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How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Connecting at Windows 11 Startup

Emma Brown Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where their Windows 11 computer does not connect to the Wi-Fi network upon the initial boot but successfully connects after a system restart.

How to Fix Wi-Fi Not Connecting at Windows 11 Startup

Product: Windows 11
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Turning on the computer and expecting automatic connection to the saved Wi-Fi network for immediate internet access.
Observed behavior: The system fails to automatically join the Wi-Fi network on the first startup, requiring a manual reboot to establish the wireless connection.

Before you start

Verify that your Wi-Fi router is functioning properly and that Airplane mode is completely turned off on your Windows 11 device.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Automatic Wi-Fi Connection

Configure Windows 11 to automatically connect to your saved network as soon as the system starts up and detects it in range.

Open Wi-Fi Settings

Click the Start button, select 'Settings', and navigate to 'Network & internet', then click on 'Wi-Fi'.

Select Your Network

Click on your current Wi-Fi network or navigate to 'Manage known networks' to select it from the list.

Turn On Auto-Connect

Check the box or toggle the switch that says 'Connect automatically when in range'.

Quick Check: Ensuring this setting is enabled is the most common and easiest fix for networks that require manual clicks upon every startup.

Solution 2

Disable Power Saving for the Wi-Fi Adapter

Prevent Windows from temporarily turning off your network adapter to save power, which often disrupts the connection during boot sequences.

Solution 3

Update the Wi-Fi Adapter Driver

Install the latest networking drivers to patch bugs that may be preventing the wireless card from initializing correctly during a cold start.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Windows 11 'Fast Startup' cause Wi-Fi connection delays?

Yes. The Fast Startup feature sometimes prevents hardware drivers (including Wi-Fi adapters) from loading completely during a cold boot. Disabling Fast Startup in the Control Panel under Power Options can resolve this.

What if the Power Management tab is missing in Device Manager?

On newer Windows 11 devices utilizing 'Modern Standby', the Power Management tab for network adapters is hidden by default. In this case, updating your chipset drivers or performing a Network Reset is the recommended alternative.

How do I completely reset my network settings in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click 'Reset now' to remove and reinstall all your network adapters, reverting networking components back to their original factory settings.

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