The ability to define preferred networks makes life easier for those who like to connect to different networks in different settings. In most of cases, after people set the preferred networks, their computers automatically connect to those networks as they get within range. However, Windows computers could still run into issues while establishing connection and “you have no preferred wireless networks” is one of them. If you have no idea what to do, this article is for you.
Troubleshooting
Disconnect And Reconnect
All in all, if you terminate and recreate network connections, you could take care of many network issues.
- Step 1: Go to Search barm type the command “ncpa.cpl” and hit Enter.
- Step 2: Right-click your wireless network connection then choose Properties.
- Step 3: Pick Wireless Network Tab, select Wireless network and click Remove.
- Step 4: Choose View Wireless Network, click Refresh Network List under Network Tasks and choose a wireless network.
- Step 5: Click on the wireless network you want to connect to and hit Connect.
Run Network Troubleshooter
Another solution for network issues is to run the Windows built-in troubleshooter for network connection. Go through the steps down below to make use of that troubleshooter.
- Step 1: Open Start menu, click the gear icon to open Settings and choose Network & Internet.
- Step 2: Select Status then pick Network troubleshooter under Change your network settings.
- Step 3: Follow the onscreen instructions
Restart Modem/Wireless Router
In case you don’t know, your modem/wireless router manages your network connection. Hence, if you come across the “you have no preferred wireless networks” error, you should restart your modem/wireless router.
- Step 1: Unplug your modem/router from the power supply and remove the backup battery (if any).
- Step 2: Wait for 30 seconds, reconnect your modem/router to the power supply and allow the device to power on.
- Step 3: Open your computer, go to Network & Internet in Settings and see how things turn out.
Reset Winsock Settings
If none of the above resolve your wireless network issues, you should consider resetting your Winsock settings.
- Step 1: Type command prompt in Search bar, right-click the top entry and choose Run as administrator.
- Step 2: Type “netsh winsock reset” then hit Enter.
- Step 3: Restart your computer.
What Is Going On
Several reasons might prevent your preferred wireless network from appearing in the list of accessible networks. For instance, the distance between your computer and the network you like is too large. Also, if you either switch off your wireless network adapter or your wireless network adapter is not working, you cannot connect to networks near you. Last but not least, it’s possible that your preferred wireless n network may be concealed.
What Is SSID In Wireless Networks?
SSID stands for Service Set Identifier and it is the name of your network.
You may see a list of SSIDs in the network section on your laptop, desktop and phone. These SSIDs denote the number of networks you have been and are connected to since you started connecting to networks. These SSIDs are often broadcasted by wireless routers or access points, Thus, nearby devices could easily discover and display available networks at that time.
How To Fix Corrupted Wi-Fi Profile In Windows?
A Wi-Fi profile is what is used by Windows to save the settings required to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The network security type, key, network name (SSID), and other options are among these settings.
If your Wi-Fi profile is corrupted then you may want to remove (or “forget”) the network connection and rejoin the network to fix this.
- Step 1: Look to the right side of the taskbar then click the Wi-Fi network icon > Network & Internet settings.
- Step 2: Choose Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks.
- Step 3: Select Forget > select the network you want to forget.
- Step 4: Go to the taskbar’s Wi-Fi icon and reconnect to the desired network to renew the connection.
What Is The Best Way To Connect To A Hidden Network?
Want to connect to a hidden network but don’t know the way? Feel free to check out these steps.
- Step 1: Look to the right side of the taskbar then click the Wi-Fi network icon > Network & Internet settings.
- Step 2: Choose Wi-Fi, select Hidden Network and pick Connect
- Step 3: Enter SSID, click Next and enter the network security key (password)
- Step 4: Hit Next to initiate a connection
Michael Kan has been with Ginno Security Lab since October 2017, covering a wide range of topics, including consumer electronics, cybersecurity, social media, networking, and gaming. Prior to working at Ginno Security Lab he was a foreign correspondent in Beijing for over five years, covering the tech scene in Asia.
Areas of Expertise: Michael Kan has been working as a journalist for about 15 years— He start as a schools and cities reporter in Kansas City. Amazingly he is still here. Lately, he has been following SpaceX’s Starlink network, emerging online cyber threats, and the PC graphics card market (which led him to camp out in front of a Best Buy to get an RTX 3000). He is always eager to learn more, so please jump in the comments with feedback and send he tips.
The Best Tech he has Had:
- First video game console: a Nintendo Famicom
- Sega Saturn despite PlayStation’s popularity.
- The iPod Video received as a gift in college
- Xbox 360 FTW
- The Galaxy Nexus was the first smartphone he was proud to own.
- The PC desktop he built in 2013, which still works to this day.
