Laptop can't connect to the internet but phone can? Here's a solution

Image description: Laptop unable to connect to Wi-Fi

Introduction

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows computers, mobile devices, and other equipment to connect to the internet. It is the most common way to access the internet wirelessly without a direct physical connection to a router.

This allows devices to communicate with each other, creating a network. However, there might be times when your laptop cannot connect to Wi-Fi but your phone can. This article will explore the factors that could cause this issue and how to resolve it.

Why can't my laptop connect to Wi-Fi but my phone can?

Let's see why your laptop isn't connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Your computer is in Flight/Plane mode.

Your computer can't connect to Wi-Fi because Flight mode is on.

Your computer's Wi-Fi is turned off.

Many computers have a Wi-Fi switch that enables or disables the wireless connection.

Reset Your Wi-Fi

A few tech issues can cause your computer to not see a Wi-Fi network.

Network configuration error

A laptop not seeing a Wi-Fi network could be due to incorrect or damaged network settings.

Refused the Wi-Fi adapter

A Wi-Fi adapter is an essential component of a computer. Although it doesn't happen often, a Wi-Fi adapter is one of the sensitive parts of a computer that, once it acts up, can disconnect and disable all connected Wi-Fi networks.

There seems to be an issue with your antivirus software.

Antivirus software that misidentifies a computer's network hardware can cause it to send erroneous signals that switch off the Wi-Fi.

Wrong date and time

Incorrect time and date settings, along with outdated drivers, are other reasons your laptop might not connect to Wi-Fi but can connect to a phone.

How to Fix a Laptop That Can't Connect to Wi-Fi but a Phone Can

A laptop is a convenient asset, known for its portability and higher efficiency compared to desktops. However, many users report that their laptops fail to connect to Wi-Fi while mobile devices succeed. To address this issue, let's explore some steps you can take.

Restart your device and laptop

Reinstall the network driver

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Hide and Rename SSID

Temporarily disable antivirus software

Change power adapter settings

Restart your device and laptop

Start with basic troubleshooting steps. Rebooting your modem, router, and laptop should be your first move. IP address conflicts are common, especially when you have multiple devices accessing the internet through a single router.

Stalls can occasionally occur in the system, so it's highly recommended that you restart. This will clear any possible stalls. If the Wi-Fi connection issue persists, turn off your modem and router, wait for a while, and then turn them back on.

"Reinstalling the network driver"

There are several ways to get the standard driver for your network adapter, for example, Windows 10 installs drivers automatically through Windows Update. You can't really troubleshoot network-related problems without the driver.

However, if you're upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you need to update the drivers that were compatible with Windows 10. To do so, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click the Start button to open Device Manager

Find Device Manager from the Start button

Step 2: Locate "Network adapters"

Step 3. Right-click on the Wi-Fi device and select “Update Driver.”

Step 4: Restart your computer

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and follow the steps to check for any issues.

Step 1: Click the wireless network icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, and then choose “Troubleshoot problems.”

Step 2: Follow the instructions until the troubleshooter diagnoses the issue.

Third: Close the Troubleshooter

Sometimes the issue might be with the Wi-Fi radio, SSID, or IP address. However, before seeking more robust solutions, it's efficient to leverage troubleshooting tools.

Unhide and Rename SSID

Assuming your laptop is the only device having trouble detecting the Wi-Fi signal, you might consider renaming your SSID to something alphanumeric, avoiding Unicode characters or emojis. Also, if your SSID is hidden, make it temporarily visible, attempt the connection, and then hide it again.

Temporarily disable antivirus software

While many antivirus software have improved with multi-threat and detection features, specific internet protection and firewall settings might be blocking your laptop from connecting to Wi-Fi. To resolve this, you'll need to temporarily disable the antivirus or create an exception rule that bypasses it.

Change power adapter settings

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Tap the battery icon in the notification panel.

Step 2: Click “Change plan settings,” and then select “Balanced,” as shown below.

Step 3: Click on “Change advanced power settings.”

Step 4. Expand the “Wireless Adapter Settings” and select “Power Saving Mode.”

Step 5: Set the battery's power-saving mode to "Max Performance"

Step 6: Confirm the change and click “OK.”

Last Words

It can be frustrating when all your other devices connect to Wi-Fi just fine, but your laptop won't budge. Luckily, this article has the solutions for you, so don't worry! To fix it, read How to Fix a Laptop That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi But Your Phone Will.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can my computer find other Wi-Fi signals but not mine?

If other devices are able to connect, the issue is likely with your device and its Wi-Fi adapter. If other devices can't connect, the problem is probably with your router or your internet connection.

Why Can't Your Computer Find the Wi-Fi?

This issue can be resolved in several ways, such as resetting the router, using network troubleshooting tools, resetting the network adapter, switching wireless network modes, and many other technical solutions.

Why can't I connect my laptop to a free Wi-Fi network?

There are many reasons why your laptop might not be connecting to a free Wi-Fi network. These include a faulty router, incorrect password entry, being too far from the router, and your device not being compatible with the Wi-Fi network you're trying to connect to.