Wifi Toggle switch is greyed out

Anonymous
2012-11-04T04:04:43+00:00

Original Title: How to turn on WiFi Capability on Windows 8

Hello,

I upgraded my Laptop Toshiba L500D from Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) to Windows 8 Pro (x64) a few days ago, then I realized yesterday I could not connect to WiFi connection. I have tried search on the internet how to fix it, but no luck. Here are the following list I have tried so far:

  1. Update to latest Driver by going to "Device Manager", click right "Realtek RTL8187SE Wireless LAN PCIE Network Adapter" then click "Update Driver Software...".
  2. Go to Toshiba Website, download "Realtek Wireless Lan Driver" for Windows 7 (x64) and install it by running in Windows 7 compatibility mode.
  3. Go to BIOS, by pressing F2 before Windows 8 loaded, and enable Wireless Communication.
  4. Troubleshooting "Network Adapter (WiFi)" and it gave this advice:

           "Turn on wireless capability

Use the switch on the front or side of the computer,            or function keys if available,            to enable wireless capability on this computer."

  1. Go to Settings -> Change PC Settings -> Wireless, and I got this:

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2959/62721723.png

How am I suppose to switch it on, if the switch is disabled? The airplane is also off, so I suppose the Wireless switch should be enable so I can turn it on and off, but no, the wifi switch is still disabled.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Cheers,

simply.puzzle

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
2012-11-29T21:38:42+00:00

I had a similar issue.. I used the diagnostics to resolve the issue... here are the steps I took.

  1. Right Click network icon in taskbar and select "open network and sharing center"
  2. highlight wifi connection then at top click "diagnose this connection"

the troubleshooter will discover that the WiFi connection is turned off and offer a "apply fix" option click that and windows will enable the wifi connection...

I had the same issues as the OP and Geecat where the Fn switch just didn't work, so I worked through it as outlined above... Looks like with Win 8 the troubleshooter is even more necessary... Not sure how I feel about that, but it is what it is.

Was this answer helpful?

0 comments

105 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2013-01-09T14:47:48+00:00

    Will I lose any of my information if I reboot?

    && how do I change to safe mode anyways?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2013-01-09T04:13:30+00:00

    simply.puzzle (and others),

    I was having the same problems with the wifi not turning on no matter what I tried. I followed all of the suggested methods in this thread and nothing worked for me.

    However, while I was trying the "reboot in Safe Mode" idea that was posted, I ended up restarting and shutting down my computer multiple times all pretty much back to back. I gave up and logged back on to my computer and the wireless was suddenly working. I have no idea what I may have done to fix it exactly or if this is a permanent fix, but for now it is working again. I really hope that this works for you guys too.

    Good luck!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2012-12-29T21:04:41+00:00

    Hi techthrowaway,

    Sorry, for the late reply. I haven't got any solution to this problem yet. In the meantime, I use USB Wi-Fi Adapter to connect to Wi-Fi connection.

    I am still hoping someone from Microsoft could solve to this issue.

    Cheers,

    simply.puzzle

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2012-12-29T20:12:46+00:00

    I did all the steps in every comment mentioned above. I've Clicked diagnose connection. Went through all the steps. I do not have a swich or button for wifi. I did not have an apply fix option. My wifi settings look like this http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2959/62721723.png . Also when I press fn nothing happens as well as pressing fn and F8. I just bought this computer last week brand new so I hope its not the computer. Is there any other options?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments