You will have a hard time connecting to the internet, if Wi-Fi Networks are not showing up on your computer, Hence, the problem of a Windows 10 computer not showing Wi-Fi Networks needs to immediately fixed.
The reason for Wi-Fi Networks not showing up on your computer could be due to change in Network Settings, Incompatible or Outdated Network Drivers and other reasons.
Wi-Fi Networks Not Showing in Windows 10
Windows computers come with built-in Wireless Adapters, which allows them to automatically scan nearby Wi-Fi Networks and show available Wi-Fi networks.
If your Windows 10 Laptop or Desktop computer is not showing available Wi-Fi Networks, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Restart Wi-Fi Network Adapter
Restarting the Wi-Fi Network Adapter can help in fixing Network connectivity problems.
1. Open Settings > click on the Network & Internet Icon.
2. On the next screen, scroll down in the right-pane and click on Change Adapter Options.
3. On the next screen, right-click on your Wi-Fi Network and select the Disable option.
4. After 10 seconds, right-click on your Wi-Fi Network and select the Enable option.
2. Update Network Driver
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manger Screen, expand Network Adapters entry > right-click on the Wirekess Adapter and click on Update Driver Software option.
Tip: If you see multiple entries under Wireless Adapters, look for something that has Wi-Fi in it or says Network or 802.11b.
3. On the next screen, select Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software option.
Wait for your computer to search for the Latest Driver Software as available for the Wireless Adapter and follow the onscreen instructions to Install the driver software (If available).
3. Run Network Troubleshooter
See if the problem can be fixed by using the built-in Network Troubleshooter on your computer.
1. Open Settings > click on Update & Security Icon.
2. On the next screen, select Troubleshoot in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Additional Troubleshooter.
3. On the next screen, select Internet Connections and click on Run the troubleshooter button.
Follow onscreen instructions as the troubleshooter tries to find and fix Wi-Fi connectivity problems on your computer.
4. Restart Network Adapter
1. Right Click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manger Screen, expand Network Adapters entry > right-click on your Wireless Adapter and select Disable Device option.
3. After 15 seconds, right-click on Wireless Adapter again and this time select the Enable Device option.
5. Diagnose Network Connections
1. Open Settings > click on Network & Internet Icon.
2. On the next screen, click on Change Adapter Options tab in the right-pane.
3. On the next screen, right-click on your Wi-Fi Network and select the Diagnose option.
4. Wait for the process to be completed and see if your computer is now listing available Wi-Fi Networks.
6. Reset Network Settings
As mentioned above, the problem could be due to a change or corruption in Network Settings.
1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Network Reset.
2. On the Network Reset screen, click on Reset Now button.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, select the Yes option to confirm.
After the Reset process is completed, you should find your computer listing available Wi-Fi Networks.
7. Uninstall Wireless Adapter Driver
1. Right Click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Network Adapter entry > right-click on the Wireless Adapter and click on Uninstall device option.
3. On the confirmation pop-up, check Delete driver software for this device option and click on Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer and Windows should automatically install the right driver software.
Note: In rare cases, Windows may fail to install the right driver. If this happens, manually download the driver software from the manufacturers website and install it on your computer.
8. Release & Renew IP Address
Follow the steps below to remove the current self-assigned IP Address from your computer and obtain a New IP Address.
1. Type CMD in the Search bar > right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as Administrator option.
2. On the Command prompt window, type ipconfig /release and press the enter key. This will release the current IP Address of your computer.
3. Next, type ipconfig /renew and press the enter key to renew the IP Address of your computer.
Close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.
9. Power Flush Modem/Router
Unplug the Modem/Router from its power supply source and patiently wait for 60 seconds > reconnect the Modem/Router back to its power supply source and wait for all the lights to turn green.
After this, you should be able to view Wi-Fi Networks listed on your computer.