Connect to internet is greyed out with airplane mode

Anonymous
2013-12-22T04:31:38+00:00

I have a Dell Inspiron 15 R. Windows 8.1. Everything was working fine. I stopped using the internet because I didn't have one for few days.

Now I have a connection. I turned on the laptop and surprise. The connect software button is grayed out along with the airplane mode. Tried everything even turning off the Kaspersky and the firewall. Still nothing made it work. Software is up to date weather for the WiFi hardware or windows. Ethernet works.

Why is this happening?

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.

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Anonymous
2013-12-23T05:28:59+00:00

Thank you for your reply.

I know that airplane mode stops all the signals and I stated that it's grayed out so there is no way to turn it on.

The microsoft website is useless although it shouldn't. Why? Because they created the program and they don't know the answer which I figured out.

You will need to activate the wireless card from the control panel--Device manager--network adapter--right click your modem--properties--power management--uncheck allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

This is not listed by microsoft in any troubleshooting wich is so bad that it couldnt find a solution to a problem.

Thank you

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-03-22T01:28:01+00:00

    I was irritated after almost a week of not being able to get anything done and the method of fixing prior did not work on new windows-HMMMMM!

    Anywho, this is the exact thing I did with my Dell uninspirational 11:

    airplane switch greyed out and no wifi

    device manager>Human Interface Device>Airplane>uninstall>restart then go back to device manager

    device manager>Human Interface Device>Airplane mode collection>right click> disable.

    Now, I saved this to my usb flash as did my other work around when this happened before so I know this is just another gig to get us to buy more.  This last time worked and I bought an Ipad.  Now issues there.  What the heck? Is this the quality?  Are we the made in>>>on the bottom of the thingy we want to buy?  This used to be a very proud and well made America.  Hope we can make a come back, not just a come back but thrust forward into a much better America than ever before.  Sorry for the rant but my livelihood depends on these stupid things.

    Cheers and hope this helps someone.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-08-27T10:58:23+00:00

    Had this issue today and this is what worked for me. I have a dell laptop M731R with a 17.3" display. I pressed the blue Fn key + the F2key with the wireless symbol on it and the message "Airplane mode turned off" appeared. Now my wi-fi is turned back on. Hope this helps.

    I fix that, thank you!

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-08-20T23:43:16+00:00

    OMG!!! THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS, I HAVE TRIED SO MUCH STUFF, INCLUDING ALL THE POSTS ON THIS PAGE BUT THIS WORKED FOR ME. THANKS AGAIN

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-30T00:45:35+00:00

    Hi Iyad,

    Glad to know that you have resolved the issue.

    Please post back if you face any issues related to Windows and we will be glad to assist you further.

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