Internet Tips and Tricks

Laptop Not Detecting My Wi-Fi but Detecting Others: 20 Easy Solutions (Windows & Mac)

Is your laptop not detecting your Wi-Fi but detecting others? Or maybe your laptop can’t find Wi-Fi networks at all, and your Wi-Fi network isn’t showing up? We understand how frustrating and isolating this issue can be, especially when you’re trying to get some work done or relax with a gaming session.  

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a range of solutions. Some are easy and you might have already tried them, while others are more advanced. We cover solutions for both Windows and Mac. Let’s dive in and solve this problem together, step by step.

1. Outdated Network Drivers

Your laptop might not detect your Wi-Fi network because its network drivers are outdated. Network drivers are essential software that allows your operating system to communicate with your network hardware. 

Solution: Update your network drivers. This is a standard procedure and safe to perform.  

1. Right-click on the Start menu → Click Device Manager. 
2. Expand the Network adapters section. 
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter → Select Update driver. 
4. Search for Updates. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software → Follow the prompts to complete the update. 

2. Router Issues

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your laptop but with the router itself. If your laptop is not detecting your Wi-Fi but detecting others, a simple restart can often resolve connectivity problems. 

Solution: Restart your router or modem. This is a straightforward and safe step that can often fix Wi-Fi issues. 

1. Unplug the router/modem from the power source. 
2. Leave it unplugged for about 30 seconds. 
3. Plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart. 

Note: If your Wi-Fi works on other devices like your phone but not on your laptop, turning the router on and off might not fix the problem, but it’s always worth a try. This is typically the first step your ISP will suggest if you contact them for support.

3. Network Settings

Incorrect or corrupted network settings can prevent your laptop from detecting your Wi-Fi network. Resetting these settings can help resolve the issue. 

Solution: Reset network settings and restore your network configurations to their default state.  

1. Open Settings. Click on the Start menu → Select Settings. 
2. Go to Network & Internet. 
3. Scroll down and click Network reset → Follow the prompts to complete the reset. 

Note: Resetting your network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, VPN connections, and Ethernet settings. You’ll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords after the reset.

4. Hardware Switches and FN Key Combinations

Sometimes, the Wi-Fi on your laptop might be disabled by a hardware switch or a function key combination. 

Solution: Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled via hardware switch or FN key combination.  

1. Look for a physical switch on your laptop that enables/disables Wi-Fi. Make sure it is turned on. 
2. Hold down the FN key and press the function key (F1-F12) with the Wi-Fi icon.

5. MAC Address Filtering

Your router might be set up to only allow specific devices to connect to your network, which can prevent your laptop from detecting your Wi-Fi.  

What are MAC address filters?  

MAC address filters are a security feature on your router that only allows devices with specific MAC addresses (unique hardware identifiers) to connect. This way, you can keep your network secure by controlling which devices can access it. 

Solution: Check and configure MAC address filters on the router.  

1. Access Router Settings. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address to log in. 
2. Navigate to the MAC filtering section in the settings. 
3. Your laptop’s MAC address should be on the allowed list. 

How to find your laptop’s MAC address?  

For Windows: 

1. Open Command Prompt: Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter. 
2. Type Command: Type ipconfig /all and press Enter. 
3. Find MAC Address: Look for the “Physical Address” under your network adapter. It will look like this: 00-1A-2B-3C-4D-5E. 

For Mac: 

1. Click on the Apple menu → System Preferences. 
2. Select Network and then click on Wi-Fi. 
3. Click on Advanced, and you’ll see the “Wi-Fi Address” (MAC address) listed. 

6. Power Management Settings

Power management settings are designed to save battery life by turning off certain hardware components when they’re not in use. However, this can inadvertently cause connectivity issues with your Wi-Fi. Disabling this setting ensures your network adapter stays on and maintains a stable connection. 

Solution: Disable network adapter power management.  

1. Right-click on the Start menu → Click Device Manager. 
2. Expand the Network adapters section. 
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter → Select Properties. 
4. Go to the Power Management tab. 
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. 

7. Wi-Fi Settings Conflicts

Wi-Fi channels can become crowded, especially in densely populated areas where many routers might be using the same channels. Changing to a less crowded channel can reduce interference and improve your Wi-Fi performance.  

Solution: Adjust Wi-Fi settings and channels.  

1. Access router settings. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address to log in. 
2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings section. 
3. Try changing the Wi-Fi channel to one that is less crowded (channels 1, 6, or 11 are typically good choices). 

8. Firmware Updates

Router firmware is the software that runs your router. Manufacturers regularly release updates to improve performance, add new features, and enhance security. Therefore, outdated firmware on your router can lead to unstable Wi-Fi performance. 

Solution: Update your router’s firmware.  

1. Access router settings. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address to log in. 
2. Navigate to the firmware update section in the router settings. 
3. Follow the instructions to check for and install any available updates. 

9. Incorrect Wi-Fi Password

This one is obvious, but worth pointing out. Entering an incorrect Wi-Fi password can prevent your laptop from connecting to the network. 

Solution: Verify and re-enter the Wi-Fi password.  

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray. 
2. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list. 
3. Make sure you type the correct password. Double-check for any typos or errors. 

10. Wi-Fi Network Visibility

Problem: Your laptop might not detect your Wi-Fi network if the network SSID (name) is not broadcasting.  

Some routers have an option to hide the SSID for security reasons. While this can prevent unwanted access, it can also make it harder for your devices to connect. Enabling SSID broadcast allows your laptop to see and connect to your Wi-Fi network easily. 

Solution: Make sure the Wi-Fi network SSID is broadcasting.  

1. Access router settings. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address to log in. 
2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings section. 
3. Enable SSID Broadcast.  

11. Interference from Other Networks

Problem: Other Wi-Fi networks or electronic devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, causing connectivity issues. 

Wi-Fi operates on specific channels, and if many networks are using the same channel, it can cause interference. Changing to a less crowded channel can improve your Wi-Fi signal and reduce connectivity problems. 

Solution: Change the router’s broadcast channel to avoid interference. 

1. Access router settings. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address to log in. 
2. Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings section. 
3. Select a channel that is less crowded (channels 1, 6, or 11 are usually good options). 

12. Network Adapter Issues

Problem: Sometimes, network adapters can encounter temporary issues that a simple disable/enable cycle can fix. This process resets the adapter and can resolve connectivity problems. 

Solution: Disable and re-enable the network adapter. 

1. Right-click on the Start menu → Click Device Manager. 
2. Expand the Network adapters section. 
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter → Select Disable device. 
4. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device. 

13. Firewall or Security Software

Problem: Firewall or security software settings can block your laptop from connecting to the Wi-Fi network. It’s designed to protect your system but can sometimes block legitimate network connections.  

Solution: Check and adjust firewall settings. 

1. Go to Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall. 
2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. 
3. Check Network Access and make sure your network-related apps are allowed through the firewall. 

14. Physical Obstructions

Problem: Physical obstructions like walls or furniture can weaken the Wi-Fi signal, causing connectivity problems. 

Solution: Move the router to a more central location.  

1. Choose a location central to where you use your laptop. 
2. Place the router on a high shelf or mount it on a wall to improve signal distribution. 
3. There should be minimal physical barriers between your router and your laptop. 

15. ISP Issues

Problem: If your laptop detects all Wi-Fi but your own, the issue might be with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) rather than your hardware or settings. Your ISP can provide insights and support to resolve these issues. 

Solution: Contact your ISP for potential service issues or outages.  

1. Visit your ISP’s website or contact their support line to check for outages. 
2. If there are no reported outages, describe your problem to the ISP’s support team for further assistance.

16. Network Configuration

Problem: Your laptop might not connect to Wi-Fi because of incorrect IP settings or issues with DHCP (the system that automatically assigns IP addresses). 

What is DHCP? DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It’s like a digital post office for your network. When you connect a device to Wi-Fi, DHCP automatically assigns it an IP address, which is like the device’s home address on the internet. This process usually happens without you even noticing. 

Normally, DHCP takes care of assigning IP addresses to devices on your network. If it stops working, manually entering your IP details can help your laptop connect to the Wi-Fi again. 

Solution: If you suspect DHCP is causing trouble, you can manually set up your IP settings.  

1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select Open Network & Internet settings. 
2. Click on Change adapter options. 
3. Find your Wi-Fi network, right-click on it, and choose Properties. 
4. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then Properties. 
5. Enter the necessary details:
   IP Address: Choose a number close to your router’s IP address but unique. For example, if your router’s IP is 192.168.1.1, you might choose 192.168.1.10.
   Subnet Mask: This is usually 255.255.255.0.
   Default Gateway: This is your router’s IP address, often 192.168.1.1. 

17. Device Manager Issues

Problem: Issues with network adapters (indicated by yellow exclamation marks in Device Manager) can prevent your laptop from detecting your Wi-Fi. 

Solution: Check Device Manager for any yellow exclamation marks indicating issues with network adapters.  

1. Right-click on the Start menu → Click Device Manager. 
2. Expand the Network adapters section. 
3. Look for any network adapters with a yellow exclamation mark. 
4. Right-click on the problematic adapter → Select Update driver or Uninstall device and then restart your laptop. 

18. Re-enable Wi-Fi Adapter

Problem: Sometimes, the Wi-Fi adapter can encounter issues that prevent it from functioning correctly, leading to your laptop not detecting your Wi-Fi but detecting others. 

Solution: Disable and then re-enable the Wi-Fi adapter.  

1. Right-click on the Start menu → Click Device Manager. 
2. Expand the Network adapters section. 
3. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter → Select Disable device. 
4. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable device. 

 19. Driver Reinstallation

Problem: Reinstalling the drivers makes sure your laptop has the right and latest software to work with your network adapter, which can fix many connection problems. Corrupted or missing network drivers can prevent your laptop from detecting your Wi-Fi network. 

Solution: Update or reinstall network drivers using an ethernet connection or a USB stick for driver installers.  

1. Use another device to download the latest network drivers from the manufacturer’s website. 
2. Transfer the downloaded drivers to your laptop using a USB stick. 
3. Right-click on the Start menu → Click Device Manager. 
4. Expand the Network adapters section → Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter → Select Update driver → Choose Browse my computer for driver software and locate the transferred driver files. 

20. Network Troubleshooter

Problem: Diagnosing the exact cause of connectivity issues can be challenging, especially if multiple factors are at play. 

The Windows Network Troubleshooter is designed to automatically identify and resolve common network problems, providing a quick and easy way to fix connectivity issues and get your laptop connected to your Wi-Fi network. 

Solution: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter to automatically diagnose and fix issues. Here’s how: 

1. Click on the Start menu → Select Settings. 
2. Go to Network & Internet. 
3. Scroll down and click Network troubleshooter → Follow the prompts to diagnose and fix any issues. 

Mac Wi-Fi Issues & Solutions

Macs are different from PCs, but they can also encounter the same frustrating error where the laptop is not detecting your Wi-Fi but detecting others.  

In this section, we will go over Mac-related Wi-Fi troubleshooting tips to help you get back online. 

Reset NVRAM/PRAM

Reset the NVRAM/PRAM on the Mac. 

1. Shut down your Mac. 
2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold Option + Command + P + R for about 20 seconds. 
3. Release the keys and let your Mac restart. 

Update macOS

Ensure macOS is updated to the latest version.  

1. Click on the Apple menu → System Preferences. 
2. Select Software Update. 
3. Install any available updates. 

Wi-Fi Settings

Check and adjust Wi-Fi settings on the Mac. 

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. 
2. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and connected to the correct network. 
3. Open System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced to adjust settings as needed. 

Network Settings Reset

Reset the network settings on the Mac. Here’s how: 

1. Go to System Preferences → Network. 
2. Select Wi-Fi and click the minus (-) button to remove it. 
3. Click the plus (+) button to add Wi-Fi again. 

Router Compatibility

Make sure your Mac can work with the router’s broadcast channel to avoid interference and connection problems. 

1) Log In to Your Router: 

• Open a web browser. 

• Type your router’s IP address (usually something like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar and press Enter. 

• Enter your username and password to log in. (You can find these details in your router’s manual or on a sticker on the router.) 

2) Check and Change the Channel: 

• Once logged in, look for the Wi-Fi settings or wireless settings section. 

• Find the channel settings. Your router might be set to a specific channel or set to auto-select. 

• Ensure the channel is compatible with your Mac. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are generally good choices because they minimize interference. 

Delete System Configuration Files

Delete specific system configuration files to reset network settings. Here’s how: 

1. Open Finder → Go → Go to Folder. 
2. Type /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ and press Go. 
3. Delete com.apple.airport.preferences.plist, NetworkInterfaces.plist, and Preferences.plist. 
4. Restart your Mac. 

Laptop Not Detecting Wi-Fi But Detecting Others: Recap

We’ve covered a comprehensive list of solutions for when your laptop is not detecting your Wi-Fi but detecting others. From updating network drivers and adjusting router settings to more advanced fixes like resetting network configurations and checking MAC address filters, these steps can help resolve connectivity issues. 

If you’ve tried these solutions and your laptop still can’t find Wi-Fi, it might be time to reach out to your ISP for assistance.  

Here at Race, we’re happy to help our subscribers get back online as fast as possible. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information!