see if the drivers work. If they don’t, try using Driver Easy to install any and all missing drivers on your computer.

      Reply
    PA
    Prof Ayo Aiyeloja Aug 26, 2020

    Method 2 resolved my issue, thank you so much for this valuable information. I sincerely appreciate

    Reply
    CR
    Crystal Nov 14, 2020

    None of these options, amongst other suggestions Ive found are fixing my issue. I also I cant update my wireless adapter, and it didn’t help to uninstall it and restart the computer.
    When I open properties on it, it says “this device cannot start” (code 10).

    I have no idea what happened, just turned my laptop on like any other day and now no wifi..

    Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I’ve only had the laptop a few months, bought it brand new $1400 laptop, I feel like it shouldn’t be having issues. I don’t really even use it for anything other than gaming on steam..

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Nov 16, 2020

      Have you tried this article we wrote on this issue?https://bit.ly/3ntr1uL

      Reply
      C
      Christian F. Oct 23, 2021

      Open up the laptop, disconnect the wireless antenna and re-attach it. That’s what worked for me.

      Reply
        SM
        Sam Muyinda May 13, 2022

        This is the only method that worked for me too, on a Toshiba Satellite C55 laptop with a similar problem.

        Reply
    NT
    Nilesh Tawde Jan 30, 2021

    Thanks. method 3 resolved my problem.

    Reply
    PA
    Patricia Sep 21, 2021

    when i click network adapter, i didnt find Ethernet/Wireless Adapter so, i cant do right click as you said. i’ve been searching a whole time but didnt find any methods for this. maybe an answer from you can help us who have the same problem like me. thank you

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Sep 21, 2021

      Try and follow these steps and check to see if the issue is resolved:-

      1. Search for Command Prompt and click “Run as administrator”.
      2. Once the Command Prompt window opens type the following command:-

      netcfg -d

      3. Wait for the command to run then restart your computer.

      Check to see if the issue is resolved.

      Reply
    RK
    Rohan k Mar 11, 2023

    Thanks you stranger.

    Reply