How to fix Wi-Fi problems on Windows 10 21H1, May 2021 Update

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On Windows 10, after upgrading to version 21H1 (May 2021 Update) or another release, problems with Wi-Fi, such as slow wireless speeds, missing configuration, unable to connect to the internet, or wireless adapter stops working, are common and usually expected.

Typically, these kinds of issues occur because of unwanted setting changes, device driver compatibility, or bugs with the new version. However, other factors can also cause Wi-Fi problems. For example, the network adapter driver might be gotten damaged during the upgrade. The adapter is not using the latest driver, which was compatible with the previous version, but it is not with the Windows 10 May 2021 Update. It could also be a configuration problem or something else.

If you cannot connect to a network and the internet, the computer randomly disconnects from the Wi-Fi access point, or speeds are not adequate, Windows 10 offers some troubleshooting tools to fix most Wi-Fi issues.

In this guide, you will learn several troubleshooting steps to fix Wi-Fi problems after installing the Windows 10 21H1.

Fix Wi-Fi using Network Adapter troubleshooter

To resolve Wi-Fi issues after installing version 21H1 (May 2021 update) automatically, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Troubleshoot.

  4. Click the Additional troubleshooters option.

    Additional troubleshooters
    Additional troubleshooters
  5. Select the Network Adapter option.

  6. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

    Run network troubleshooter
    Run network troubleshooter
  7. Select the network adapter — for example, Wi-Fi.

    Windows 10 21H1 fix Wi-Fi
    Windows 10 21H1 fix Wi-Fi
  8. Click the Next button.

Once you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will scan, detect, and resolve the Wi-Fi problem. You can confirm the fix by opening the browser and testing the internet connection.

If the wireless is working again, you do not need to do anything else. If it is still not working, try the following method.

Fix Wi-Fi using network adapter reset

If the troubleshooter could not fix the problem, Windows 10 also includes a network reset feature that removes and reinstalls all the network adapters, which in most cases can resolve most wireless problems, including slow speeds or other issues trying to connect to the internet.

To reset the Wi-Fi adapter to fix any connectivity problems, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Network & Internet.

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  3. Click on Status.

  4. Click the Network reset option.

    Windows 10 21H1 network reset
    Windows 10 21H1 network reset
  5. Click the Reset now button.

    Reset Wi-Fi option
    Reset Wi-Fi option
  6. Click Yes to confirm.

  7. Click the Close button.

  8. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, you may need to reinstall some networking software, such as a VPN client or virtual switch software, as necessary. Also, you will need to reconnect to the wireless network manually, which may require entering the password again.

If the adapter is working again, you are all done here. However, if the problem persists, try the method below.

Fix Wi-Fi updating network adapter driver

In the event that the slow Wi-Fi connectivity or another problem persists, the problem could be that the device is using an older driver. You can resolve this issue by installing the latest driver from the manufacturer’s support website.

Quick tip: If you cannot find a new update for the network adapter, check for a beta version of the driver. Sometimes, it might work with a new version of Windows 10. Also, it is recommended to use the manufacturer’s instructions to install the latest version of the driver.

To update the wireless adapter driver, use these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the app.

  3. Expand the Network adapters branch.

  4. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and select the Update driver option.

    Device Manager update Wi-Fi driver
    Device Manager update Wi-Fi driver
  5. Click the Browse my computer for driver software option.

    Browser computer for Wi-Fi driver
    Browser computer for Wi-Fi driver
  6. Click the Browse option to locate the adapter driver.

  7. Check the Include subfolders option.

    Wi-Fi driver location
    Wi-Fi driver location
  8. Click the Next button.

Once you complete the steps, the desktop or laptop should connect to the wireless network and internet.

Alternatively, you could also use an older version of the Wi-Fi adapter driver designed for Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, which might mitigate the problem until there is a permanent fix.

Fix Wi-Fi uninstalling Windows 10 21H1

If you are still dealing with the same wireless problem after trying the above tips, then it could be a bug with the May 2021 update, in which case, you will need to wait until the next system or driver update.

Alternatively, you can roll back to the previous version of Windows 10 until the Wi-Fi problem is resolved, which you can do by referring to this video walkthrough.

In addition, it’s recommended to check the network settings on Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections, double-clicking the adapter, and opening the properties page. In the past, there have been cases where the TCP/IP settings have been disabled, and DNS settings reset after the upgrade.

Also, you should always restart the router and access point to confirm these devices are not the problem.

We are focusing this guide on Windows 10 version 21H1, but you can use these instructions on virtually any supported version of the operating system.

You can also use a wired connection to connect online. If your laptop does not include an Ethernet port, you can get a USB Ethernet adapter from Amazon.

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