Wifi adapter missing from device manager

[tzioup]

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

 

[Ztruker]

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.

 

[tzioup]

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

 

[Ztruker]

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