How to fix Wi-Fi detection issues after Windows update?

Question

How to fix Wi-Fi detection issues after Windows update?

Ash Meka 0

I just installed update KB5065786 to my Yoga C940. After my laptop restarted, the windows task bar did not show up on start. No wifi connection either. I tried a few things, eventually found out that Windows Explorer wasn’t running properly. I tried to rollback to system software before the update, which didn’t work. So then I uninstalled the update through update history and rebooted. Task bar showed up, but the task tray showing WiFi, battery, date and time did not show up. I went into services and made sure Network Connections, WLAN Autoconfig, Network Location Awareness, and Windows event log were running. NC and NLA were not and were on manual start, so I started running them and changed to automatic. This brought back the task tray, but did not fix detecting networks. Network adapter seems to not have any issues (no warning message or anything). Tried deleting the driver and rebooting, and it downloaded back fine with no issues. Still no WiFi. I toggled WLAN to disabled in BIOS, rebooted, enabled it, rebooted and still nothing. I have no idea what to do anymore. Can someone please assist me with some solutions?

Bill 0 Reputation points

2026-08-20T09:37:07.2233333+00:00

I don't even have an option to change adapter settings, or even an option to select wifi. It's like my computer forgot it has wifi. When I go to command line, it still pings. what gives?
Clary-N 15,730 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-22T08:55:23.5533333+00:00
Hi Bill,

It sounds like Windows may no longer be detecting the wireless adapter, even though basic network components are still responding. To better understand what's happening, could you let me know:

When did this issue first start? Did it begin after a Windows update, driver update, software installation, or any hardware changes?

What troubleshooting steps have you already tried so far?

What Windows version and build are you running? Please press Windows key + R, type winver then share the version and OS build shown in the window.

Do you see any wireless adapter listed under Device Manager > Network adapters, or is it missing entirely?

This information will help narrow down whether the issue is related to the Wi‑Fi adapter, its driver, or a recent system change. I look forward to your update.
Bill 0 Reputation points

2026-08-23T13:49:36.46+00:00

Okay! Windows version: 11 pro 25H2, build 26200.9168, windows feature experience pack 1000.26100.344.0. Wireless adapter Realtek 8852CE WiFi 6E PCI-E NIC. I think I might see a problem, my wifi is built into the motherboard, not a PCI-E card. There's also a Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller.
Clary-N 15,730 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-25T08:52:25.12+00:00
Hi Bill,

Thanks for the additional details.

The Realtek 8852CE WiFi 6E PCI-E NIC being identified as a PCI-E device is normal, even if the Wi‑Fi is built into the motherboard. Many onboard wireless adapters use an internal PCIe connection, so that by itself is not a concern.

Could you check Device Manager > Network adapters and let me know:

Is the Realtek 8852CE WiFi 6E PCI-E NIC listed?

Does it show any warning icon?

If you open Properties, what does the Device status message say?

If it's missing, select View > Show hidden devices and see whether it appears there.

The Device Manager status should help determine whether this is a driver issue, a hardware detection problem or something else.

1 answer

Your answer

Bill 0 Reputation points

2026-08-20T09:37:07.2233333+00:00

I don't even have an option to change adapter settings, or even an option to select wifi. It's like my computer forgot it has wifi. When I go to command line, it still pings. what gives?
Clary-N 15,730 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-22T08:55:23.5533333+00:00

Hi Bill,

It sounds like Windows may no longer be detecting the wireless adapter, even though basic network components are still responding. To better understand what's happening, could you let me know:

When did this issue first start? Did it begin after a Windows update, driver update, software installation, or any hardware changes?

What troubleshooting steps have you already tried so far?

What Windows version and build are you running? Please press Windows key + R, type winver then share the version and OS build shown in the window.

Do you see any wireless adapter listed under Device Manager > Network adapters, or is it missing entirely?

This information will help narrow down whether the issue is related to the Wi‑Fi adapter, its driver, or a recent system change. I look forward to your update.
Bill 0 Reputation points

2026-08-23T13:49:36.46+00:00

Okay! Windows version: 11 pro 25H2, build 26200.9168, windows feature experience pack 1000.26100.344.0. Wireless adapter Realtek 8852CE WiFi 6E PCI-E NIC. I think I might see a problem, my wifi is built into the motherboard, not a PCI-E card. There's also a Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller.
Clary-N 15,730 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-25T08:52:25.12+00:00

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the additional details.

The Realtek 8852CE WiFi 6E PCI-E NIC being identified as a PCI-E device is normal, even if the Wi‑Fi is built into the motherboard. Many onboard wireless adapters use an internal PCIe connection, so that by itself is not a concern.

Could you check Device Manager > Network adapters and let me know:

Is the Realtek 8852CE WiFi 6E PCI-E NIC listed?

Does it show any warning icon?

If you open Properties, what does the Device status message say?

If it's missing, select View > Show hidden devices and see whether it appears there.

The Device Manager status should help determine whether this is a driver issue, a hardware detection problem or something else.

Answer 1

Hi Ash Meka,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A and providing such a thorough breakdown of the troubleshooting steps you've already taken. I understand how disruptive it can be when a system update causes unexpected issues, especially when it affects something as essential as Wi-Fi connectivity. You've done an excellent job navigating through complex diagnostics, and I want to help you move forward with a few additional steps that have helped others in similar situations.

1. Update or Roll Back the Wi-Fi Driver

Even if the driver reinstalled cleanly, it may not be fully compatible with the KB5065786 update.

Open Device Manager → expand Network Adapters.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless-AC) → select Update driver → choose Search automatically.
If no update is found, visit Lenovo website and download the latest Wi-Fi driver manually.
Alternatively, try rolling back the driver: right-click the adapter → Properties → Driver tab → click Roll Back Driver (if available).

2. Disable IPv6

Some users have resolved network detection issues by disabling IPv6.

Go to Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties.
Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) → click OK → restart your system.

3. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

This built-in tool can automatically detect and fix common network problems.

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
Click Network Troubleshooter and follow the prompts.
If prompted, allow Windows to reset the adapter or apply recommended fixes.

4. Reset Network Settings

This will reinstall all network adapters and reset all network settings to default.

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
Scroll down and click Network Reset.
Confirm and restart your system. You’ll need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks manually afterward.

5. Check for VPN or Firewall Conflicts

Third-party VPNs or firewalls can interfere with network detection.

Temporarily disable any VPN or firewall software.
Restart your system and check if Wi-Fi networks appear.
If this resolves the issue, consider updating or reconfiguring the VPN/firewall settings.

Please let me know how it goes or if you'd like assistance walking through any of these steps. I’m here to help and will do my best to get this resolved for you.

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