Windows 7 is unable to detect any wireless networks, 'No connections are available'.

Anonymous
2010-05-13T15:36:14+00:00

I was trying to connect to my work's wireless network which has some security settings. I was trying to speed it up by checking the properties of that connection (right-click on the network name, clicked status). There was a button with the administrator logo on it labeled 'Disable', and I accidentally clicked it. 

I was able to turn the wireless adapter on again, but no networks show up (there were at least five before). When I hover over the icon in the system tray, it says 'No connections are available'. 

When I try to troubleshoot, the only error it has is that it says 'Wireless Capability Turned Off', and I can't find where to turn it back on. 

I'm using an ASUS notebook with Windows 7 Home Premium installed. Thank you.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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Anonymous
2015-05-24T10:53:32+00:00

thank you the f12 button on a hp laptop has this function as well, it must have been accidently pressed, regards max

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Anonymous
2010-05-14T09:56:08+00:00

Hi rctorres,

Follow the troubleshooting methods listed below:

Method 1:

There may be a tiny switch on the side of the laptop (on in the front) that turns the wireless ON/OFF. Make sure you’ve switched it on. 

You may also need to toggle the laptop WiFi by pressing and holding the Function key and pressing F2.

Let's run the network troubleshooter and see if it can detect and fix the problem.

Open the Network troubleshooter by right-clicking the network icon in the notification area, and then clicking Troubleshoot problems.

Refer the 'Microsoft Help' and 'How-to article' for more information:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Using-the-Network-troubleshooter-in-Windows-7

Method 2:

Do the following:

  1. Click Start, type network and sharing centerin the Start search box and hit Enter.
  2. Click Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click the connection and select Enable.

Method 3:

The majority of connection problems within Windows 7 have been solved by installing the latest driver for the wireless network adapter obtained from the manufacturer. Download and install the Windows 7 compatible drivers and check if the issue gets fixed.

Refer the following Microsoft article for more information on updating drivers:

Update drivers by following the instruction in this article:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Update-drivers-recommended-links

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-12-10T01:31:52+00:00

    This saved me!!! I would have never thought to press Fn+F2 then left click the tower that appears. Thanks so much for the help.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-01-24T20:02:14+00:00

    Method 2 - spot on - thanks

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-02-15T21:16:19+00:00

    Method 1 worked perfectly, thank you!

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