Wireless Network Adapter not showing in Device Manager or in Network and Sharing. It's though is not installed, but it is.....

Hi Helen. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

Right click the network icon in System Tray at bottom right end of task bar to Troubleshoot Problems.

Try turning off all and then restarting your modem, router and PC in that order with 1 minute in between each.

Try updating the Network adapter driver from the PC's Support Downloads webpage. http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

If that doesn't help try Rolling back and then Uninstalling the Network adapter driver in Device Manager. Right click Start to open Device Manager, choose the Network adapter you're using, on Driver tab choose Roll back, restart PC. If that doesn't help ry Uninstall, restart to reinstall.

Try all of these steps: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/...

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

I'd also check at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates if there were WIndows Updates installed before this problem started. You can uninstall them from the link there to see if the problem goes away. If so you can hide the Updates using the same tool above.

You can also try to System Restore to a point before the problem began: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...

If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

You also are entitled to Support from your internet provider to get online on all devices. This is always included in the monthly bill. If your router is less than a year old they will also Support getting it connected.

Another option is you could replace the wireless adapter with an inexpensive USB nano adapter like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSFPDFX/ref=asc_df...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Hi Helen, I am Rob, an independent and a 10 time and dual award MVP specializing in Windows troubleshooting and Bluescreen analysis. Please remember as independents we are not responsible for the development of Windows or the computer hardware and drivers. If you will work with me I will be here to help until the issue is resolved.

Some computers have hotkeys or manual switches which could be involved.

Check with Lenovo Support, their online docs, and ask in their forums.

Lenovo Support and downloads
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/home...

Lenovo Forums
http://forums.lenovo.com/

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If needed after the above :

Check these Windows Troubleshooters :

Start - Settings - Update & Security - Troubleshooter - "Network Adapter", "Internet Connections", "Incoming Connections, & " Hardware and Devices".

Windows 10 Help - scroll down to "Connectivity" <-- read this
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/products/wi...

Fix network connection issues in Windows 10 <-- read this
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10741/...

Try actually updating your driver :

Make a Restore Point : Start - type in --> Restore find at top and click on it - then Create

This part probably is not available to you:
Right Click Start Button - Device Manager - Network - write down make and model of Wifi - double click on it - driver's tab - write down version - click Update Driver (may not do anything as MS is far behind certifying drivers). Then Right Click on Wifi Device and UNINSTALL - Reboot - this will refresh the driver stack.

If the that part is not available checking with Lenovo should indicate which driver and maker is used on your system.

Then check the System/Motherboard Maker's Site and that of the actual device maker (such as Intel, RealTek, Broadcom, or Atheros) for even newer drivers.

Manually look at manufacturer's sites for drivers - and Device Maker's sites.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/driverssupport/ht...

Download - SAVE - go to where you put it - Right Click - RUN AS ADMIN.

Please let us know the results and if you need further assistance. Feedback definitely helps us help all.

Thank you to you both. 

I have found the adapter in the device manager but only after hitting show hidden items.

Does this change your advice? How do I get it not "hidden".

Seems strange to me..

Helen

I have downloaded the driver from Qualcomm and updated it with no success.

Did you check for a Hotkey Toggle on the Lenovo tablet? If it is not turned off or disabled then use the section in my last reply "If needed after the above :" and even try manually installing the driver when you get to that part.

If nothing works the device could have failed. Check with Lenovo Support and Forums.

Yes, I have. It was the first thing I checked. I think it's a hardware issue as it's taken out the blue tooth as well....

Not that I really know, but that is what I suspect.....

Thanks again for your help. Much appreciated.

Helen

You could try a Repair Installation:

A Repair Installation which allows you to keep the programs and data though redundant backups are always a good idea.

How to: perform a repair upgrade using the Windows 10 ISO file
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/wiki...

How to Prepare Bootable Install Media for Windows 10 - DVD, USB or SD Card
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

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If needed a Reset or Clean Install:

Start - Settings - Update & Security - Recovery - on right side Reset.

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Or

A Clean Install would be activated with the Digital Entitlement.

How to Prepare Bootable Install Media for Windows 10 - DVD, USB or SD Card
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

Start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Clean Install Windows 10
http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...