Wireless Capability Is Turned Off – Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Did you know that ‘Wireless Capability is turned off’ is one of the most common errors that you can encounter while using a windows device. There are a few reasons why you are experiencing this error and to help you solve it, we have compiled a detailed guide on what this error means and different methods of solving it.

It is important to note that this error is generic and can seriously correspond to different situations. However, this error usually comes up when you run windows diagnostics in case you are unable to connect to the internet.

Wireless capability is turned off: Different causes

The wireless capability is turned off error usually appears when the computer detects the wireless adapter is disabled and it cannot run on itself. As we have already stated above, this error can be very generic and can be caused by a lot of things.

Though it usually occurs when the user runs windows network diagnostics and the PC cannot connect to the internet. There are several reasons why the PC can fail to connect to the internet after running the windows network diagnostics.

Fault BIOS Settings

One of the most common reasons why you are getting this error is because of default BIOS settings. In this situation, you need to check the BIOS settings and act accordingly.

The hardware button is disabled

If you are using some Laptop brands, you will realize that some of these laptops come with a physical wireless Button. Every time you want to connect to the internet you have to turn on the hardware button. In case the hardware button is disabled, you might experience this error.

Outdated Drivers

It’s plenty obvious that if the Wi-Fi drivers are outdated, the computer will not be able to connect to the internet. In this case, you might end up getting the error ‘wireless capability is turned off’. The solution in this case would be to update the drivers.

Recently updated windows

Most of these issues such as fault BIOS Settings and drivers’ issues usually occur when you have recently updated the windows. If you have recently updated the windows, you can experience this error.

Wireless Capability is turned off: Solutions

Use the Physical keyboard switch to turn on Wi-Fi

As we have already explained, some laptops and desktops usually come with an external Wi-Fi button. You can use this button to turn it on and off the Wi-Fi. Look for any switch with the Wi-Fi symbol and press on it. In most cases, this switch is on the sides of the laptop or below the screen.

Turn the Wi-Fi on using the keyboard shortcuts

Other than the physical switch, there are additional options to turn the Wi-Fi on using the keyboard shortcuts. Depending on your laptop or Desktop brand, you can press the Fn button to turn on the Wi-Fi. Depending on your laptop, you should look for any button with a wireless symbol and press it. In most situations, you can try the Fn+F2 buttons.

Power cycling the laptop

Power cycling the laptop equally works for a lot of laptops. This is an act of turning off the computer and then powering the computer back on. This process initiates the re-initialization of the device and can recover different unresponsive actions.

Use windows Mobility Center

This platform centralizes information and settings of the computer and consists of a square tile with the function of each. Though, this functionality is usually inaccessible on various desktop computers. In the windows mobility center, you can find functionalities such as the battery, power, wireless options, and brightness control. There’s the possibility that you can turn on the Wi-Fi from here;

1. Press Windows+R and type devmgmt. MSC and click enter.
2. Expand the Network adapters and locate the wireless adapter.
3. Select Properties from the right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter.
4. Click on Power Management Tab.
5. Now uncheck the option that says to allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

FAQs

How to turn on wireless capability with the function keys?

One of the simplest ways of turning on the wireless capability is through the function keys. Press the ‘Fn button and either F1 or F12 at the same time. This will turn on the Wireless capability.

How to solve my disabled Wi-Fi on my Laptop?

Click on the Control panel and proceed to Systems and security. Now select Device Manager and click on (+). Now right-click on wireless adapters and click enable.

Why is my HP Laptop not showing Wi-Fi?

There are chances that you have disabled the Wi-Fi button. If this is the case, then you can find the Wi-Fi button and enable it. You can alternatively use the F10 key or the F12 key to remove airplane mode and enable Wi-Fi.

‘Wireless capability is turned off’ is a common issue that the majority of computer users experience. This issue can occur after updating the OS or because you have turned off the physical Wi-Fi key. We have offered a couple of solutions for you here is one of them that might work for you.