How to turn wireless on/off Windows 7, 8, 8.1 & 10

Description

This article introduces the method of turning the WiFi radio On/Off, follow the instructions provided to enable wireless card.

This article covers 2 ways on how we can turn the wireless radio on and off

• Software switch
• Physical switch

Applicable Brands

• Laptops & Desktops

Operating Systems

• Windows 7
• Windows 8, 8.1
• Windows 10

Solution

Turn On/Off WiFi via Software Switch

Windows 7

1. Go to the Start Menu and select Control Panel.
   
   
    
2. Click the Network and Internet category and then select Networking and Sharing Center.
   
   
    
3. From the options on the left-hand side, select Change adapter settings.
   
   
    
4. Right-click on the icon for Wireless Connection and click enable. You'll now be able to connect to a WiFi network from the Network and Sharing center.
   
   Note: There may be more than one wireless network adapter icon as showed in the image below. Select the one that is associated with your network card. (Example Broadcom, Intel etc.)
   
   If there is no wireless adapters available please follow Unable to detect any wireless networks in range Window 7, 8 & 10
   
   

Window 8 & 8.1

1. From the Windows Start Screen, search “Turn wireless devices on or off”.
2. Enable or disable Airplane Mode to stop all wireless communication. Under Wireless Devices, choose whether to enable or disable WiFi and Bluetooth. 
   
   
   
   If there is no Wi-Fi option present please follow Unable to detect any wireless networks in range Window 7, 8 & 10

Windows 10

1. Click Windows button -> Settings -> Network & Internet.
2. Slide WiFi On, then available networks will be listed. Click to Connect. Disable/Enable WiFi.
   
   
   
   If there is no Wi-Fi option present please follow Unable to detect any wireless networks in range. Window 7, 8 & 10

Turn On/Off WiFi via Physical Switch

Lenovo/idea Machines

• How to enable and disable WiFi in Windows 7 - idea laptops
• How to enable/disable wireless LAN in Windows 8/8.1/10 - idea laptops

Lenovo ThinkPad\ThinkCenter Machines

1. The wireless radio switch is usually located on the front or side of the machine.
   
   
    
2. Press Fn+F5 together or F8
   
   

Note: If all the methods don't work try to turn on WiFi from BIOS How to enable Wireless in BIOS