Cannot View Wireless Networks From Windows
If you cannot view wireless networks there can be a few
reasons for this.
Wireless computer is not in range
of the wireless router.
Windows is not controlling the wireless settings.
Wireless card is switched off.
Software drivers are not installed correctly or functioning.
Is the router functioning.
Wireless network is not in range of the wireless router.
The most common issue when we cannot
see view wireless networks is the range. Regardless of your
wireless routers specified range, the signal can in effect be
reduced by 90% due to walls or other interference.
As a first test move your computer as near to the router as
possible to eliminate this as a possible cause.
If you can now get a signal but it
is too weak, then check the aerial connection on your router to
make sure it is secure giving a good contact, then check
settings of your wireless card, there should be an option to
increase the cards power, reducing it’s power saving abilities.
If your computer has a mini PCI type
of card another fix is to remove the aerial cables from the card
and just reseat them
Cannot view wireless networks .. Where have they all gone?
Windows is not controlling the
wireless settings
The majority of wireless cards not
only come with the required drivers but also there own third
party software, this usually works very well, but if it takes
control and manages all the wireless settings meaning you cannot
view wireless networks though the Windows wifi networks screen,
then you can either use the third party software or you need to
set Windows to be the default Wireless management software.
To change this
option go to view all wireless networks and select – change
advanced settings and select the Wireless Networks tab
– make sure Use Windows to configure my wireless network
settings is selected
Make sure Windows is set to manage wireless network
settings
Wireless
card is switched off
Many laptops
have a physical switch to turn off the wireless network card,
normally situated on the front of rear of the case.
Built in laptop
wireless cards can also be disabled or enabled from within the
BIOS
Software
drivers are not installed correctly or functioning
Was the
wireless card installed before its software drivers, a common
mistake is to install the hardware before the software usually
then Windows has no where to look for the drivers, even if it
asks for the CD and you manage to load just the drivers it still
may not work due to not all the required software being
installed, many wireless cards don’t only come with drivers, but
there own wireless software which in many cases works better
than the default Windows wireless management software.
If you have
installed the Wireless card before the software, you should
still be able to run the installation CD install all of the
software, and then go to Windows Device Manager – Right
Click on my Computer – select Properties –
Hardware tab – Device Manager – Right
Click on the Wireless card – select
Uninstall and then Right Click on Network
Adapters and choose Scan for Hardware Changes – this
should now pickup your drivers and recognise any other required
software.
If you cannot view wireless
networks is it a signal strength problem?
A weak wifi signal means a slow internet or network connection,
read more ..
More on Wireless networking
Looking to setup a wireless network or add to your existing?
Is the
router functioning
Lastly is the
router functioning ok? If your laptop can see other wireless
networks just not your own then its going to be the router. The
real definitive test is to use another wireless computer and see
if you can see yours or any other wireless networks in the area,
this confirms an issue with your Router or Computer
Notes
Regardless of whether you use Windows or your Wireless
network cards own software to manage your Wireless connections
you’ll need to enter the Wireless networks security credentials
for each as they don’t share any setting or resources between
them.
Read more about Cannot View
Wireless Networks
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