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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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

Was this answer helpful?

200+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

91 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-07-25T20:18:32+00:00

    I have had the same problem and found the easy solution below.

    See all Network Computers

    This is what I did to make all computers visible on the Network

    Click on Control Panel

    Click on Windows Firewall

    Click on Properties (at the far right)

    Click on the Domain Profile and change the Firewall State to Off and click on OK

    Click on the Private Profile and change the Firewall State to Off and click on OK

    Close out all screens

    Check on the Network to verify that all computers are visible.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-07-25T19:11:00+00:00

    Dear Gokul T,

                        I can't do any of the methods. I have just upgraded my mini laptop to windows 7 Ultimate from Windows XP Professonial. It has a picture of a Computer Monitor and a red X. I do not know what to do because it is very new.

      Yours Sincerely,

      EmilsVeidelis

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2013-07-18T16:46:51+00:00

    I know there are alot of similar valid solutions over here but I'm just gonna repeat it. I counldn't figure out at first it's pretty simple. Being a Software engineer I've never felt sooo ashamed. There's a key on the keyboard "FN" mine is in the same line as the same bar. All you have to do is press "FN" + "F2". The F2 key in my laptop has a symbol of pole with signal.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments