Losing the internet connection is a regular part of browsing the web on your computer. More often than not, the problem arises from the local internet service provider, and hence, it gets fixed quickly. However, there are times when the connectivity issue can originate from your computer side. The most common thing that almost all Windows users do is run Windows Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter.
Once the diagnostic is complete, you might come across the message “problem with wireless adapter or access point” in most cases. What does this message imply, and what steps should you take to fix the problem? In this article, we will state the causes behind the problem and illustrate the methods to fix the problem successfully.
What Is An Access Point And Wireless Adapter?
The wireless adapter is responsible for connecting your computer to a wireless network. Every laptop comes with a built-in wireless adapter through which you can connect to Wi-Fi networks. For desktop users, they have to purchase a wireless adapter separately in most cases to get wireless connection.
The access point is responsible for connecting a router via a LAN cable and transmitting Wi-Fi signal. Therefore, the access point is responsible for creating a wireless local area network. Hence, it is useful for an office, a home or a large building. For a wired router, the access point connects to the router via LAN cable, but in a wireless router, the access comes as an integral component.
What Is The Reason Behind “Problem With Wireless Adapter or Access Point”?
The “problem with wireless adapter or access point” message implies that the wireless adapter or the access point is preventing your computer from an internet connection. There are several causes behind this message from Windows Network Diagnostics Troubleshooter.
It could be an issue with wireless drivers, wireless connectivity, and wireless profile. Besides, the antivirus could be blocking the connectivity, and the outdated Windows version could be making the drivers malfunction. Moreover, certain IP services could be malfunctioning that are leading to connectivity issues.
How To Fix The Issue?
Since you cannot pinpoint the exact reason behind the problem, you have to try out the solutions one by one. Here are the possible solutions to fix the problem and get back your internet connection again.
1. Update Wireless Drivers
The most common solution that works in most cases is to update your wireless drivers. Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Press Windows + X keys together.
Step 2: From the menu, click on Device Manager.
Step 3: Once Device Manager opens, click on Network Adapters.
Step 4: From the expanded list, select your network adapter and right-click on it.
Step 5: From the menu, click on Update Driver option.
Windows will search for the latest driver and update it instantly.
Thereafter, restart your computer and see if the problem is solved.
2. Go For A Wired Network Connection
You should definitely try out a wired network connection to ensure that the issue is not with your router. Most routers offer wired connection through LAN cable. Therefore, if you cannot connect to Wi-Fi network, you should try out the wired connection just for satisfaction even though it is not your endgame. If the problem still exists, this means the problem is with your router.
3. Delete Your Profile
Sometimes, deleting your wireless profile resets the connection and reconfigures the network. You should definitely try out this method and here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Click on Start menu button and type “cmd”.
Step 2: When Command Prompt appears on the start menu, right-click on it.
Step 3: From the menu, select “Run as administrator” option.
Step 4: When command prompt opens, type netsh wlan delete profile name=”You Wireless Profile Name“. Replace “Your Wireless Profile Name” with your real wireless profile name. Press Enter key.
Now, you can reconnect the network and reconfigure your profile and see if the solved is solved.
4. Check Your Password
When you are connecting to a wireless network, you need to enter the password set by the admin to get permission to use the network. If you do not enter the password correctly, there will be no connection established. Besides, if the admin changes the password in the middle of a connection and resets all the connections established, you can get disconnected, and the issue can occur. Therefore, you have to ensure that you have entered the correct password.
5. Reset Winsock
Your web browser, your antivirus software and your VPN application can make changes Winsock. Winsock is responsible for handling input and output requests for internet connection in Windows. If the entries in Winsock become corrupt or damaged by any means, you can face the issue you are facing right now. Here are the steps to reset.
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys together.
Step 2: Type “cmd” in the Run dialog box and press Enter key.
Step 3: The Command Prompt will open and you need to type “netsh winsock reset” and press Enter key again.
Step 4: Type the follow commands as well and press Enter key after typing each one of them.
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
6. Check Wireless Adapter Status
Sometimes, your wireless adapter can get disabled for whatsoever reason. You have to ensure that it is running so that the connectivity issue should not occur. If it is disabled, the connection cannot be established. Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Press Windows and X keys together or right-click on the Taskbar.
Step 2: From the menu, select Device Manager option.
Step 3: Once Device Manager opens, double-click on Wireless Adapter to open its properties.
Step 4: Click on Driver tab and look for Disable or Enable button.
Step 5: If it is showing Enable button, it means the wireless adapter is not turned on. Click on Enable button. If it is showing Disable, you should click on Disable button and, thereafter, click on Enable button again.
7. Uninstall Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is always a necessary evil. It is the culprit behind certain software and hardware not working properly. This is because antivirus software has the permission to block any software service and driver, whichever it deems not satisfying its parameters. In fact, antivirus software can be a hindrance to the wireless connection and mess with wireless adapter and access point.
There are many users who have reported that once they removed the antivirus software from their computers, the issue has resolved magically. You can keep Windows Security app turned on for optimal protection. To uninstall antivirus in Windows 11, go to Settings> Apps> Apps and Features. Select the antivirus software and click on Uninstall button.
8. Change Wi-Fi Credentials
Some users have reported that if you change the username and password of your Wi-Fi connection, the issue gets fixed automatically. If you are wondering how to change the credentials, there is no definite way. This is because the steps to change Wi-Fi connect credentials vary from one router to another. Therefore, you should go through the user manual of your router to find out how to make the changes.
9. Reset The Router
There are times when resetting the router can work wonders. This is because when you reset your router, the connection is re-established, and the temporary changes in settings are removed. That is why every router comes with Reset button. You can even open router settings from your computer, and you will find a reset option. You can even check the manual to find out how to reset your router.
10. Update Your Windows Version
The last option you have to try out is to update your Windows version if any update is available. With every new update, Windows comes with the latest drivers and fixes for hardware bugs that can solve your issue. Here are the steps to follow.
Step 1: Go to start menu and search for “Settings”. Open Settings app.
Step 2: Click on Windows Update option from the left panel.
Step 3: Click on Check for updates button. If any latest version is available, you should update your system by following the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion:
The “problem with wireless adapter or access point” issue is very common. You should not panic and purchase a new router or get a new internet connection. We have provided you with steps by steps solutions that can fix the issue immediately. You should try them out, and thereafter, you can get the help of a nearby network expert to fix the problem.
One Response
This was very helpful.