Your computer can't connect to WiFi because of a problem with the router, the WiFi adapter in your computer, or the connection between them
The issue is almost always one of three things: your router has lost power or isn't broadcasting, your computer's WiFi adapter is turned off or has outdated drivers, or there's interference or distance between them. Most of the time you can fix it yourself in under five minutes by restarting the router and checking a few settings. If those steps don't work, the problem is usually something you can diagnose by looking at what your computer is actually telling you.
Start by checking whether other devices in your home can connect to the same WiFi network. If your phone or tablet connects fine, the problem is with your computer specifically. If nothing connects, the problem is with your router or internet service.
Key Takeaways
- Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting two minutes for it to fully boot.
- Check that your computer's WiFi adapter is turned on — look for a physical switch on the laptop or a keyboard shortcut (often Fn plus a key with a WiFi symbol).
- If your computer sees the network but won't connect, forget the network in your WiFi settings and reconnect by entering the password again.
- If your computer doesn't see the network at all, move closer to the router and check whether the router is actually broadcasting (look for a light labeled WiFi or WLAN).
- Outdated WiFi drivers are a common cause — update them through Device Manager on Windows or System Preferences on Mac.
Restart your router first
Before you do anything else, restart your router. Unplug it from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two full minutes for it to boot up — you'll see lights on the front change as it initializes. This fixes the majority of WiFi problems because routers sometimes get stuck in a state where they stop broadcasting or responding to connection requests.
While the router is restarting, check that the power cable is plugged in firmly at both ends and that the outlet itself is working. If you have a surge protector, make sure it's switched on. Once the router has finished booting, try connecting again.
Check that your computer's WiFi adapter is actually on
Many laptops have a physical switch or a keyboard shortcut that turns the WiFi adapter on and off. Look for a small switch on the side or front of your laptop, or check your keyboard for a key with a WiFi symbol (usually in the F-key row). On most laptops, holding Fn and pressing that key toggles WiFi on or off.
On Windows, you can also check this in Settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi and make sure the WiFi toggle is switched on. On Mac, click the WiFi icon in the top-right corner of the menu bar — if it shows a line through it, WiFi is off. Click it and select "Turn WiFi On."
Forget the network and reconnect with the password
If your computer sees the WiFi network but won't connect, or keeps asking for the password over and over, the stored connection information is usually corrupted. The fix is to forget the network and reconnect from scratch.
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi > Manage Known Networks. Find your network name in the list, click it, and select "Forget." Then look for your network in the available networks list and select it. Enter the WiFi password (the one on the back of your router or in your router's setup paperwork) and wait for it to connect.
On Mac, go to System Preferences > Network > WiFi > Advanced. Find your network in the list, select it, and click the minus button to remove it. Close the window, then click the WiFi icon in the menu bar and select your network from the list. Enter the password and wait to connect.
Check for interference and distance from the router
WiFi signals weaken with distance and are blocked or disrupted by walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices. If you're far from the router or in a different room with thick walls between you, move closer and try again. Even moving five feet closer can make the difference between a connection that works and one that doesn't.
Microwave ovens, cordless phones, and baby monitors all broadcast on the same frequency as WiFi and can cause interference. If you're using one of these devices near your router, turn it off temporarily and try connecting again. If that fixes it, move the router away from that device or switch to a different room.
Update your WiFi drivers on Windows
If your computer still won't connect after trying the steps above, your WiFi driver — the software that controls the WiFi adapter — may be outdated or corrupted. On Windows, you can update it through Device Manager.
Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager." Look for "Network adapters" and click the arrow next to it to expand the list. Find the entry that mentions WiFi or Wireless (it usually has a name like "Intel Wireless" or "Realtek"). Right-click it and select "Update driver." Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software" and wait for Windows to search and install any available updates. Restart your computer when finished.
If Device Manager shows a yellow exclamation mark next to your WiFi adapter, the driver is definitely corrupted. Right-click it, select "Uninstall device," restart your computer, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
Check your router's settings and restart your computer
If other devices connect fine but your computer still won't, restart your computer. Many connection problems clear up after a restart because the operating system resets its network stack — the software layer that handles all network communication.
If restarting doesn't work, log into your router's settings to check that WiFi broadcasting is actually turned on. Open a web browser on any device that is connected to the router, type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check your router's manual or the label on the back) into the address bar, and log in with the admin password. Look for a setting called "WiFi," "Wireless," or "SSID" and make sure it's enabled. If you see an option to change the WiFi channel, try switching from the default channel to channel 6 or 11, which often have less interference.
When to contact your internet provider or a technician
If you've tried all the steps above and your computer still won't connect, but other devices do connect fine, the problem is likely a hardware failure in your computer's WiFi adapter. This usually requires a technician to diagnose and repair.
If no devices can connect to your router, the problem is with your router or internet service. Restart the router one more time and wait five minutes. If the internet light on the front of the router doesn't turn on, contact your internet service provider — the problem is likely with their equipment or service, not yours. If the internet light is on but you still can't connect, your router may need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my computer see the WiFi network but won't connect?
The password you're entering is wrong, or the stored connection information is corrupted. Try entering the password again carefully — passwords are case-sensitive. If that doesn't work, forget the network and reconnect from scratch. The WiFi password is usually on a sticker on the back of your router or in the setup paperwork that came with it.
My computer was connected yesterday but isn't today. What changed?
Your router may have lost power or restarted. Restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If that doesn't work, check that your WiFi adapter is still turned on — sometimes a keyboard shortcut gets pressed accidentally. You can also check Windows Settings or Mac System Preferences to confirm the adapter is enabled.
How do I know if my WiFi adapter is broken?
If other devices connect to your WiFi fine but your computer won't, and you've tried restarting both the router and your computer, the adapter is likely broken. You can also check Device Manager on Windows — if your WiFi adapter shows a yellow exclamation mark or is listed as "Unknown Device," the driver is corrupted or the hardware has failed. A technician can test and replace it if needed.
Can I use an ethernet cable instead of WiFi?
Yes. If your computer has an ethernet port, you can plug a cable directly from the router to your computer. This bypasses the WiFi adapter entirely and is often faster and more stable. You can use ethernet while you troubleshoot the WiFi problem or as a permanent solution if the adapter is broken.
Why does my computer keep disconnecting from WiFi?
This is usually caused by interference, distance from the router, or outdated drivers. Move closer to the router and away from microwaves or cordless phones. Update your WiFi drivers through Device Manager on Windows. If disconnections happen at specific times, check whether another device turns on then — that device may be causing interference.