Cannot see own wireless network but can see others around me

Anonymous
2021-06-27T02:56:35+00:00

Hi all,

Seemingly after last Windows update (though I'm not sure) I cannot see my own wireless network on my home laptop. I can see all the networks of my neighbors, but not my own.

I can see it and connect to my wireless network with my Work laptop. My partner can see it and connect to it with her two laptops and her smartphone.

I checked the wireless network adapter (Realtek RTL8723AE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC) and when I click Properties and then Configure, the General tab says "This device is working properly." However, when I look at the icon in the Control Panel under Network Connections there is a big red X next to the Wi-Fi icon and it says "Not Connected".

When I click the Diagnose button the result is "You have not chosen to connect to any of the available networks" (and I can't since I don't know the security keys for those networks). Then skipping to the next step, the next window says "None of the networks you have previously connected to are in range"

Any advice?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. franco d'esaro 25,086 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-06-27T16:30:28+00:00

    Hi PeterY61 ,

    try these options:

    1) Uninstall / reinstall the wi-fi adapter by following this procedure:

    https://www.drivereasy.com/knowledge/how-to-reinstall-wi-fi-driver-on-windows-10-easily/ 

    **NOTE:**This is a non Microsoft website. The page appears to provide accurate and secure information. Beware of ads on the site that may advertise products often classified as PUPs (potentially unwanted products).

    Ignore advertising tips, do not use third-party driver installation programs.

    2) Try changing the driver by looking for it on your computer:

    1. Go to Device Manager> Network Adapters, right click on your network adapter> Update Driver.
    2. Select "Search my computer for drivers"
    3. Select "Choose from a list of drivers available on your computer"
    4. Windows will propose 2 or more compatible drivers for the network adapter in use, select a driver other than the one currently in use> Next. The driver will be installed automatically. Restart the PC.

    Otherwise, download and reinstall the latest driver version available from the pc manufacturer's website

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-06-27T16:38:13+00:00

    Thank you

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-06-27T18:00:33+00:00

    Hi Franco,

    I've uninstalled and re-installed the driver several times (and again now) and no luck.

    I also tried the Update Driver method. While I'm given two choices they appear to be the same one: They're both Realtek:

    Realtek RTL8723AE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC (Microsoft)

    Realtek RTL8723AE Wireless LAN 802.11n PCI-E NIC (Realtek Semiconductor Corp.)

    I've tried both options but no luck

    Under Properties the General tab says "This device is working properly."

    I tried the Realtek site but couldn't find a download to correspond with this driver. Only for For Realtek PCIe WLAN Family Controller (and USB versions). see here: https://www.realtek.com/en/component/zoo/advanced-search/72?Itemid=276

    I've also tried the site of the laptop manufacturer (MSI) but they don't show any updates or downloads or updates for the my laptop. I have a ticket in with them...don't know what else to do....

    Peter

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  4. franco d'esaro 25,086 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2021-06-27T18:41:07+00:00

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-06-27T22:13:29+00:00

    Hi Franco,

    I looked at the link in that thread and saw these questions:

    Do you use the 2.4 or 5 GHz network?  I don't know

    Does the problem occur for both networks? I don't know

    Do the 2 networks have the same SSID or different SSIDs? Same

    See below image of Wi-Fi Settings in the router. Advice? (and thanks)

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