Sometimes situations arise when the network seems to be configured and the terminal is connected to a wired or wireless network, and the parameters are set correctly, but still local computer does not see computers on the network or even active ones themselves this moment networks. There can be many reasons for this, as well as ways to eliminate such problems. Consider the most common.

Why does the computer not see the network?

To begin with, when establishing a connection using a wired connection, first of all, you should check whether the cable is firmly inserted into the network card of the local terminal or into the distributing computer block(laptop or router) in the case of Wi-Fi based wireless networks.

These are problems of a physical nature, which are not worth focusing on. Let's consider cases when a computer does not see a network of any type and, accordingly, terminals connected to them, associated with some parameters and settings of such connections.

I would like to immediately draw attention to the fact that computers connected to any type of network and currently in low power mode (hibernation or sleep) will not be perceived by the local terminal either, considering them disconnected.

Problems with wireless networks

Let's start with wireless networks. If the local is currently active, there are several reasons for this situation, of which the following are the most common:

  • incorrect configuration of access to networks on a single computer;
  • incorrect router parameters;
  • disabled or faulty Wi-Fi module (or network adapter);
  • missing or incorrectly installed driver;
  • blocking the connection by an antivirus, the built-in Windows firewall, or a third-party firewall.

Most of the points concern not only cases when the computer does not see WiFi networks. This applies equally to wired connections (with the exception of

To fix the problem, you first need to turn on the Wi-Fi module (on laptops, there are function key combinations with the Fn button for this). On routers, you need to enter advanced settings and check if it is enabled wireless connection. If this does not help, you may need to change the channel (the easiest way to do this is with the automated Insider for Home utility.

Sometimes disabling encryption (authentication section) can help. To correct the situation, set the value to Open System. Finally, the key length may be a problem (section "WPA Preshared Key"). If its length exceeds 20 characters, the router with this key will not be able to work.

As for IP addresses and other settings, the properties of the default TCP/IP protocol should be set to receive them automatically. In the "Task Manager" you can try to reinstall the drivers and the corresponding controllers. You can also use special programs driver updates such as Driver Booster.

The computer does not see computers on the network: configuring group names

However, even with the correct settings, the situation may not change. Let's take an example when the computer does not see the local network. Most experts attribute this problem to the incorrect setting of group names, because Windows (most often XP) when creating a new connection does not display a list of existing local groups, but by default sets its own new group(WORKGROUP).

The troubleshooting technique is to rename the group and the name of the local computer in it. To do this, in the Control Panel or in the computer properties menu, enter the terminal name section, click the Change button and specify exactly the same name for the group and local computer as on the target terminal.

Using Static IP Addresses

Another problem with the local computer not seeing the computers on the network may be that the single terminal does not automatically retrieve the IP address settings and server settings.

To change them, you need to enter the menu of the active network connection and select the settings of the properties of the TCP / IP protocol (v4 or v6). Here, for each terminal, you need to specify IP addresses, gateway values, parameters of the preferred and alternative DNS server and uncheck the box for using a proxy for local addresses.

After that, by pressing the "Advanced" button, we go to a new window of parameters and in the WINS tab at the bottom we activate the NetBIOS over TCP / IP enable line.

Setting up system services

Another way to check the connection is to use the administration (management) section, where the "Services" item is selected. The easiest way to access it is through the Run console (Win + R), where the services.msc command is entered.

Here we use the line of services and applications, where in the additional section of services on the right we find the line of the computer browser. Make sure the startup type is set to automatic. If another parameter is specified, change it to activate the component.

Troubleshooting Firewall Issues

Finally, the problem that the local computer does not see computers on any type of network can be due to a self-imposed blocking by antivirus software that considers the connection to be invalid, or a firewall. With antiviruses, this situation is very rare, but you can try to disable the firewall.

To deactivate the standard Windows firewall, use the Security Center section in the Control Panel, where the firewall is disabled. If there is third-party software installed on the system, it is also recommended to deactivate it.

If you do not plan to disable the firewall, you can try creating a new rule for TCP / IP and add the corresponding connection or port to the exception list.

A few last words

That's it for troubleshooting common network connection errors and how to fix them. The problems of virus exposure and various kinds of malfunctions of individual "iron" components or the lack of general access to individual terminals were not considered here. But in terms of the correct installation of the main settings, the above methods help in almost all cases.

This article will discuss what to do if Window 7 does not connect to a WiFi network and. The fact is that although this operating system is more stable than its predecessors, there may still be various errors that need to be corrected manually.

Before moving on to connection problems and their solution, you need to understand what WiFi is and how the technology works. This will allow you to quickly fix some problems.

The fact is that to connect to such a network, you need an access point. Its functions are usually performed by a wireless router. And so the first thing, if not available connections to a WiFi network in Windows 7, you should pay attention to the router.

As a rule, the reason is precisely in it. But of course, there are other problems as well. So, let's go in order.

Checking the Router

Everything is very simple here. If the laptop does not see available connections, then go to the menu WiFi settings router and check if the wireless network is turned on. To do this, you need to connect to the router using a regular Internet cable. After that, open a browser (any) and in address bar write 192.168.0.1. Press "Enter". Next, a window will appear in which you will be prompted to enter a password and login. As a rule, the default key and login are admin, admin, respectively.

How to easily find out the IP address of a WiFi router: Video

If you have changed these data, then enter your values. Next, we get to the settings menu. We are interested in Network SettingsWireless Network (NetworkWireless). In the wireless network settings, you need to check the box next to the item “Enable wireless network” (Enable Wireless Router Radio). Everything, this completes the router setup. And if Windows 7 problems with WiFi still remain in the laptop, then you should proceed to setting up the operating system.

Why does the computer not see available wireless networks

There are many reasons for this, as well as solutions. Fortunately, Windows 7 is easy to use and has many options for diagnosing and fixing various problems. But we will consider only the most common ones.

First of all, check the status wireless connection WiFi. To do this, you need to open the Network Sharing Center. To do this, click on the network icon in the tray and select "Network and Control Center" in the window that appears. public access».

A menu will open in which all settings related to the network are made. Here we are interested in the item "Change adapter settings". In the window that opens, you need to find a shortcut that has the name "Wireless network connection". If this connection is greyed out, it means that it is disabled. To turn it on, click on it. right click mouse and select Enable.

Windows 7 won't connect to Wi-Fi: Video

Wireless network icon not showing in tray

Often users ask the question, what to do if the WiFi icon is not displayed in the tray in Windows 7? This can only mean one thing - the module wireless communication off or not working. Wi-Fi activation occurs, as a rule, using the Fn key combination + adapter power button. On different laptops, this button may be located in different places.

For example, on Asus laptops- this is a combination of Fn + F2, on Lenovo - Fn + F5. The key itself turn on WiFi marked with the corresponding image. In addition, on some models, a separate key is provided to activate the wireless connection module. In that case, just click it.

So, after turning on the wireless adapter, Windows 7 should automatically start searching for available networks. If this did not happen, and the tray icon did not appear, then you should check the correct operation of the drivers.

What to do if a laptop with Windows 7 does not see Wi-Fi: Video

Checking Drivers

Verify software in Windows 7 you can use the task manager.

You can launch it by clicking on the "My Computer" shortcut, which can be found on the desktop, in the start menu or in Windows Explorer, with the right mouse button. In the window that appears, click "Properties". Next, a menu will open in which you need to open the "Device Manager".

In the window that appears, we are interested in network adapters. If you did not find this, then there are no drivers for the device and you need to install a driver for this module. If, however, such an item exists, then open it. Typically, a wireless adapter is called a Wireless Network Adapter. The device may also be referred to as exclamation mark. This indicates that the driver is not working properly and needs to be updated or reinstalled.

It is very easy to do this. As a rule, a laptop comes with a special disk that contains all necessary programs and drivers. If there is no such disk, do not rush to get upset. The necessary software can always be downloaded from the Internet, as manufacturers have taken care of supporting their customers.

To do this, find the official website of the manufacturer of your laptop and write the exact name of the laptop (exact model) in the search. Next, you can download drivers for Wi-Fi and install them. It is worth noting that it is not recommended to install software downloaded from third-party sources, as such drivers can be unstable, and sometimes even pose a threat to the integrity of the system.

How to reinstall WiFi driver: Video

It is also important to know that sometimes, even with the driver installed, it is not possible to turn on the adapter, since it uses additional functions keyboards. This means that together with the software for network adapter you should also download the driver for the keyboard, as well as the recommended utility for managing the wireless module.

Many users sooner or later face this problem. The reasons why Wi-Fi does not work on a laptop may be different. You may have recently installed a new operating system, bought a new router or reflashed the old one and others.

In general, if you are also in this situation, and you are unable to connect your laptop to a Wi-Fi network, then in this article we will look at several ways that should help you connect your laptop to Wi-Fi.

Let's start with the simplest - reboot the router. To do this, unplug the power supply from the outlet, wait 10 seconds and plug it back in. Then reboot your operating system.

Network Diagnostics

Do network diagnostics. Although many will be rather skeptical of this advice, sometimes it can also help. Right-click on the wireless network icon in the tray and select "Problem Diagnosis". Windows will check, and if it finds a problem, it will suggest ways to solve it.

If a message appears after diagnostics:, then in a separate article you can read about ways to solve this error.

If after that, the laptop still does not see Wi-Fi, check Is the Wi-Fi enabled on the laptop?.

Find the wireless network icon on one of the F1-F12 buttons, I have it F2. Also on the button itself, near the power button or touchpad, there should be a light indicator that indicates that Wi-Fi is on. Specifically, in my case, if Wi-Fi is disabled, the indicator light is on. To turn it on, press the combination Fn + F2.

You also need to check that it is enabled Network Card. To do this, right-click on the wireless network icon in the tray and select "Network and Sharing Center".

In the next window, click "Change adapter settings".

If you have "Wireless Network Connection" grayed out, right-click on it and select "Enable".

After that, the icon should become colored. This indicates that the network adapter is enabled and the laptop can connect to the Wi-Fi network.

Checking Drivers

Check network adapter drivers. Click "Start" and write in the search bar "Device Manager" and follow the link you found.

Expanding the List "Network adapters". Required adapter will be called something like: model name and "Wireless Network Adapter" (may be written Wi-Fi).

First you need to make sure it's enabled. Therefore, right-click on it, and if there is an item in the menu "Engage", click on it.

Now pay attention that there is no yellow exclamation mark or red cross near the adapter. If you have the same as in the figure below, then with installed drivers everything is fine. If you have one of the mentioned signs (in the figure I indicated with an arrow how it might look), you need to install or update the drivers.

If your laptop came with a disc with drivers for installed devices, use it and reinstall the driver. If this does not help, and the laptop still cannot connect to Wi-Fi, go to the official website of your laptop manufacturer, download the drivers for the network adapter from there and install them.

You can read about installing drivers in the article:.

Also, to update or install missing drivers, you can use.

Checking the WLAN AutoConfig Service

This service is responsible for wireless network adapters, and if it is not running, then the adapters will not be available, respectively, the laptop will not be able to connect to Wi-Fi.

We go to the "Start" menu and write in the search bar "Services". Let's move on to the relevant section.

Then in the list we look for "WLAN AutoConfig Service", click on it with the right mouse button and, if it is disabled, click "Run".

Checking your router settings

Router settings can go astray, and not always through the fault of the user. Perhaps the password for accessing the network was simply changed.

If your wireless network icon is muted, and there is a yellow star next to it, click on it with the mouse, select the network and try to connect to it, having previously found out if the access password has changed. The reason may be this.

Also pay attention to the section network information (LAN). You may need to change the settings here according to the provider.

For those who get an error when trying to connect, the article at the link can help.

I hope at least one of the tips helped you solve the question: why the laptop does not connect to Wi-Fi, and now your device is successfully connected to the network.

Rate article:

(4 ratings, average: 4,75 out of 5)

Webmaster. Higher education in the specialty "Information Protection". Author of most articles and computer literacy lessons

    Similar posts

    Discussion: 13 comments

    I tried everything to connect to the network, after the children stumbled something on the computer ... And this article ....... not even an article but a picture helped solve the problem for such a kettle like me .. All you had to do was press two buttons to connect to the F5 / Fn router and it all worked ....

    Reply

    hello, the user's comment helped me, attach it to the article because I'm probably not the only one like that, that's what he writes
    SALEX 12/03/2017 at 00:00 I tried everything: there is firewood, and wai file is on, and everything is in order in the device manager, but the network is as if it had never happened. As a result, I found a way out: “Enter the control panel, find the equipment and sound, it has the name “Setting default mobility settings”, go there, the window “Windows Mobility Center” appears ”, in the Wireless network column, you need to activate the“ Connect wireless network ”button and the connection with the router will immediately appear. After connecting, forget the password and enjoy. Good luck.”

At present, the controversial expression 10-15 years ago “a computer is a network, a network is a computer” is perceived as an axiom. The network combines computers and other devices at home and at work, and without the Internet, many can no longer imagine their lives. And if some kind of failure suddenly happens and access to the world wide web stops, it is perceived extremely negatively. It also happens that everything is fine with the equipment, but a laptop or a computer running under Windows, for the life of me, does not see wifi network. What could be the reasons for this problem and how to solve it, we will talk in this article.

Causes and Solutions

So, suppose we are on a business trip, we receive upon arrival new laptop With installed Windows 8 and trying to connect to Wi-Fi, but the operating system cannot find the network. The list of available connections is empty. There may be several reasons for this, and they are divided into hardware and software. With hardware, everything is quite simple - it is very likely that it has broken WiFi adapter on a laptop. It is impossible to replace it yourself, therefore, if there is no time to go to the service, you will have to connect to the network with a cable in the old fashioned way or use another computer. Of course, problems with the router are also possible, but if the wireless network works flawlessly for other users, and even your smartphone sees it perfectly, then it has nothing to do with the laptop.

Among the software reasons that the computer does not find the network, there are several most likely:

  • You must enable the wireless adapter on your laptop.
  • wifi controller disabled on Windows.
  • Drivers not installed or not suitable.

1. BIOS.

In the first case, there is a chance that wireless device disabled via BIOS. You can get there by pressing F2, F10, Del - the specific value also depends on the brand laptop computer. Next, we find a section whose name contains the word Configuration, Advanced, System devices or something like that, the main thing is that it contains information about embedded devices. Check if the value is Off or Disabled opposite wireless adapter, referred to as Wlan device, Wireless, Wi-Fi controller and so on.
2. Power button on a laptop.

If everything is fine in the BIOS, but the problem has not disappeared, pay attention to the laptop case, most often the wireless network power button looks like a switch and is combined with an indicator:
3. Power buttons on the keyboard.

It may turn out that there is no hardware button, but this does not create a problem either - you should study the keyboard, among the function keys there is one that, when pressed together with the Fn key, turns on Wi-Fi. It is marked with a special icon. Let's see how it might look like different manufacturers laptops:
In the second case, if the Wi-Fi controller is disabled, you should check two different windows settings 8.

4. Turn on the Wi-Fi adapter.

The adapter itself may be turned off, to check, go to "Control Panel" - "Network and Sharing Center" - "Change adapter settings" and if we see that the wireless connection is gray and its status is "Disabled", it remains simply turn it on.
5. Checking if Wi-Fi is enabled in Windows 8 software.

You need to make sure that Wi-Fi is not disabled in the right pop-up windows panel. Move the mouse cursor to the upper or lower right corner of the monitor and go to the " Wireless mode". We turn on the adapter, if it is disabled only for the “Airplane” mode, we check if it is currently enabled. 6. Verification WiFi drivers . Finally, if previous options did not take effect, you will have to tinker with the driver. If the one bundled with Windows 8 is installed, this may be the cause of the problem, it is always better to use the program from the manufacturer. Open the device manager by going to the "Control Panel" - "System" or by pressing Win + R on the keyboard and typing in command line text devmgmt.msc. We find the Wi-Fi controller (the name will contain the word "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi"). When the device icon looks like a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark, there is a problem with the driver and you need to reinstall it.

If, at first glance, everything is fine, you should make sure that the appropriate software is installed for the adapter. By clicking on its name with the right mouse button, we will open the properties window, after which we will go to the Driver tab and see information about the vendor and release date of the program. If Microsoft is listed there and two or three years have passed since the release of the driver, you should definitely go to the official website of the laptop manufacturer, download and install latest version. It is possible that another computer was installed on the computer. Windows versions and the driver supplied with it is not suitable for this hardware.

This is a very common problem, given that many Internet users are still using desktop computers. Naturally, most often desktop desktop computer after entering the house WiFi router trying to connect to the router network cable(aka network cable, ethernet). Fortunately, most modern Wi-Fi routers have two or more LAN ports, usually marked in yellow. Actually, they are designed to connect devices to the Internet via cable. With such a connection, unforeseen problems may occur, especially if the user interfered with network settings computer. Also, if everything works on Wi-Fi, then it makes no sense to sin on the router settings. The reasons that a computer does not see the router on the cable, not so much. How to solve this problem, read below.

The computer does not see the router via cable, but everything works via Wi-Fi

We list the most probable causes on which a desktop stationary computer does not see the Internet via cable through a router.

Physical problems:

  • Router port not working
  • Does not work network cable
  • Computer port not working

Software problems:

  • Programmatically disabled network card
  • Incorrect operation of the computer's network card driver
  • Connection blocking by antivirus
  • Incorrect wireless network settings

Physical problems

If devices connected via Wi-Fi also do not work for you, then obviously the reason must be sought either on the side of the Internet provider, or in the router itself. First of all, you should call the service technical support internet provider. After making sure that there are no problems on the provider's side, you can proceed to further verification. Pay attention to the indicator lights on your Wi-Fi router. About a non-working router, both the absence of an indication at all, and the glow of only the power indicator light (Power) can indicate.

If more than one indicator light is on on the router, you can continue the test. Each indicator light is labeled with an icon that indicates its purpose. For example, the "Power" icon is known to everyone and is used everywhere, and the Wi-Fi icon is also generally understood. The numbers indicate the operation indicators of the LAN ports, these ports are used to connect the router to computers, smart TVs, etc. If there is electrical activity in the network cable connected to the LAN port of the router, then the corresponding indicator will give light signals.

The absence of a physical connection can be indicated if you are connected to the router with a network cable, and the indicator light of the corresponding port on the router is off. Try switching the cable to a different LAN port on the router. It happens that one LAN router port not working(burned out), but the overall performance of the router is preserved. If, and this did not change the situation, then the reason is not in the burnt connector.

The next step is to check the LAN cable itself (network cable). Plug both ends of the cable into the LAN connectors of the router for a few seconds. It will not work to check the quality of the cable connection, however, the indicators will not light up if network cable not working. By the way, this method of connecting the cable should only be used to check its performance, as this leads to the router freezing as a result of "loopback".

If, having "looped" the cable, we saw that the indicators of the corresponding ports of the router finally lit up, then suspicion falls on your computer itself.

First of all, on the computer, you should check if the connection is disabled by local network (network card disabled). Take for example Windows XP, 7, 8, 10.

Path for XP
Start - Control Panel - Network connections- LAN connection.

Path for Windows 7, 8, 10
Start ("Settings" for Windows 8) - Control Panel - Network and Sharing Center - Change adapter settings - Local Area Connection.

The LAN connection may turn itself off when there is no Internet connection, if such an option is selected in the power settings management. Moreover, you may not find a local network connection at all in the specified location, this indicates the need to install drivers on the network card.

If a red X is drawn on the LAN connection, then computer port not working, considering previous checks.

Software problems

If the indicator lights are on, corresponding to the included LAN cables, then a physical connection is present, and the problem should be sought in the computer settings or incorrect software operation.

In order to exclude incorrect operation of the network card driver, go to device manager and see how the network card works. It is possible that there are errors in her work. In this case, you can update the network card driver.

In order to exclude connection blocked by antivirus turn it off for a while and try to go online.

The last and one of the most important checks is to check the automatic acquisition of an IP address in order to exclude incorrect wireless network settings.
For Windows XP, click "Start", "Control Panel", "Network Connections", find the icon "Local Area Connection" ("Wireless Network Connection"), right-click on the icon, select "Properties" in the drop-down menu , in the window that opens, select "Internet Protocol TCP / IP" in the list so that the line is highlighted in color, and click the "Properties" button under the list. In the window that opens, make sure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected, if not, then select.

For Windows 7,8,10, click "Start" (or the "Settings" gear for 8), "Control Panel", "Network and Internet", "Network and Sharing Center", "Change adapter settings" find the icon "Local Area Connection" ("Wireless Network Connection"), right-click on the icon, select "Properties" in the drop-down menu, select "Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP / IPv4)" in the list that opens, so that the line is highlighted in color, and click the "Properties" button under the list. In the window that opens, make sure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected, if not, then select.

At least one of the listed recipes should solve your problem. If the problem persists, contact a specialist. As a rule, this is done by the same service centres that repair computers. Still, I hope that you were able to solve your problems, with little bloodshed, with the help of this article.