Wi-Fi not Working on Laptop, but Working on Phone | Solutions (2024)

Introduction

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that devices such as computers, mobile devices, and other equipment leverage to interface with the internet. It is also the most acknowledged way of connecting to the internet without being physically connected to the router.

It allows the exchange of information with one another, thereby creating a network. However, sometimes, the laptop won't connect to Wi-Fi, but the phone will. This article discusses factors that could be responsible for this problem and how it can be resolved.

Why is My Laptop Not Connecting to Wi-Fi but my Phone Will

Let's examine why your laptop is not connecting to the Wi-Fi network.

Your computer is in flight/Airplane mode.

Your computer cannot connect to your Wi-Fi because you left your computer in Flight mode.

Your computer Wi-Fi is switched off.

Many computers have the Wi-Fi switch function, which disables and enables wireless connection when tapped.

Reset your Wi-Fi

Technical issues which could restrict your computer from seeing your Wi-Fi can arise.

Impaired Network setting

An incorrect or impaired network setting might be responsible for the laptop not seeing the Wi-Fi.

Declined Wi-Fi Adapter

The Wi-Fi adapter is a vital part of the computer. Although it rarely occurs, the Wi-Fi adapter is a sensitive part of the computer that disconnects and deactivates all Wi-Fi connectivity it serves.

Problems with your antivirus software

Utilizing antivirus software that negates the network devices employed by your computer sends a wrong signal to the computer, which deactivates the Wi-Fi.

Wrong Time and Date

The wrong time and date and expired drivers are other factors responsible for a laptop not connecting to the Wi-Fi but connecting to the phone.

How to Fix Laptop Won't Connect to Wi-Fi but Phone Will

The laptop is a handy asset that is portable and more proficient compared to a desktop computer. However, several users complain that their laptop doesn't connect to their Wi-Fi, while mobile devices do. To fix this, let's look at some things you can do.

Restart your Equipment and Laptop

Reinstall the network drivers

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Unhide and rename the SSID

Disable Antivirus temporarily

Change Power Adapter Settings

Restart your Equipment and Laptop

Begin with the basic troubleshooting procedures. Restarting your modem, router and laptop should always be the first approach. IP conflict is quite prevalent, mainly if you use multiple devices for accessing the internet via a single router.

There are always chances of a stall within the system, and more reasons restarting is highly recommended. Restarting your equipment clears the likely stall. If the problem persists with the Wi-Fi connection, turn off your modem and router and wait for some time before turning them on again.

Reinstall the network drivers

There are numerous ways to get a standard driver for network adapters. Windows 10, for instance, has its drivers installed automatically through windows update. Attempting to address network-related issues and avoiding drivers will do no good.

However, if you upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you'll need to upgrade the drivers for Windows 10. Follow the procedures below to achieve that:

Step 1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start button

Step 2. Find your way to Network Adapters

Step 3. Right-click on the Wi-Fi device, and click the Update Driver function.

Step 4. Restart your computer

Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Follow these steps to run the Windows Troubleshooter to detect what could be wrong:

Step 1. Right-click on the Wi-Fi icon at the down part and click Troubleshoot problems.

Step 2. Follow through the instructions until the troubleshooting diagnoses it

Step 3. Close Troubleshooter

Sometimes it's the Wi-Fi radio, SSID, or IPS. However, maximizing the Troubleshooter function before seeking more effective solutions is an efficient technique.

Unhide and rename the SSID

Suppose other devices detect the Wi-Fi except for your laptop. You may consider renaming your SSID to a better name containing alphanumeric symbols without Unicode characters or emoticons. In addition, if your SSID is hidden, you need to make it visible temporarily before trying again.

Disable Antivirus temporarily

Even though much antivirus software has improved with some multi-threat and detection features, specific network protection and firewall security features can hinder your laptop from connecting to Wi-Fi. To fix this, you need to temporarily disable the Antivirus or create an exception that bypasses it.

Change Power Adapter Settings

Here's how to go about it:

Step 1. Double-click on the battery icon in the notification tray.

Step 2. Click on 'Change Settings for the plan' and select 'Balanced' as seen in the screenshot below

Step 3. Then, click ‘Change Advanced Power Settings’.

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

Step 5. Set 'Power Saving Mode' on the battery to 'Maximum Performance

Step 6. Confirm changes and click OK.

Final Words

It is frustrating to see your other devices connecting to Wi-Fi except for your laptop. This article has helped cater to the problem, so you don't have to worry. To solve this issue, go through the section on 'How to Fix Laptop Won't Connect to Wi-Fi but Phone Will'.

FAQ

1. Why Can't My PC Detect My Wi-Fi But Can Detect Other Wi-Fi Connections?

If the internet functions well on other devices, the problem is with your device and its Wi-Fi adapter. However, if it is the other way round where the internet doesn't work on other devices, the problem is either with the router or the internet connection.

2. Why Your Computer Can't Find Wi-Fi?

This common problem can be resolved by several methods such as resetting your router, using the network Troubleshooter, resetting your network adapter, switching wireless network mode, and many other techniques.

3. Why won't my laptop connect to free Wi-Fi?

There are many reasons why your laptop can't connect to free Wi-Fi. Some of these reasons include the router being down, you entering an incorrect password, your laptop being too far from the router, and your device may not support the Wi-Fi network it is connecting to.