Being able to access the WiFi icon in the system tray is very convenient. So when the WiFi symbol disappears for some reason, it can be quite an inconvenience. The good news is that this issue is not a very rare one since it has happened to quite a few users.
Keep reading to see what tips you can try to recover the missing WiFi icon on your Windows 10 computer. First, you’ll read about simple tips you can try, followed by the ones that need a few more steps. Hopefully, in your case, the icon is only hidden and can quickly be recovered.
How to Recover the WiFi Icon on Windows 10
Have you installed an update recently? That might explain why some things on your Windows 10 computer have been changed. To check if the icon has only been hidden, you can click on the arrow that points up and see if the WiFi icon is there. If it is there, you can drag it to the taskbar for easier access.
Taskbar Settings
Maybe the option to have the WiFi icon show on the taskbar has been disabled for some reason. To check, you’ll need to right-click on an empty area in the taskbar and click on Taskbar Settings. The Select which icons appear on the taskbar option should be on the right pane. Look for your network and toggle the option on.
Suppose the icon is still missing after trying the first option. In that case, you can try clicking on the Turn system icons on or off option and then enable the Network option.
System File Checker (SFC)
On your Windows computer, you have a System File Checker. This free tool will scan your computer and recover any corrupted or missing system files that have a replacement that works. Be very careful when using this tool since it can damage that can’t be undone to your computer.
It’s a good idea to create a backup of your files before trying the following tip. If something were to go wrong, you wouldn’t lose your files. To open this tool:
- Press the Windows and R keys
- When the new window appears, type cmd
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (This is going to open the Command Prompt as an administrator)
- When the Command Prompt appears, type sfc/scannow
Keep in mind that this option can take some time. So if you try this one, now would be an excellent time to get that cup of coffee.
Network Drivers
It’s not uncommon for drivers to be responsible for some computer issues. The WIFi icon could come back if you reinstall or restart the network drivers. You can do this by:
- Pressing the Windows and X keys
- Click on Device Manager
- Network adapters
- Right-click on your computer’s network adapter
- Choose the Disable Device option
- Right-click on the network driver again, but this time choose the Enable Device option
- Restart your computer
Group Policy Editor
The Group Policy Editor can also help you recover the missing WiFi Icon on your Windows 10 computer. Open it by pressing the Windows and R keys. When the window opens, type gpedit.msc and press enter.
Click on User Configuration on the left pane, followed by Administrative Templates. On the right pane, double-click on the Start Menu and Taskbar option.
When the next window opens, make sure it’s set to Disabled to Not Configured. Don’t forget to click on Appl and then OK. You’ll need to restart your computer.
Conclusion
When you’ve set your Windows computer the way you like, it can be annoying to have something go missing. Hopefully, one of the previously mentioned tips recovered your missing WiFi icon. Which method worked for you? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share the article with others on social media.
Anonymus says
I realized installing some apps can make it disappear. I had installed an app that came with avast anti-virus. After having it my wifi icon went missing. I tried alot of things to fix it with no success. So I finally decided to undo everything I did after realising it was missing. I uninstalled it and rebooted my laptop only for it to come back.
M. Davis says
Just a quick update:
After I submitted my comment, but before logging off, I went to Settings and Network and took a look. The “tiny computer monitor” icon I said was now near where my WiFi icon used to be, is the symbol for Ethernet. When I select Ethernet from the list, two items show up. Ethernet #1 is my Verizon Jetpack HotSpot.. Ethernet #2 shows “no connection”. I’m not sure how my HotSpot became an Ethernet Connection, but that’s where it shows up now. I guess that explains the icon change as well.
M. Davis says
My usual WiFi icon is definitely missing. Was there yesterday, but gone today. No clue why. Only updates were Norton and Windows. I use a Verizon MiFi Jetpack as my hotspot. Have for many years. Never had an issue. Anyway, I spent some time today trying to find it, and finally just decided to start Edge and see what happened. Well, it took me directly to the Internet like usual. In further searching, I did find a tiny computer monitor shaped icon. near where my WiFi icon used to be. When I put the mouse on it, it shows my Jetpack data with “internet access” after the name. Weird, but it’s working. Obviously, I searched for “where’s my WiFi icon” like the rest of you. I just wish we’d get some kind of “heads up” about things like this instead of all of us spending time trying to find an icon.thaqt should not be missing (or changed).
Seyi says
Group Policy Editor worked for me after several days trying various suggestions.
Thank you so much.
Kyle La Madeleine says
None worked
SaniSubba says
Hi can I help me please enternet wifi not working
James K McCullough says
I found that the Wifi driver had an unidentified problem and was not starting, This is why the icon had mysteriously vanished from the quick settings menu…. After reading your instructions I had decided to check the driver first. A bit out of sequence from what you recommended but I had a hunch after reading your instructions and I went with it…. Turns out your recommendations and my hunch (Credit to you) were right on target as this is how I identified the troubled driver…I first tried updating the driver thinking it may correct the problem, turns out this had no effect as the system indicated the current driver was the most up to date version available. Next I disabled the driver and waited 45 seconds or so then enabled the driver and it was now indicated that the driver was once again performing as designed. A view of the quick settings tab revealed the WiFi icon was back home safe and sound….
Thanks for the help, you made this very easy and understandable. Your plain english explanation was a breath of fresh air and very appreciated. All to many of your counterparts seem to want to use so much trade specific jargon and acronyms it leaves folks like me having to look for definitions to make certain I understand them correctly. However your instructions above go to show that all that is not necessary. Nor does it make them appear more intelligent….. To the contrary you appear to have above average intelligence because you were able to explain this solution in simple words without un-needed jargon or acronyms. Thank you.
Caroline Copley says
I have no such file gpedit.msc. Is this because it is Win 11 update from Win 10 Home or is there a fix for this, info would be best on the same page but could just give a link for those of us in this position.