Windows 10: available networks not showing up

Hello everyone,

I'm just having an issue with finding networks. Basically, the available networks for wifi are not showing up, even when I click on the wifi button at the bottom right of the screen. It still connects, but only to known networks. I can't find any other networks to join. I have a Dell laptop with Windows 10, and I am just so confused. Please help.

:)

 

Available wifi networks not showing up, windows search not working and start menu doesnt update with installed apps

My laptop has recently started giving me this problem where I'm connected to WiFi networks but whenever i click on the WiFi option to see the list of available networks,nothing shows up.So, in order to switch between multiple WiFi networks i need to go
into command prompt and use command lines to switch between networks.Also the windows search doesnt work,whenever i try to search for a file, it just stays blank. Start menu also doesnt update with recent installed apps. Does anyone know how to fix this problem?

 

Available wifi networks not showing up, windows search not working and start menu doesnt update with installed apps

Open Start > Settings > Update & security > Troubleshoot

Scroll down

Click Network adapters

Click Run the Troubleshooter

When complete, restart to see if the problem is resolved.

If not, press Windows key + X

Click Device Manager

Expand Network adapters

Right click your adapter

Click Uninstall

Exit Device Manager, restart. Windows 10 should detect the network adapter then reinstall it. Check if you can connect and browse.

 

Welcome to the forum. Open a CMD prompt then type


netsh wlan show networks

 

Are you trying to connect to your own network and do you have the SSID hidden? You can go to a Command Window and run netsh wlan show all.

 

I am not currently trying to find my own network. I just need it to connect to my college's wifi. The only problem is that the network list just keeps loading and loading, with nothing coming up. Also, is it possible to connect from the wifi networks listed in the command prompt?

 

I've seen that in a business [a motel and a large campground] and it was caused by too-weak of a signal between the computer/s and the Wireless Router, solved by adding a Repeater/Extender. However, that may not be a choice of your college's IT department. If the location of the Router could be determined it might be possible to walk a Notebook closer to it to check.

 

I noticed your also running Linux Have you tried connecting with that.

How old is your WiFi card/USB, If it's too old it probably will not have the right protocol to connect.

 

Alright I'll try that. Thanks

 

Please also ensure under the Wireless setting in advance power mgmt that you have the power set to max for both plugged in and on battery. Advance Power mgmt options are found through Windows Settings, System, Power and sleep, then additional settings upper right, then click on change plan for the plan you are using, then change advance in the lower left.

Ken

 

To connect via cmd line type

netsh wlan connect name=HANSELMAN-N change name to the name of your network

 

If you are trying to connect to your college's WIFI, open up a Command Window and type in netsh wlan show all and see if their SSID shows up. Otherwise contact your College IT dept and explain to them what is going on or take you laptop to them and let them show you how to fix the issue. You can try to connect to what pop's up, but if it is not Public and has a Passphrase, you cannot use it and it would not be for your College.