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No Wireless After Windows 10 Update
Free Windows 10 Update Help
The free update to Windows 10 ended on the July 29, 2016 and if you're just now updating you may have found everything went smoothly until you realized your wireless adapter wasn't working. This is what happened to me and I would like to tell you what I discovered which worked for other people and how I finally got my Wi-fi working again on my laptop after a the Windows 10 update. I tried three different things before I finally got mine to work. I will tell you what in the end I did and other things to try which worked for others. Although most people will update without glitches, it is go to know that you don't have to call tech support to solve this problem.
It also helps if you have another method to access the internet for some of these fixes. That could be using an ethernet cable or using another computer or laptop to access the necessary drivers.
Starting the update is straight forward by following the onscreen prompts. I initiated the update before going to bed and left it on over night. If you normally unplug your router every night, which I do, it will be necessary to leave it plugged in and your computer or laptop switched on for the update. When I woke the following morning it was still installing. Yours may take less time as our internet is slower than most.
Once it booted up with the updated operating system, I could tell the graphics weren't correct. I knew I could easily download the drivers using another laptop or p.c. which was connected to the internet.
If you don't have access to a second laptop which is online, you can use an ethernet cable to connect directly without wireless.
Uninstalling the Anti Virus After a Windows 10 Update
This was the third method I tried and the one which finally worked for me and I can tell you, after a day of frustration I was glad to have finally found a solution which worked.
I uninstalled my antivirus and firewall. I was using Comodo and for some reason, this was blocking the wireless. To uninstall your anti-virus, go to your control panel. This will look different than you are use to. Click on the windows icon locate in the bottom left corner. From there click settings which will have a little gear icon next to it. From there you will see the screen below (see screen shots below). Then click apps & features.You may need to enlarge the images to get a better view.
Locate your anti-virus program from your list of programs or apps as they are now called and uninstall this. Your system may want to restart after doing this. After uninstalling the program, the wireless connected and I was back online. If you do the same, reinstall your antivirus and firewall and if your wireless works, great. If it doesn't, choose a firewall and anti-virus which does work with the updated version.
It is worth noting that Microsoft Defender is installed with Windows 10 and that offers some protection.
How to Find the Control Panel in Windows 10
Updating Wireless and BIOS Drivers for Windows 10
The drivers are the software that tell the hardware in your machine how to work. These can be downloaded from your manufacture's website for free. There are also other sites which offer drivers as well. These can be found by typing in the make and model number of your device. Sometimes the model will be on the top of your device, but if not, there will be a manufactures product stick on the underside. This will normally have the product model and number and also your serial number.
Download the wireless driver for your device and then install them onto your computer or laptop. This can be downloaded either with an Ethernet cable or from another laptop or p.c. and then loaded onto a pen drive and installed on your machine.
This method has worked for many people and solved their wireless problem after their Windows 10 update.
If your wireless still isn't working, downloading drivers for the BIOS may solve the problem. In the list of available drivers you saw on your manufacture's website, or on a mirror site, there will be one for your machine. After downloading this, make sure you don't turn your laptop or computer off during this time. This method has also worked for many people and you may find this is the solution to reconnecting your wi-fi after your update.
Updating to Windows 10 From a Pirate Windows 7
If you are running a pirate version of Windows 7 and are worried that you won't be able to upgrade to Windows 10, now is a good time to buy a legal copy of Windows 7.
Many programs or apps are likely to stop working after an initial period. Don't wait until it is too late to make the purchase. Going legal will give you access to all the latest features and continued upgrades.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2016 Mary Wickison
Comments
Well, I've installed Open Libre, which is the only program I know of that can read Works, so I'm using it to convert my hubs to Open Office...however, I find OO difficult to use and don't know what I'll do once I can no longer use Works.
- AUTHOR
I too write my hubs in an office program but I use Open Office (free).
I can relate to your problem and feelings of anger.
It sounds like you have a good computer tech in your corner.
I hope you can find a workable solution.
I cannot tell you how upset I've been with Microsoft about the Windows 10 issue. Many people are having problems. I have refused to update and won't until forced to do so, because once I do, the program I have used for years and just love, Microsoft Works, will no longer work. They keep sending updates to my computer that already are getting in the way of having it work, but my computer guy has shown me a temporary workaround. I write my hubs using this program, am not very good with Word and the changeover may well end my writing career. All because Microsoft just could not leave us alone! Worse yet? When 2020 arrives, we'll have to purchase all new computer equipment, printers, scanners, etc because our old ones will no longer work. Just venting, but wanted you to know I understand your frustration! Great post, by the way.
- AUTHOR
Hi Audrey,
When an update occurs, it may work fine for some people and others may experience problems. When you think of the different programs people have loaded, and it only needs a glitch on one of those to keep things from running smoothly. Incompatible applications are a pain and can be difficult to root out which one is causing a problem.
Another item which can cause problems with a wireless signal is too much interference. If you are working on a desktop computer or laptop, move your cell phones away from your working area and see if that helps.
When we stop to think about all wireless and radio signals going on around us it is easy to see how this can happen.
I hope your wireless problem is resolved soon.
I hadn't thought about the Windows update--but my wireless connection has been so spotty since I updated!
- AUTHOR
Hi Dianna,
I too am glad to be up and running again. For those of us who rely on the internet for income, it is crucial. Thanks
Hi Deb,
Sometimes it is best to get it sorted ASAP. Glad yours was a smooth transition. I must say, I can be like a dog with a bone and not give up. Great to hear from you, thanks.
I was forced to use my windows computer and upgraded to 10 without a hitch, as my photo computer was with Geek Squad. I certainly didn't have the time to invest like you had to do.
Glad you solved the problem. This is information I will pass on to those who have windows 10 update problems.
- AUTHOR
Hi Karen and Nancy,
It can be so aggravating when items don't work like they should. Often updates which should solve a problem, create a new one. Let's hope with Windows 10, once the smoke clears, everything will work just fine.
Thank you both for your visit.
- AUTHOR
Hi Bill,
I guess they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I hope the programs you use, continue to work as they always have. My problem is, many of the programs and sites I use need to be updated or they don't function.
Glad you found a solution which worked for you.
- AUTHOR
Hi Sally,
You are right about modern day technology. Why can't it be like a toaster, it does what it does day in and day out, never changing.
Regarding your camera issue, type in what you said in a Google search. Upside down images on (and then your camera model). You won't be the first or the last to experience that problem. Just remember, it's the camera and the ever changing software, not you that has the problem.
Good luck to you and thanks for your comment.
- AUTHOR
Hi Venkatachari,
Thank you for reading and your kind words. I hope others will find it useful if they experience the same problem.
Have a wonderful week.
I had the same issues on my friends system. I never did truly solve it. Thanks for the good advice.
What a pain in the neck for you, but thanks for this helpful information in case anyone else has the same issues you have had.
- AUTHOR
Hi PaigSr.
Yes, I had a failed update and had no problems with my wireless when I went back to the original version of Windows. The update was stuck in a loop and after about 18 hours, I canceled it.
Regarding using a network cable, yes that would work by updating it directly or downloading and then reinstalling.
Thanks for adding that.
I had this problem and un-installed Windows 10. End of problem. LOL Seriously, I could have used this article about two months ago. I think I'll stick with Windows HP. I'm used to it and comfortable with it.
Have a superb Wednesday, Mary!
Useful article. I hoped it might shed light on why my camera now only let people see me upside down. I can't seem to update the drivers for that particular function. These things are lovely when they work but when they don't can be extremely frustrating.
Very useful article for those updating to Windows10. Thanks for sharing.
One question I would have is... If you were to downgrade back to the prior version of Windows, would the Wi-Fi once again work? I say this as I had done the upgrade and then downgrade with no issues. The Wi-Fi worked in Win 8.1 - 10 - 8.1. I realize that you are trying to move to Windows 1o and this would be another trouble shooting step. Just to make sure that the downgrade will still work for you.
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