If your Windows computer is not automatically connecting to Wi-Fi, it will prompt you to enter the Wi-Fi Network Password, every time you try to connect to the internet.
While the most common reason for this problem is due to the computer not being setup to automatically join the Wi-Fi network, it can also occur due to network connectivity issues and other reasons.
Windows Not Connecting to Wi-Fi Automatically
You can find below the steps to fix the problem of Windows 11/10 computer not automatically connecting to your home of office Wi-Fi Network.
1. Run Network Troubleshooter
The first option would be to try the built-in Network Troubleshooter as available in Windows 10.
1. Open Settings > click on Update & Security Icon.
2. On the next screen, select Troubleshoot in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Additional Troubleshooter.
3. On Additional Troubleshooters screen, select Internet Connections and click on Run the troubleshooter button.
Wait for the computer to find and fix problems with Internet connection on your computer.
2. Forget Wi-Fi Network & Rejoin
Make sure that you note down the Wi-Fi Network Password and follow the steps below to forget Wi-Fi Network and rejoin the Network.
1. Open Settings > click on Network & Internet Icon.
2. On the next screen, select Wi-Fi in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Manage Known Networks.
3. On the next screen, select Your Wi-Fi Network and click on the Forget button.
4. After this, click on the Network Icon in the Taskbar > select your Network > Check Connect Automatically option and click on the Connect button.
5. Enter your Wi-Fi Network Password and click on Next to connect to the computer to Wi-Fi Network
After this, you should find your computer automatically to Wi-Fi Network, whenever you want to connect to the internet or restart the computer .
Note: If you cannot find Network icon in the Taskbar refer to this guide: How to Fix Network Icon Missing From Taskbar in Windows 10
3. Stop Computer from Turning OFF Wi-Fi Adapter
Sometimes, the problem is due to the Wi-Fi Adapter being frequently Turned OFF by the computer, in order to save battery life.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manger Screen, expand Network Adapters by clicking on the entry. Next, right-click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Properties.
Note: If you see too many entries, look for something that says Network or 802.11b or has Wi-Fi in it.
3. On Network Properties screen, click on Power Management tab and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option.
4. Click on OK to save this Power setting on your computer.
This will prevent your computer from switching OFF power to the Wi-Fi Adapter, which should prevent the Wi-Fi Network password from being erased.
4. Uninstall Network Adapter Driver
The problem of Wi-Fi Not connecting automatically on your computer could be due to the Network Adapter Driver becoming outdated or corrupted.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manger Screen, expand Network Adapters entry > right-click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Uninstall.
Note: In case you see too many entries, look for something that says Network or 802.11b or has Wi-Fi in it.
3. On the Warning pop-up that appears, click on OK to Uninstall the driver.
4. Now, you can either Restart the computer or click on the Screen icon in the top menu.
This will make your computer search for the right driver and reinstall it back on your device.
5. Disable Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
The purpose of Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter on a computer is to support the sharing of internet connection on your computer with other devices (Hotspot).
Disabling this feature is known to fix the problem of Windows 10 not connecting to Wi-Fi Automatically on older computers that do not support the Hotspot feature.
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, click on the View tab and select Show Hidden Devices option in the drop-down menu.
3. Next, right-click on Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter and click on Disable Device option.
Note: After disabling Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter, you won’t be able to use the Mobile Hotspot feature as available on your computer.