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.
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.