No Wi-Fi network options showing on Windows 10

Started by pastywhitegurl, November 10, 2022, 07:44:55 PM

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pastywhitegurl

I have been using a wired connection and and am switching carriers and thought I would try to use the wireless connection (google fiber).

However, my windows 10 is not showing me any wi-fi networks, and the wi-fi icon is missing from the task bar, and is not listed as one that can be added.   If I try to set up a new network, it is not finding the wi-fi that I just set up.

I am assuming that I'm missing something in my controls somewhere.

Please help me find how to connect my computer to the new wi-fi.  It is set up and GoogleFiber says confirms it is operating.

pastywhitegurl

UPDATE: I figured out how to wire up to the google fiber, but still wonder why I have no Wifi icon or options in my windows 10 PC. I will likely keep it wired, since that is so much more stable.  Which means the  lack of wifi info doesn't require any speedy resolution.

The other house computer is a Lenovo laptop, and when I click the network icon, I have an option to turn wi-fi on or off, and the wi-fi available networks are showing.  On the PC, all I can see is the broadband and wired network connections.

Corrine

This site has a long list of things to try: WiFi Not Showing Up In Windows 10? 20 Solutions To Fix It, although you might want to try this first:

  • Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
  • Click on the Network & Internet tile.
  • In order to check if Wi-Fi is turned on, switch to the Wi-Fi tab. ...
  • If this toggle appears greyed out, click on it once so that it turns blue. ...


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v_v

pastywhitegurl,

Several questions:

1.  do you have the little internet access icon in your taskbar?  If so, what happens when you left-click it once?

2.  is your main computer a desktop?  If so, does it have either (a) a built-in wi-fi adapter or (b) a wi-fi adapter card?

For example my laptop and your Lenovo laptop both have built-in wi-fi adaptors.  So these are virtually automatic under the proper conditions.  On the other hand of my two desktop computers one has a wi-fi adapter card and the other does not.  For the desktop with the card I can click on the internet access icon and it shows me the available wi-fi networks even though I am using the wired connection---in other words this computer can do either kind of connection.  For the desktop without an adapter card there is no indication of wi-fi access---only a wired connection will work and show up as available.

So unless your computer has some sort of wi-fi adapter it will not show you wi-fi availability.

v_v
Justice, Equity, and Meaningful, Productive, and Fulfilling Lives to All Earthlings

pastywhitegurl

Yes, I have a network icon that shows the current wired connection.  Screenshot attached.

2. Don't know.  But its likely it doesn't.  I vaguely remember having one installed when we first got gigabit fiber, but it didn't work.  Have been wired ever since.

How do I find out if I have something like that?



v_v

pastywhitegurl,

To find out whether you have a wi-fi adapter installed, go to the search box (the magnifying glass next to the start button on the bottom left side of the task bar) and type in "device manager".  Once that screen pops up go down to "Network adapters" and click on the 'right arrow'.  You will probably see many things listed there.  What you are looking for is something that says "Adapter".  In my case what I have is a "Realtek RTL8188EE 80211 bgn Wi-Fi Adapter"; this is actually an adapter card that had to be inserted into an open slot inside the computer and it pokes out of the back of the computer.

(Humorously when I first bought this used desktop computer two and half years ago I had no idea what those connectors on the back of the computer were for.  It was only two years later when the wired aspect/component of my cable modem router failed/died that I discovered that I had wi-fi on the desktop!)

What is the make and model of the computer in question? I don't know for sure but I suspect that most desktops do not have wi-fi adapters built-in.  This would be something that you would have to purchase or order extra, and nowadays instead of adapter cards it seems that many adapters are usb based.  To see what I am referring to do a search for "wi-fi adapters" and go to amazon, best buy, or someplace similar to see what these newer adapters look like.

v_v
Justice, Equity, and Meaningful, Productive, and Fulfilling Lives to All Earthlings

pastywhitegurl

My computer specs are listed in my signature link.

I don't have any wi-fi adapters listed in the network adapters list.

I do have this:
Realtek PCle GBE Family Controller   

I'm assuming its something to do with the wired connection

So, apparently I don't have wi-fi capability.  But its ok, since I'm wired anyway, even on the new google fiber installation with the "wi-fi spots".


v_v

pastywhitegurl,

I do not see the computer make and model in your link.  But no matter, since you did not find something that says "Adapter" in your "Network adapters" you most likely do not have built-in wi-fi on that computer.  If you go to the Lenovo laptop and look you will probably find an adapter listed.  The "Controller" thing is something else.

If you have a smart phone and you might care to experiment here is a link to a web page that promises to give you an option for getting wi-fi on your computer without an adapter:  " https://www.lifewire.com/connect-desktop-to-wifi-without-an-adapter-5180050 ".

Also per amazon it appears that you can get a simple usb wi-fi adapter for around $15--$25, if you wish.

v_v
Justice, Equity, and Meaningful, Productive, and Fulfilling Lives to All Earthlings

pastywhitegurl

Oh sorry... its a Dell Optiplex 755.  (I shall update my info to add that).

Interesting about the cell phone method.  Might try it just for kicks.

v_v

pastywhitegurl,

The specs for that model, Dell Optiplex 755, have no mention of a pre-installed wi-fi adapter, and for a model that old it would be highly unlikely that it would have.

But you should be good to go, and go ahead, do something "just for kicks" if you feel like it!  (Smile)

v_v
Justice, Equity, and Meaningful, Productive, and Fulfilling Lives to All Earthlings