Wifi adapter missing from device manager

tzioup

New Member
Messages
2
Hi there

My network adapter has disappeared overnight. The computer was on all along and when I got to it in the morning the network was Limited, I turned airplane mode on/off, no networks were showing. I disabled the adapter but it would not re-enable (code 10). I then tethered using my phone but the plugged connection literally replaced the wifi adapter in my network options.

I've rebooted twice, run 2 sfc scans in between (the window shuts straight away when it finishes therefore can't read any notification if any) but no dice. I went into device manager and ticked 'show hidden items' which revealed my adapter, I tried uninstalling it to then scan for hardware but the scans just come back as if nothing was missing.

Was gonna do a DISM repair next but with the adapter uninstalled altogether I'm a bit reluctant to dig my hole any further without guidance.

This issue seems common from what I read but usually one of the manipulations I've attempted solves the problem. Would anyone have a clue?

I'm using Windows 8.1 64bit, adapter is Realtek RTL8723BE.

Happy to provide more info if need be.

Thanks

t

wifi.JPG
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
First, please fill out your System Specs. See here: How to See Your System Specs with "System Info"

Try installing the Windows 8 64 bit driver from here: Realtek RTL8723BE Wireless LAN Driver for Windows 8.1 (64-bit) - ThinkPad S440, S540 - Lenovo Support (US)

If no help, to see all devices in Device Manager:

Create a new Environment variable called devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices and set it's value to 1 as follows:


  • Right click on My Computer, Computer or This PC and select Properties
  • Click on the Advanced tab
  • Click on the Environmental Variables button
  • Click the New button under the User variables for xxxxx" area.
  • Set the Variable name as: devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices
  • Set the Variable value to: 1
  • Click OK as needed to close all the windows you opened.
To see the status of everything in Device Manager:

  • Open Device Manager:Hardware tab, Device Manager
    • XP: Control Panel, System, Hardware tab, Device Manager
    • Vista, Windows 7, 8 and 10:Control Panel, System, Advanced System Settings,
  • Click on View then Show hidden devices.
  • Click on the + next to anything that shows a yellow mark.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
Good news, although not entirely, the issue disappeared without any further action on my part. Now as to whether it will reoccur, that's the problem. I'm sorry I cannot provide feedback on the steps you suggested, however thank you for taking the time.

t
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1
You can still fill out your system specs in case there is a problem later on.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
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