Windows 10 Not Connecting to WiFi Automatically
When your computer connects to any WiFi Network, the Network Name and Password gets permanently stored on the computer. This allows the computer to automatically connect to WiFi by using WiFi Network credentials as stored on the computer. If your computer is not automatically connecting to WiFi, it is likely that it is not setup to connect automatically to WiFi or has a problem connecting to WiFi due to other reasons.
1. Run Network Troubleshooter
Your first option would be to try the built-in Network Troubleshooter as available in Windows 10.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > select Troubleshoot in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Additional Troubleshooter.
On the next screen, select Internet Connections and click on Run the troubleshooter button.
Wait for your computer to find and fix problems with Internet connection on your computer.
2. Forget WiFi Network & Rejoin
Make sure you note down the WiFi Network Password and follow the steps below to forget WiFi Network and rejoin the Network.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > select WiFi in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Manage Known Networks.
On the next screen, select Your WiFi Network and click on Forget.
After this, click on the Network Icon in Taskbar > select your Network > check Connect Automatically option and click on Connect.
Enter your WiFi Network Password and click on Next to connect to the WiFi Network This should fix the problem and you should now find your computer connecting automatically to WiFi Network. Note:If you cannot find Network icon in the Taskbar refer to this guide: How to Fix Network Icon Missing From Taskbar in Windows 10
3. Stop Computer From Turning OFF WiFi Adapter
Sometimes the problem is due to the WiFi Adapter being frequently Turned OFF by your computer in order to save battery life.
Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
On Device Manger Screen, expand Network Adapters by clicking on the entry. Next, right-click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Properties.
Note: If you see too many entries, look for something that says Network or 802.11b or has Wi-Fi in it. 3. On Network Properties screen, click on Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option.
- Click on OK to save this Power setting on your computer. This will prevent your computer from switching OFF power to the WiFi Adapter, which should prevent the WiFi Network password from being erased.
4. Uninstall Network Adapter Driver
The problem of WiFi Not connecting automatically in Windows 10 might be due to Network Adapter Driver becoming outdated or corrupted.
- Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager. On Device Manger Screen, expand Network Adapters entry > right-click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Uninstall.
Note: In case you see too many entries, look for something that says Network or 802.11b or has WiFi in it. 2. On the Warning pop-up that appears, click on OK to Uninstall the driver.
3. Now, you can either Restart your computer or click on the Screen icon in the top menu.
This will make your computer search for the right driver and reinstall it back on your device.
5. Disable Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter
The purpose of Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter on a computer is to support the sharing of internet connection on your computer with other devices (Hotspot). Disabling this feature is known to fix the problem of Windows 10 not connecting to WiFi Automatically on older computers that do not support the Hotspot feature.
Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager. On Device Manager screen, click on the View tab and select Show Hidden Devices option in the drop-down menu.
Next, right-click on Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter and click on Disable Device option.
Note: After disabling Microsoft WiFi Direct Virtual Adapter, you won’t be able to use Mobile Hotspot feature as available in Windows 10.
How to Hide/Block WiFi Networks in Windows 10/11 How to Fix Unidentified Network Error in Windows 10
