If Wireless Network works on other devices but not on Surface, then this post may help you. The Surface device is extremely portable and has multiple benefits, like lower hardware and software costs and a compact design. But recently, some users have been complaining about wireless network errors on Surface devices. Fortunately, you can follow some simple steps to fix it.
Why is Wi-Fi working on some devices but not others?
Errors like these usually occur due to some temporary error with your service provider. However, there are other reasons this may occur. Some of them are:
- Device Incompatibility
- Weak Network Strength
- Misconfigured Network Settings
- Outdated or Corrupt Wi-Fi Drivers
Fix Wireless Network works on other devices but not on Surface
If Wireless Networks do not work on Surface but work on other devices, then first, restart your device and router and see if it helps. However, if that doesn’t work, consider following these methods:
- Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
- Update Device Drivers
- Turn Airplane Mode on and then off
- Congestion on the Wireless Network
- Reset Network Settings
- Run these Network Commands
- Force Restart Your Surface Device
- Check if Wi-Fi is present in Device Manager
Now let us see these in detail.
1] Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Before getting started with different troubleshooting methods to fix this issue, try running Microsoft’s Automated Troubleshooting Services as a first step to diagnose and repair common Network issues. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Scroll down and click on Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
- Click on Run beside Network Adapter and follow the instructions on-screen.
2] Update Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can also be responsible for why wireless networks are not working on Surface. Update your Surface drivers and check if the issue gets fixed. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Settings and navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Right under it, look for a clickable link— View optional updates.
- Under Driver Updates, a list of updates will be available, which you can choose to install if you are facing an issue manually.
Read: Surface connects to WiFi but no internet
3] Turn Airplane Mode on and then off
Turning on Airplane mode on your device blocks all incoming and outgoing connections from your device. Turning the feature on and off can sometimes help solve wireless network errors. Here’s how:
- Click on Start > Settings, and navigate to Network & Internet.
- Turn the toggle switch to On beside Airplane mode and turn it off after a few minutes.
- Turn Wi-Fi on and see if the error gets fixed.
4] Congestion on the Wireless Network
If your Wi-Fi network is visible in the available networks section on your Surface device, the error may be with the router. Restart your router and see if it fixes the error. However, only a definite number of devices can connect to a Wi-Fi network simultaneously. If that’s the case, turn Wi-Fi off on other devices, collect to the network, and check if Wi-Fi starts working on your Surface device.
Related: Surface device finds available wireless network but won’t connect
5] Run these Network Commands
Running the network commands will reset the TCP/IP stack, renew the IP address, Reset Winsock and flush the DNS client resolver cache. Here’s how you can do it:
Press the Windows key, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.
Type the following commands one by one and hit Enter.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int IP reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your device once done.
Read: Wi-Fi Settings are missing on Surface device
6] Force Restart Your Surface Device
If you are still unable to fix the issue, try force restarting your Surface device. Close all applications/programs and hold the power button (about 30 seconds) until the Windows logo screen appears. Once your device is turned off, restart it after a few minutes and check if it fixes the error.
7] Check if Wi-Fi is present in Device Manager
Wireless networks can stop working if they get disabled in the Device Manager. Here is how you can check for the same:
- Click on the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
- Scroll down and expand Network Adapters.
- Right-click on your adapter and select Enable.
8] Reset Network Settings
If none of these steps were able to help you, reset the network settings of your device. Performing a network reset will remove and then reinstall all your network adaptors. It will also reset all related settings to their defaults. Here is how you can do it:
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network Reset.
- Click on Reset Now beside Network Reset and follow the instructions on-screen.
Do let us know if this helps you!
Read: Slow WiFi connection speed on Surface.
Why is my laptop not detecting Wi-Fi?
There are various factors that lead to this extremely frustrating issue, which frequently affects many Windows users. Among the common reasons for the WiFi networks not showing up is your computer is inability to detect available networks due to a significant distance between it and the internet source, issues with the network adapter, and sometimes an unstable internet source.
