How to Fix a Computer That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi

Quick answer

When a computer won’t connect to Wi-Fi, the usual fix is simple: make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and airplane mode is off, restart the computer and the router, then “forget” the network and join it again with the correct password. This guide is for Windows 11 and Mac users whose laptop or desktop can’t see the network, keeps rejecting the password, or tries to connect and then gives up. If your computer does connect but web pages won’t load, read Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet instead.

Before you start

First, find out whether the problem is the computer or the network. Picture a family PC in the den that suddenly stops connecting while everyone’s phones work fine: that points to the PC. If no device in the house can connect, the router or the internet service is the more likely cause.

• Check another device. Can a phone or tablet join the same network right now?
• Restart the computer. A full restart clears many temporary glitches.
• Restart the router. Unplug the router (and the modem, if it is a separate box) from power, wait about 30 seconds, plug it back in, and give it a few minutes to start up fully.
• Move closer. Thick walls, floors and distance weaken the signal. Test in the same room as the router.
• Check the network name. Many homes have two similar names, one for each band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), plus guest networks. Make sure you pick your own.

About passwords: type the Wi-Fi password yourself. Never give your Wi-Fi password, or any other password, to someone who calls or messages you offering to “fix” your connection. Real companies don’t cold-call people about computer problems or ask for remote access out of the blue.

Check that Wi-Fi is on and join the network again

Most connection problems clear up when you confirm Wi-Fi is on and then rejoin the network from scratch. Forgetting a network deletes the saved settings and password, so the computer starts fresh.

Windows 11

1. Select the network icon at the right end of the taskbar. Make sure Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off. Some laptops also have a Wi-Fi key or switch; check that it is not turned off.
2. Open Settings, then Network & internet, then Wi-Fi.
3. Select Manage known networks, choose your network, and select Forget.
4. Go back to the network icon on the taskbar, choose your network, and select Connect.
5. Type the password carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive, so check Caps Lock.

In Windows 10 the menus look slightly different, but you’ll find the same Manage known networks option under Settings, then Network & Internet, then Wi-Fi.

macOS

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
2. Open System Settings and click Wi-Fi.
3. Find your network in the list, click the Details or more (three dots) button next to it, and choose Forget This Network. Wording differs a little between macOS versions.
4. Choose your network from the list again and type the password.

If your Mac uses iCloud Keychain, forgetting a network on the Mac may also remove it from your other Apple devices signed in to the same account. That’s normal; just rejoin them afterward.

Run the built-in tools

Both systems include tools that can find and fix common problems automatically.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings, then System, then Troubleshoot, then Other troubleshooters, and run the network or internet troubleshooter. In some recent versions, Windows opens the Get Help app to run it.
2. If that does not help, try a network reset: Settings, then Network & internet, then Advanced network settings, then Network reset. This reinstalls the network adapters (the hardware that handles Wi-Fi and wired connections) and sets network settings back to their defaults. Your computer restarts, and you’ll need to rejoin Wi-Fi networks and reinstall any VPN software afterward.
3. Check the Wi-Fi driver (the small program that lets Windows talk to the Wi-Fi hardware). Open Settings, then Windows Update, and install available updates, including anything listed under optional updates. You can also get the latest driver from your computer maker’s official support site.

macOS

1. Hold the Option key and click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose Open Wireless Diagnostics and follow the on-screen steps. It checks your connection and suggests fixes.
3. Install macOS updates from System Settings, then General, then Software Update.

If this does not work

Try these next steps, easiest first:

• Check the date and time. A clock that is far off can upset some network sign-ins. Set it to update automatically.
• Turn off VPN apps for a test. A VPN or other network app can block a new connection. Quit or pause it briefly, test, then turn it back on.
• Try the other band or a phone hotspot. If the computer joins a phone’s hotspot but not your home network, the router settings are the likely issue. If it joins nothing at all, the computer’s Wi-Fi hardware or driver is more likely.
• Check the router’s settings. Some routers have a device block list, parental controls or “access control” features that can keep a computer off the network. Router admin pages differ by brand and model, so check your router’s documentation or your internet provider’s help pages for where these settings live. Keep the router’s security set to a modern option such as WPA2 or WPA3 rather than turning security off.
• Use a cable. Plugging into the router with an Ethernet cable confirms whether the internet itself works and lets you download updates. If you also have a printer that won’t join the network, see how to connect a printer to Wi-Fi.

When to get professional help

Contact your computer maker’s support, your internet provider, or a qualified technician if:

• No Wi-Fi networks appear at all, even right next to the router, and Wi-Fi seems missing from Settings or Device Manager.
• The computer connects only by cable, even after updates, a network reset and a driver from the maker’s site.
• Every device in your home has trouble, which points to the router or the service. Your internet provider can test the line and the equipment it supplied.
• The laptop was recently dropped or got wet. Don’t open it yourself.

FAQ

Why does my laptop say “can’t connect to this network”?

It usually means the saved settings or password no longer match the router. Forget the network, restart both the laptop and the router, and join again while typing the password carefully. If it still fails, run the network troubleshooter or Wireless Diagnostics.

Why can’t I see my Wi-Fi network in the list?

You may be too far from the router, the router may be off or restarting, or the network may only broadcast on a band your computer doesn’t support. Move closer and restart the router. Some networks are also hidden, in which case you add them by typing the exact name.

Will a network reset delete my files?

No. A network reset only affects network settings, saved Wi-Fi networks and network adapters. Your documents, photos and apps stay where they are, though you’ll need to reinstall some VPN apps and rejoin networks.

Is it safe to tell someone my Wi-Fi password so they can fix it?

Only share it with people you know and trust in your home. Never give it to someone who contacts you out of the blue claiming to be from a tech company. If you think the password got out, change it using your router’s app or admin page.

Do I need to buy a new router?

Not usually. Most problems are fixed by restarting, forgetting the network or updating drivers. Consider replacing the router only if your internet provider or a technician confirms it is faulty or too old to support your devices.