"WiFi- Show Available Networks" does not list wireless routers anymore

Happy New Year!

I upgraded my Lenovo Z500 Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.  I was able to see list of available wifi networks and hotspots for a couple of months.  However, after Windows 10's latest patch/update around Dec 20th 2016, my "WiFi- Show Available Networks" does not list wireless routers anymore.

My WIFI still connects to exiting wireless routers that it had been using for past year.  However it will not allow me to list wireless networks in new locations such as Starbucks coffee shops.  Since windows 10 does not list them, I am not able to connect.

I bought a USB dongle wireless adapter, but it did not work - Windows 10 still does not show list of available networks.  (USB dongle worked on my other Windows 10 laptop {a Lenovo Edge 15} - it displays list of wireless networks).

I tried to compare Proxy and other settings between this Z500 and my Edge 15 - I do not see any differences except they use different network adaptors.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled driver from Lenovo for my wireless adapter.

I have over 20 years experience programming in Windows DOS and VB scripts.  I have build windows PC for myself. 

I've tried following steps here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3084164

and here:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-networking/computer-will-not-list-available-wireless-networks/4d7cacdc-2149-4507-86e8-3ae251fb6f1f

but neither worked for me. 

I don't see registry entry for any VPN

I've turned off Norton firewall and even uninstalled all anti virus software - still faced same issue.

I'm ready to switch to Apple Mac!!

Any other ideas?