A missing Wi-Fi icon can be quite inconvenient. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
1. Check Hidden Icons:
Cause: The Wi-Fi icon might be hidden.
Solution: Click the small up arrow icon on the taskbar to view hidden icons. If you see the Wi-Fi icon there, drag and drop it to the taskbar area.
2. Enable Network Icon in Settings:
Cause: The network icon might be turned off in settings.
Solution: Open the Start menu, click the Settings icon, go to Personalization > Taskbar, and click Select which icons appear on the taskbar. Ensure the Network icon is turned on.
3. Restart Windows Explorer:
Cause: Windows Explorer might be malfunctioning.
Solution: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab, right-click it, and select Restart.
4. Update Network Drivers:
Cause: Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause the icon to disappear.
Solution: Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. Expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select Update driver.
5. Use Local Group Policy Editor (Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise):
Cause: The network icon might be removed by group policy settings.
Solution: Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar, double-click Remove the networking icon, and set it to Disabled.
6. Reinstall Wi-Fi Driver:
Cause: The Wi-Fi driver might be corrupted.
Solution: In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, select Uninstall device, then go to the Action tab and select Scan for hardware changes. This should reinstall the driver.
By following these steps, you should be able to restore the missing Wi-Fi icon.