Windows 10: Wifi adapter disappears - goes 'hidden'

Running Windows 10 on an Acer laptop. Over the past month, the wifi connection dropped without explanation/warning.

First time, the adapter was visible in Device Manager (with a yellow triangle next to it). An interent search found the suggestion to uninstall it and restart. That worked.

Today, the connection dropped again. In Device Manager at first I could not see the wifi adapter listed. I clicked to see hidden devices and found the adapter and the Bluetooth (which I had not noticed was missing).

I again uninstalled, restarted, and both the wifi and bluetooth have returned.

Anyone any ideas as to what is happening, why it's happening, and what I need to do, please?

I have attached a screenshot of the DM windows as it is now, showing the wifi adapter name, etc.

Thanks very much

WG

:)

 

Wifi adapter disappears after sleep

Thanks for replying.

@Spirit MS MVP - This is the reason wifi is disabled when the computer goes into sleep mode. When I untick the "Allow computer to turn off the device to save power" and place the computer into sleep mode, the wifi adapter disappears. If i recheck it, and
put the computer to sleep, the wifi adapter does not get uninstalled.

@Andre - First solution does not work because the adapter does not exist and is not listed in the Device Manager.

Second solution doesnt work because the adapter is not listed in Troubleshooting. I tried troubleshooting all adapters and nothing was returned.

Third solution again does not work because the adapter is not there to uninstall.

The wireless driver/adapter disappears after restarting from sleep mode when the adapter's ""Allow computer to turn off device to save power" setting is unchecked.

 

Windows 10 Wi-Fi issues wifi adapter is hidden in device manager and I can't connect to wifi.

Hi Kelvin,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing currently.

I would appreciate if you can provide us the following information to help us understand the issue better.

• Did you make any changes in prior to this issue?
• 
  Do you get any error when you try to access Internet using your computer?
  

As of now, I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if that helps.

• Press "Windows" + "X" and select Device Manager.
• Click on View and select show hidden devices.
• Now expand Network adapters, you will see the
  wifi adapter .
• Enable it by using right click option.

Please let us know if the issue persist and we will be happy to assist you further.

 

WiFi and Bluetooth Options Disappeared from Device management

Hi,

Thank you for your reply.

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

Step 1: Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.

• 
  Press Windows key +X, select
  Control panel.
  
• 
  Change the view by option on the top right to
  Large icons.
  
• 
  Click on troubleshooting and click on the
  view all option on the left panel.
  
• 
  Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
  

Step 2: You may follow the steps and check if it helps in resolving the issue, as the device might be hidden.

• • 
    Press Windows key + X.
    
  • 
    Click on Device Manager.
    
  • 
    Click on View.
    
  • 
    Click on Show
    Hidden Devices.
    
  • 
    Search for the Bluetooth device.
    

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.