To reinstall the Wi-Fi driver in Windows 11, open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, choose Uninstall device, and restart the PC. Windows reinstalls the driver automatically when it starts. If it doesn’t, install the driver from your PC or adapter maker’s website.
Before you start, download the Wi-Fi driver on this PC (or another device) and save it to a USB drive, because you may have no internet until the driver is back.
Quick Answer
Device Manager > Network adapters > right-click the Wi-Fi adapter > Uninstall device > Uninstall > restart.
Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver
- Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the Wi-Fi adapter (its name usually includes Wireless, Wi-Fi, or 802.11) and choose Uninstall device.
- Leave Attempt to remove the driver for this device unchecked for a simple reinstall, or check it to force a clean reinstall.
- Click Uninstall, then restart the PC.
- After restarting, check Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
If the adapter doesn’t come back, open Device Manager and click Action > Scan for hardware changes.
Install the Latest Driver From the Maker
- On another device, go to your laptop or motherboard maker’s support page and enter your model or serial number.
- Download the WLAN or Wireless driver for Windows 11.
- Copy it to this PC with a USB drive, run the installer, and restart.
You can also check Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates for a newer network driver. For more options, see how to update drivers in Windows 11.
Roll Back a Bad Driver Update
If Wi-Fi broke right after an update, right-click the adapter > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver. The button is grayed out if no previous driver is saved.
Which Fix to Try
| Symptom | Try |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi stopped after an update | Roll Back Driver |
| Wi-Fi drops or is slow | Uninstall and restart, or install the maker’s latest driver |
| No Wi-Fi option at all | Scan for hardware changes, then install the maker’s driver |
| Adapter has a yellow warning | Uninstall with “Attempt to remove the driver” checked, then install the maker’s driver |
| Still not fixed | Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset |
Troubleshooting
- The adapter is missing from Device Manager: Click View > Show hidden devices. If it’s still missing, check that Wi-Fi isn’t disabled in the BIOS or with a hardware switch.
- Wi-Fi is off, not broken: Turn it on from Quick Settings (Win + A) and make sure Airplane mode is off. ASUS owners can follow our ASUS Wi-Fi guide.
- Network reset didn’t help: See how to reset a network adapter for more steps; they’re the same in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will uninstalling the Wi-Fi driver delete my saved networks?
Usually not. Saved networks are stored by Windows, but you may need to re-enter a Wi-Fi password if the profile was tied to the old adapter.
How do I know which Wi-Fi adapter I have?
Its name is listed under Network adapters in Device Manager, and on your PC’s specification page.
Can I reinstall the driver without internet?
Yes. Windows includes basic drivers for many adapters, and you can install the maker’s driver from a USB drive.
Summary
- Download the Wi-Fi driver to a USB drive first.
- Uninstall the adapter in Device Manager.
- Restart to reinstall it.
- Install the maker’s driver or roll back if needed.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.