WiFi settings vanished and Microsoft apps aren't working.

xXDammieXx · 24 Jul 2018

Hello there!
The problem I have was around for some time but now it's really starting to bug me.
So basically, the WiFi settings from my laptop have completely vanished and now it's replaced with 'Networks' in the notification center however, it doesn't detect anything and the switch of turning the WiFi icon on or off on the taskbar is greyed out from the settings. I've managed to find a way to access the WiFi menu again and it was either from the lock screen or that menu that opens when you press ctrl + alt + del. After connecting to my WiFi I decided to open the Microsoft Store but it said that I wasn't connected to the internet even though I was. I tried opening Microsoft apps and diferrent apps I had downloaded but all of them stated that I wasn't connected to the internet, even windows updates did the same thing. I did some digging around in the device manager list and I let it show my hidden devices then I found out that my WiFi software device was hidden. I checked it's status and it says "Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)
To fix this problem, reconnect this hardware device to the computer."
My WAN miniports have the same error too
and before suggesting to try troubleshooting it, I've tried it and it didn't work at all.
If someone could help me with this I'd be very grateful.

Thanks in Advance!

Try3 · 24 Jul 2018

Dammie,

As an initial step, go to the computer maker's support site then download & re-install the WiFi card driver. While you are there, check for any BIOS updates that you had not already done.

Denis

Bree · 24 Jul 2018

Welcome to TenForums @xXDammieXx

In addition to @Try3's advice, open Device Manager and see if the WiFi card is listed there under Network adapters. If it is listed, does it have a yellow warning triangle? If so, the updated driver should help.

If it is not listed, select View > Show hidden devices. It should be listed then. Check its Properties. Does it say "Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer. (Code 45)"? If so, the WiFi card has not been detected. It may be faulty or it may just need reseating.

I once had a laptop with an intermittently 'missing' WiFi card that was cured by reseating it. For advice on that we'd need to know the make and model of your laptop. Please fill in your system specs here: https://www.tenforums.com/profile.php?do=extra