We cannot imagine our lives without an internet connection. We connect to the internet through various devices we use like mobile phones, PC, etc. When we connect to the internet on our PC, we see the Ethernet icon if we connect through Ethernet cable and the Wi-Fi icon if we connect through Wi-Fi connection. Some people are reporting that Windows is showing the Ethernet icon instead of WiFi even when they are connected using Wi-Fi.
Windows showing Ethernet icon instead of WiFi
If you see the Ethernet icon instead of the WiFi icon on your Windows 11/10 PC even when you are connected to a WiFi connection, follow the below methods to fix the issue.
- Turn off and Turn on WiFi
- Restart Windows Explorer
- Add WiFi icon
- Run Network Adapter troubleshooter
- Change Network Adapter Priority
- Update WiFi driver
Let’s get into the details of each method. Before that restart your PC and see if the WiFi icon has been restored. If not try these.
1] Turn off and Turn on WiFi
This is a basic fix to the issue. Turn off the WiFi and turn it back on to see if it has made any changes to the icon. This may get back the WiFi icon back instead of the Ethernet icon. To turn off WiFi,
- Open the Settings app
- Click on Network & internet tab
- Toggle the button off beside WiFi
- Wait a few seconds and then toggle the button on to turn on WiFi
See if it has fixed the issue. If not, try the below methods.
2] Restart Windows Explorer
Restarting Windows Explorer is a sure way to fix any shortcomings on the desktop including the Taskbar as it restarts everything on the desktop in a blink of an eye. This might help you fix the issue and get back the WiFi icon. To restart Windows Explorer,
- Open Task Manager
- Locate Windows Explorer in the Processes
- Right-click on it and select Restart
It will restart the Windows Explorer which may get back the WiFi icon.
3] Add WiFi icon
The WiFI icon might be accidentally removed from the Taskbar Corner Overflow. You need to add it back to see it. To add the WiFi icon,
- Click on the icons in the Taskbar Corner Overflow
- Then, click on the Pencil icon
- Click on the Add button
- If you see the WiFi button in the list, select it.
4] Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Troubleshooters are a great way to fix the issues automatically on Windows. If the Ethernet icon is showing instead of the WiFi icon due to an issue with the Network adapter on your PC, it can be fixed with the Network Adapter troubleshooter. To run Network Adapter troubleshooter,
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and click on Troubleshoot tab
- Then, click on Other troubleshooters
- Find Network Adapter and click on Run beside it
It will find and fix the issues with Network Adapter and might resolve the WiFi icon issue.
5] Change Network Adapter Priority
If your PC has more than one Network adapter like wired and wireless, you need to change their priority. By the default priority, your PC might be connecting via Ethernet cable over a WiFi connection.
To change Network Adapter Priority:
- Open the Settings app
- Select Network & internet
- Click on the Advanced network settings tab
- Then, click on More network adapter options. It opens the Network Connections window
- Click on Advanced in the Menu bar
- Select Advanced Settings
- You will see the Connections list. Change the WiFi priority to top using arrows beside it
- Then, click OK
6] Update WiFi driver
If none of the above fixes worked, you need to update the WiFi driver on your PC. It might fix the issue that is causing the Windows to show the Ethernet icon instead of the WiFi icon. You can update WiFi drivers in the following ways-
- From the Device Manager
- Downloading from the manufacturer’s website
- Through Windows updates in the Settings app
- Using a third-party software
These are the different ways you can use to fix the issue when the Ethernet icon is showing instead of the WiFi icon.
Why do I only see Ethernet on my PC?
You only see Ethernet on your PC because of various reasons. They are,
- WiFi is turned off
- WiFi might not be supported on your device
- Wireless drivers are not installed on your device
You can fix them easily by turning on WiFi in the Settings app and installing Wireless drivers on your PC.
Read: WiFi is turned off and won’t turn on in Windows.
Why is the Wi-Fi icon not showing on my computer?
The WiFi icon might be turned off or removed from the Taskbar Corner Overflow. Also, the WiFi on your computer might be turned off. These are the major reasons the WiFi icon is not showing. There are also other reasons like no WiFi compatibility on your computer, etc.
