How-To

Wi-Fi Not Connecting Automatically on Windows 11: 6 Fixes

By Brian Burgess

Published July 21, 2023

If you’re having a problem with your Wi-Fi not connecting automatically on Windows 11, this guide will show you how to fix it.

Are you having a problem with Wi-Fi not connecting automatically on Windows 11? The problem can be frustrating and stops your workflow in its tracks.

When you fire up your laptop, you expect to be connected to a nearby wireless network. This saves you the steps of manually connecting to Wi-Fi and entering a password each time. However, if that isn’t happening, you’ll need to fix the issue.

We’ll show you six ways to fix Windows 11 not automatically connecting to Wi-Fi when you sign in.

1. Ensure the Option is Turned On

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, the option to automatically connect is available. However, if it’s not set to connect, that can be causing the problem.

To check the automatic Wi-Fi settings:

1. Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu.
2. Type wi-fi settings and choose the top result.
3. Select the Manage known networks option in the Settings app.
4. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to.
5. Check the Connect automatically when in range box if it isn’t already.

2. Verify Wi-Fi Password

Another reason Windows isn’t connecting automatically is because of an outdated password. For example, the network admin may have changed the password, which hasn’t yet been updated on your system.

Follow the instructions to forget a Wi-Fi network on Windows 11.

After forgetting the network, open Wi-Fi settings, expand the Show available networks menu and locate the network you want. Select the Connect automatically option before clicking the Connect button and type in the updated password when prompted.

3. Change Network Adapter Power Settings

If you use a custom power plan on your PC, there’s a chance it is preventing your Wi-Fi adapter from starting when coming waking up from Sleep or Hibernation mode.

To fix Wi-Fi adapter power settings:

1. Press the Windows key, type device manager, and choose the top result.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties.
4. Select the Power Management tab, uncheck the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option, and click OK.

4. Update or Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver

Your system may not connect automatically due to an outdated or corrupt network adapter driver.

To update or reinstall the network adapter:

1. Open Device Manager and expand the Network adapters
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver from the menu.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to let Windows automatically install a driver update or manually install the driver if you have one.
4. To reinstall the driver, right-click the network adapter and select Uninstall device.
5. Click select Uninstall when the verification message appears.
6. Once it’s uninstalled, restart Windows 11, and Windows will automatically reinstall it during startup.

5. Check Group Policy Settings

You can use Group Policy to verify internet communication settings if you are on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions.

To check Group Policy on Windows 11:

1. Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog window.
2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK or press Enter.
3. Navigate to the following location:

   Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Internet Communication Management\Internet Communicating Settings

4. Double-click the Turn off Windows Network Connectivity Status Indicator active tests policy.
5. Set it to Not Configured if it isn’t already. Click Apply and OK.

Once you complete the steps, close out of Group Policy and restart your PC to see if it connects.

6. Reset All Network Settings

If you are still having a problem with Windows 11 not automatically connecting to Wi-Fi, you can reset the network settings. This option will remove your network adapter’s data and restore it to default settings.

If you’ve plugged in custom DNS settings or configured a VPN, those settings will be lost.

To reset all network settings:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Head to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
3. Under the More settings section, click the Network reset option.
4. Click the Reset Now button.
5. Click Yes when the verification message appears.

Your PC will restart, network adapters will be reinstalled to defaults, and networking settings will be restored (including passwords). After the reset, sign back in and connect to the wireless network you need.

Make sure to choose the option to connect automatically when joining the network to prevent automatic connection issues in the future.

Managing Your Wi-Fi Network on Windows 11

If you are experiencing a problem with Wi-Fi not connecting automatically on Windows 11, using one of the options above should resolve the issue. Remember, using the option to reset all network settings should be a last resort.

If it still doesn’t work, you’ll need to take more drastic actions, like reinstalling Windows 11. Alternatively, you can erase your drive and do a clean install. Before resetting or reinstalling Windows, ensure you create a complete backup so you can recover your PC from the image.

If you are looking for other wireless settings, check out how to forget a Wi-Fi network if you connect your laptop to several locations. And if you want more detailed information about your wireless connection, you can generate a Wi-Fi report on Windows 11.