3×3 Wifi Card Laptop Not Working [Causes & Fixed]
Let’s explore why 3×3 Wifi Card Laptop Not Working? If your network adapter no longer wants to, well, network, there are a few things you may try to get it to function again.
These troubleshooting procedures will assist you in identifying the root cause of your network connection issue, whether it involves WiFi or Ethernet.
3×3 Wifi Card Laptop Not Working
Device Manager should display any hidden devices. Activate the network troubleshooter. Update the wireless network adapter driver. Reset Winsock parameters. The network interface controller card should be changed.
Why Is the Network Adapter Not Working? [Fixed]
Confirm That It’s The Adapter
Spending valuable time trying to fix something that isn’t broken is pointless. Therefore, you should rule out a few alternative scenarios before assuming that your network card is the issue:
The issue is with the router, other computers, or network adapters on the same machine.
If so, you’re most likely experiencing a problem unrelated to the network adapter.
Check The Windows Device Manager
Please verify what hardware is attached to your computer and whether it functions properly using the Device Manager Utility in Microsoft Windows:
- Start by right-clicking the Start button.
- Launch Device Manager.
If the network adapters category is not already expanded, locate it in Device Manager and expand it by choosing the small “+” or arrow symbol. Locate the problematic network adapter, then right-click on it and choose Properties.
Examine the status section now to see if it indicates “this device is working properly.” If it doesn’t indicate that, note the error as a hint to the issue.
This suggests that the issue is actually with your adapter. Whenever an adapter is completely missing from a list
Check The Physical Connection
If your network adapter previously worked beautifully but has since stopped working, you should physically check it. If it is missing from the device manager, this is especially true.
There’s little to verify if you’re utilizing an integrated network adapter. If the built-in adapter is no longer physically sound, you should have a specialist examine the motherboard.
If you’re using one, You can ensure that a USB adaptor or expansion card is correctly inserted. You can also test the adapter by connecting it to a separate computer’s USB port, PCIe slot, or both.
If the adapter doesn’t function, it might be dead, no matter where you plug it in.
Scan For Hardware Changes Or Reveal Hidden Hardware In Device Manager
If Device Manager doesn’t display your network adapter in the list of adapters, you can force Windows to perform another hardware attachment search.
Then, after selecting your computer’s name from the device tree’s top, pick Action> Scan for hardware changes.
If it doesn’t work, your computer’s network adapter might be broken or physically impossible for it to connect.
You might be unable to monitor your adapter’s status or update its drivers if Device Manager hides it from View:
- Click View> Show hidden devices to see if this is the case.
- After doing this, you should check again for hardware alterations.
Install The Right Drivers
Several issues might be resolved by downloading the most recent network adapter drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Generic network adapter drivers should typically at least function.
You may still need to locate the official drivers in some circumstances, either from the motherboard manufacturer (for integrated adapters) or the adapter manufacturer.
Download and launch the driver installation program. Afterward, restart your computer in the hopes that the adapter will function once more.
Roll Your Computer Back
You could use a system restore or a recent file to take your computer back to when the adapter worked, but this might be a random way to fix the problem.
This is better if the network adapter works when connected to another system or when you start the computer from a Live OS.
Rolling back to an earlier snapshot of the operating system may be the best thing to do since several small changes could have caused the network connection to stop working.
Let’s say you don’t want to paint such a broad picture. You can also try reverting to an earlier version of your network adapter’s driver or uninstalling the most recent operating system update in that situation, in case it broke anything that will only be rectified in a future patch.
Run The Network Troubleshooter
The Network Troubleshooter program in Windows 10 can be used to locate and correct configuration issues. Access the network troubleshooter by Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change your network settings.
Let the troubleshooter run before determining whether your adapter is functioning normally. Use a similar troubleshooting tool in Windows 11 by searching for “Find and Fix Network Problems” in the Start Menu.
Disable And Re-Enable The Adapter
This is more difficult than turning your adapter on and off again. We must once more access Windows Device Manager:
- Tap Device Manager from the context menu of the Start button.
- If necessary, enlarge the Network Adapters section.
- Right-click the question adapter.
- Choose Disable.
Repeat the process now, but this time select Enable. The device may be cleared of any gremlins with this reset.
You may also select “uninstall device” instead of “disable device.” Run the hardware scan described in section 3 above after that.
Check Your WiFi Switch
Most laptops have a physical switch or a keyboard shortcut to turn on the WiFi. Even though it’s a keyboard shortcut, this switch operates at the firmware level.
Thus, even if it’s in the off position, you might not detect the adapter in your OS. Before thinking about a problem, ensure the system WiFi switch is in the “on” position. It’s a silly error, but we’ve all made it.
Check Your BIOS For Disabled Devices
A motherboard’s integrated peripherals can be turned off from the BIOS.
To ensure you (or someone else) haven’t unintentionally turned off the network adapter, check the BIOS or UEFI menu if your operating system can’t see a motherboard-integrated component.
For more information, see the manual with your motherboard because every computer’s BIOS functions slightly differently.
Uninstall Or Disable Virtual Network Adapters
You might be shocked to notice that more devices are displayed than simply a WiFi and Ethernet adapter when you open the list of network adapters on your computer.
Software programs may have produced a lot of virtual network adapters for a variety of reasons. For instance, virtual machine software enables communication between VMs and the host computer.
The same is true for specific VPNs and remote desktop software.
As mentioned above, you should think about momentarily turning off these adapters in Device Manager to see whether any of them are interfering with your actual physical network adapters in any way.
Perform A Netsh Winsock Reset
The fundamental network settings of Windows can be messed up by a lot of the modifications performed by network software, drivers, and utilities. The Winsock Catalog, as it is known, contains these parameters.
Restoring this catalog to its default configuration can fix most network adapter issues. It would help if you first launched the Windows command prompt.
Depending on your Windows version, this may go by several names. It is known as the Windows Terminal in Windows 11.
You can use PowerShell or the Command Prompt on Windows 10. Using any command-line tool requires administrator rights to do a Winsock reset.
When operating Windows 10 or 11, you can right-click the start button and choose “Administrator,” but if you’re using a shortcut to launch the command line, you can also right-click the shortcut and select “Run as administrator”.
To store a backup copy of your current Winsock catalog, enter the following command into the command line of your choice.
Conclusion
Did you solve the problem 3×3 Wifi Card Laptop Not Working? Your work may be hampered if the WiFi card in your laptop performs differently than planned.
But this issue could be caused by several things, from hardware problems to driver problems. To fix the problem, ensure your drivers are current and your WiFi card is turned on.
To ensure your network and modem are operating properly, you should also troubleshoot them.
If the issue persists, getting professional help or replacing the WiFi card could be required. A broken WiFi card doesn’t need to be a permanent setback; with the appropriate procedures, you may restore wireless connectivity to your laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my laptop’s WiFi card not working?
Your WiFi card should be visible under the Network Adapters tab in Device Manager. Your computer won’t be able to detect the presence of the card if you don’t see it in the list. This is most likely caused by the incorrect drivers being put on the card or by corrupted drivers.
Is the laptop WiFi card replaceable?
Any laptop that wants to connect wirelessly to the internet has to have a WiFi card. It is a tiny circuit board built into laptops and is usually found close to the screen hinge. WiFi cards may eventually break down or become obsolete, necessitating a replacement.
Do WiFi cards fail?
Wireless cards can occasionally malfunction, just like any other piece of hardware. There are various clear indicators when this occurs. Speed reduction is another sign.
How do I test my WiFi card on my laptop?
Select Network adapters from Device Manager to find your wireless device. Click Properties on your computer’s network adapter to see its status. After enabling the adapter, the device is working properly notification will show.
This is Mohammad Talha, a fervent tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree, has been reviewing products and assisting the digital community for over 6 years. My passion for technology is matched only by my dedication to helping others navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.