Fixes When Windows 10 is Not Automatically Connecting to Wi-Fi

Windows 10 offers a feature that allows the computer to connect to saved Wi-Fi networks automatically. Enabling the “Connect Automatically” function will make sure this happens. However, some users find that despite this function being turned on, Windows 10 is not automatically connecting to the Wi-Fi networks.

There are many reasons why this is happening. For example, a system upgrade that causes the computer to switch off its Wi-Fi adapter or a mere glitch could be the source of the issue.

In this guide, we will take you through a few methods that you can use to troubleshoot a Windows 10 computer that is not connecting automatically to saved Wi-Fi networks.

Windows 10 Not Automatically Connecting to Wi-Fi

Troubleshooting any technical issues can be challenging because there is no direct indication of why the problem occurs. Therefore, to cover all possibilities, we have included a few methods to try. However, the first two solutions are the most effective and should get you up and running again.

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

Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

If a simple problem such as a bug is causing your lack of connection, the following solution should do the trick:

1. Navigate to the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right of your computer screen and click on it.
   
2. Find your Wi-Fi network on the list displayed in the pop-up and click on it to highlight it.
   
3. Once you’ve highlighted your network, left-click on it and select “Forget” from the menu.
   
4. Close this pop-up by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar.
5. Make your way to your “Start” button and restart your computer.
   
6. Once your computer has rebooted, navigate back to the Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar and click it.
7. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the pop-up menu and check the box next to where it says, “Connect Automatically.”
   
8. Now click “Connect.”
   
9. The computer will ask you for the security code. Enter your Wi-Fi password.
   
10. Your computer will then connect to the Wi-Fi.

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

Modify the Power Saver Options

If your computer has recently completed a system upgrade and since then has not been connecting automatically to any of your saved Wi-Fi networks, you may want to try the following:

1. Navigate to the “Start” button and right-click on it.
   
2. From the pop-up menu, select “Device Manager.”
   
3. A window will open with a list. From there, double click on “Network Adapters” to expand it.
   
4. Select your Wi-Fi adapter from the list that appears, and right-click on it. Then, choose the “Properties” option from the menu that pops up.
   
5. In the Properties window that appears, select the “Power Management” tab at the top.
   
6. Next, uncheck the “Allow this computer to turn off this device to save power” option box. Then click “Ok.”
   

Once you have clicked “Ok” and the changes are saved, your computer should return to connecting to the remembered Wi-Fi network again after it reboots or restarts.

Running the Network Troubleshooter

Before trying any other methods, run the network troubleshooter. This troubleshooter accesses Microsoft’s servers to examine your Wi-Fi hardware and check your connectivity. Should there be an issue, the troubleshooter will advise you and attempt to resolve the problem.

1. Navigate to the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar on the bottom right of your screen and right-click on it.
   
2. Select the “Troubleshoot problems” option.
   
3. A troubleshooting process will begin. Let the computer complete this process.
   
4. When the troubleshooting is complete, navigate to the “Start” button and restart your computer.
   

Once the computer has restarted, see if the issue still exists. If it does, give the following method a try.

Turning Off the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter

The Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter allows other computers to access the internet through your computer or to create a wireless hotspot. Disabling this function may resolve your connectivity issue. Here is how to do it:

1. Navigate to the “Start” button and right-click on it.
2. From the menu that pops up, choose “Device Manager.”
3. In the Device Manager window, select the “View” tab from the top.
4. Click on “Show Hidden Devices” from the menu that appears.
5. Next, expand the “Network Adaptors” category.
6. Search for the “Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter” option. Right-click on it and then choose “Disable Device.”
7. Close the window.
8. Navigate back to the “Start” button and restart your computer.

It is important to note that disabling this function will prevent you from using the mobile hotspot feature. If this solution does not fix your connectivity problem, navigate the same steps to turn the Adapter back on.

Windows 10 Not Automatically Connecting to a Hidden Wi-Fi

Hidden Wi-Fi networks are more challenging to connect to because they do not broadcast their names and are not 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 still does not connect automatically, here are two ways you can fix the problem:

Method One – Reconnect to Your Wi-Fi Network

1. Navigate to the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom right of your screen and click it.
   
2. Find your Wi-Fi network on the list displayed in the pop-up and select it to highlight it.
   
3. Once highlighted, left-click and choose “Forget” from the menu.
   
4. Close this pop-up by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon again.
5. Make your way to your “Start” button and restart your computer.
   
6. Once your computer has rebooted, navigate back to the Wi-Fi icon on 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.”
   
8. Now click “Connect.”
   
9. The computer will ask you for the name (SSID) of the hidden network. Enter this name and click “Next.”
   
10. You will then be asked to enter the security key (password) for the network. Key this in and click “Next.”
    
11. The computer will then ask whether you want your PC to be discoverable on this network. Choose “Yes” or “No” based on your preference.
    
12. Your computer will then connect to the Wi-Fi.

Next time you restart or reboot your computer, your Wi-Fi should automatically connect.

Method Two – Using the Network and Sharing Center

Another way to ensure your Windows 10 computer connects to your Wi-Fi automatically is by using the Network and Sharing Center. Here is how you do it:

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

Turning this function on makes Windows 10 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 won’t be discoverable on your list of available wireless networks. However, if you know this hidden network’s name 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. Then, click “Network Settings” and choose “Wi-Fi.”

3. From the “Wi-Fi” menu, click on “Hidden Network” then click “Connect.”

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

5. A prompt will now ask you to enter the network security key (password) then click “Next.”

6. Your computer should then connect to the network.

Stay Connected

Figuring out why your Windows 10 won’t automatically connect to the Wi-Fi is no simple task. However, we are confident that you will have the problem resolved in no time after trying out a few of these troubleshooting methods.

All that is left for you to do then is sit back and surf the web.

Have you performed troubleshooting to enable your Windows 10 to connect to the Wi-Fi before? Did you use a method similar to those outlined in this guide? Let us know in the comments section below.