# Networking: No Wi-Fi networks found — the Wi-Fi adapter is missing, disabled or its driver failed

**Code:** `No Wi-Fi adapter found / Wi-Fi option missing` · **Category:** Networking · **Seen on:** Windows, Linux, Networking

The operating system doesn't see a working wireless adapter, so no networks can be listed.

## Meaning

Check airplane mode and the hardware Wi-Fi key first, then Device Manager (Windows) or `rfkill list` / `lspci -k` (Linux). A missing driver, a disabled radio, a BIOS setting or a failed USB dongle are the usual causes; reinstall the vendor driver and power-cycle the machine.

## Common causes

- Airplane mode or hardware radio switch on
- Wi-Fi driver missing, corrupt or replaced by an update
- Adapter disabled in Device Manager or BIOS
- Blocked by rfkill (soft/hard block)
- USB Wi-Fi dongle unplugged or underpowered

## Quick fix

1. Turn off airplane mode and check `rfkill list`
2. Reinstall or roll back the Wi-Fi driver
3. Enable the adapter in Device Manager / BIOS and reboot

## Detailed fix by platform

### Linux

1. `rfkill list all && sudo rfkill unblock wifi && lspci -k | grep -A3 -i network`

## How to diagnose

1. **Airplane mode** — Off?
2. **rfkill** — Unblocked?
3. **Driver** — Loaded?

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Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/networking/wifi-adapter-not-detected)