Windows 10: WiFi won’t connect because network adapter device cannot start and does not exist code 10

Even though wifi was working on my other devices, I tried connecting to my network and it couldn’t connect. Now the wifi page doesn’t show any avaikable networks or an option to turn wifi on or off, it only shows airplane mode.




in device manager for the device status of my network adapter, which is Realtek RTL8821CE, it says: “this device cannot start. Code 10” and “this device does not exist”.



In the events it says ‘device deleted’, almost a month ago, butI had been using wifi fine after that date.



How do I fix this?

:)

 

How to connect to an existing wifi network?

'Not connected' doesn't necessarily mean the WiFi adapter isn't working, just that you have not yet connected to an available network. If it is working then a list of available WiFi names should appear when you click on the WiFi icon on the taskbar which looks like this

when not connected.


If the list is empty then either the antenna is not connected to the WiFi adapter or the adapter isn't working. This may be a driver problem rather than hardware, so look in Device Manager for any yellow warnings. Also check that the WiFi adapter is not disable in Device Manager.

 

How to connect to an existing wifi network?

Not connected for the Wi-Fi indicates it is enabled, but not in use, i.e "connected". As a test, if you disable the ethernet adapter, the Wi-Fi should automatically "connect" and become active, and show in the list. Try that and see what happens.

Example on mine....

 

Safe Mode with Networking - No network - No WiFi adapter...

I tried those suggestions when I first noticed this problem. As for choosing the wireless network before logging in, My only option is Airplane Mode.