Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi

Windows 10 offers a feature that allows the computer to automatically connect to saved Wi-Fi networks. Enabling the "Connect automatically" feature will ensure this happens. However, some users find that despite enabling this feature, Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks.

Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi

There are many reasons why this happens. For example, a system upgrade that forces the computer to turn off its Wi-Fi adapter or a simple glitch could be causing the problem.



In this guide, we'll walk you through a few methods you can use to troubleshoot a Windows 10 computer that won't automatically connect to saved Wi-Fi networks.

Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi

Troubleshooting any technical issue can be difficult as there is no direct indication of why the issue is occurring. Therefore, to cover all possibilities, we have included a few methods for you to try. However, the first two solutions are the most effective and should get you back up and running.

Let's take a look at some of these solutions to get your Windows 10 computer to automatically connect to your saved Wi-Fi connections:

Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network

If a simple issue such as a bug is causing your connection to go missing, the following solution should do the trick:

  1. Go to the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right of your computer screen and click on it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  2. Find your Wi-Fi network in the list displayed in the pop-up window and click on it to highlight it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  3. Once you've highlighted your network, left click on it and select "Forget" from the menu.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  4. Close this pop-up window by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar.
  5. Go to your "Start" button and restart your computer.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  6. Once your computer restarts, go back to the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar and click it.
  7. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the pop-up menu and check the box next to "Connect automatically".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  8. Now click on “Connect”.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  9. The computer will ask you for the security code. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  10. Your computer will then connect to Wi-Fi.

Restarting the computer and reconnecting to Wi-Fi should refresh its memory. It should now automatically connect to the saved Wi-Fi network even when you shut it down and restart it.



Change power saving options

If your computer recently completed a system upgrade and since then hasn't automatically connected to one of your saved Wi-Fi networks, you can try the following:

  1. Navigate to the "Start" button and right-click on it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  2. From the context menu, select "Device Manager".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  3. A window will open with a list. From there, double-click "Network Adapters" to expand it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  4. Select your Wi-Fi adapter from the list that appears and right click on it. Next, choose the “Properties” option from the menu that appears.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  5. In the Properties window that appears, select the "Power Management" tab at the top.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  6. Next, uncheck the “Allow this computer to turn off this device to save power” box. Then click "OK".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi

Once you click "Ok" and the changes are saved, your computer should connect to the remembered Wi-Fi network again after restarting or rebooting.

Running the Network Troubleshooter

Before trying other methods, run the network troubleshooter. This troubleshooter accesses Microsoft's servers to examine your Wi-Fi hardware and verify your connectivity. If there is a problem, the troubleshooter will advise you and try to solve the problem.

  1. Go to the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen and right click on it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  2. Select the "Troubleshoot" option.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  3. A troubleshooting process will begin. Let the computer complete this process.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  4. Once the troubleshooting is complete, navigate to the "Start" button and restart your computer.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi

Once the computer restarts, check if the problem still persists. If so, try the next method.



Disabling Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter

The Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter allows other computers to access the Internet through your computer or create a wireless hotspot. Disabling this feature may resolve your connectivity issue. Here's how:

  1. Navigate to the "Start" button and right-click on it.
  2. From the menu that appears, choose “Device Manager”.
  3. In the Device Manager window, select the "Display" tab at the top.
  4. Click "Show hidden devices" in the menu that appears.
  5. Next, expand the “Network Adapters” category.
  6. Look for the "Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter" option. Right-click on it, then choose "Disable device".
  7. Close the window.
  8. Go back to the "Start" button and restart your computer.

It is important to note that disabling this feature will prevent you from using the mobile hotspot feature. If this solution does not resolve your connectivity issue, follow the same steps to turn the adapter back on.


Windows 10 does not automatically connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network

Hidden Wi-Fi networks are harder to connect to because they don't broadcast their names and aren't visible in the list of available wireless networks that Windows 10 displays.

If you have already connected to your hidden network and checked "Connect automatically" but your Internet connection still does not connect automatically, here are two ways to fix the problem:

First method – Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network

  1. Go to the Wi-Fi icon at the bottom right of your screen and click on it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  2. Find your Wi-Fi network in the list displayed in the pop-up window and select it to highlight it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  3. Once highlighted, left-click and choose "Forget" from the menu.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  4. Close this pop-up window by clicking the Wi-Fi icon again.
  5. Go to your "Start" button and restart your computer.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  6. Once your computer restarts, go back to the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar and click it.
  7. Choose "Hidden Network" from the pop-up menu and check the box next to where it says "Connect automatically".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  8. Now click on “Connect”.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  9. The computer will ask you for the name (SSID) of the hidden network. Enter this name and click “Next”.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  10. You will then be prompted to enter the network security key (password). Enter it and click “Next”.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  11. The computer will then ask you if you want your PC to be discoverable on this network. Choose "Yes" or "No" depending on your preference.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  12. Your computer will then connect to Wi-Fi.

The next time you restart or restart your computer, your Wi-Fi should connect automatically.


Method Two – Using Network and Sharing Center

Another way to make sure your Windows 10 computer automatically connects to your Wi-Fi network is to use the Network and Sharing Center. Here's how:

  1. Find the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar at the bottom right of your screen and click on it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  2. Choose "Hidden Network" from the pop-up menu and check the box next to where it says "Connect automatically".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  3. Now click on “Connect”.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  4. The computer will ask you for the name (SSID) of the hidden network. Enter the network name and click "Next".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  5. You will then be prompted to enter the network security key (password). Type it in and click “Next”.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  6. The computer will then ask you if you want your PC to be discoverable on this network. Choose "Yes" or "No" depending on your preference.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  7. Then, at the bottom of this same panel, click on "Network and Internet settings".
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  8. A window will then open. On the left pane of the window, make sure the "Status" option is selected.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  9. On the right panel, you will see the name of your Wi-Fi network and, just below, a "Properties" button. Press this button.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  10. In the new window, scroll down until you find the box "Connect even if the network is not broadcasting (SSID)" and check it.
    Fix Wehn ​​Windows 10 does not automatically connect to Wi-Fi
  11. You can then close the window.

Enabling this feature forces Windows 10 to search for the hidden network even when it is not connected to a network or the hidden network is not in your area.

Additional FAQs

How do I connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network for the first time?

A hidden wireless network does not broadcast its name so that it is not discoverable in your list of available wireless networks. However, if you know the name of this hidden network and other details, you can connect to it manually.

1. In the lower right corner of your screen, find the Wi-Fi icon and click on it.

2. Next, click "Network Settings" and choose "Wi-Fi".

3. In the “Wi-Fi” menu, click on “Hidden network” then click on “Connect”.

4. The computer will ask you to enter the SSID (network name), then click “Next”.

5. You will now be prompted to enter the network security key (password), then click "Next".

6. Your computer should then connect to the network.

Stay connected

Determining why your Windows 10 is not automatically connecting to Wi-Fi is not a simple task. However, we are confident that the issue will be resolved in no time after trying a few of these troubleshooting methods.

All you have to do is sit back and surf the web.

Have you ever troubleshoot to allow your Windows 10 to connect to Wi-Fi? Did you use a method similar to those described in this guide? Let us know in the comments section below.

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