The use of wireless networks has grown in importance in recent years. Every time we have more devices compatible with Wi-Fi, more equipment that we can use and surf the Internet without connecting cables. However, sometimes problems may also arise that affect the proper functioning. In this article we are going to talk about an error that appears on certain occasions among Windows users. We are going to show you what to do if the Wi-Fi icon does not appear .
What to do if the Wi-Fi icon does not appear
The normal thing is that to connect to a Wi-Fi network we have the icon in the Windows taskbar, next to the clock. However, it could happen that we do not see the icon. That there has been some problem, some bad configuration, and it has disappeared. We would still have other methods to connect, but let’s see what we can do if it does not appear and we want it to be visible there.
Having the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar is very useful not only to connect to a specific network, but also to check that we are indeed connected and what signal quality is reaching us. This helps us better understand if we should take any action to improve the quality of coverage, such as using an amplifier or changing locations.
Check if the icon is hidden
One of the basic steps that we must do first is to check if the icon may be hidden . This sometimes happens with icons that are on the taskbar and that may appear hidden in the drop-down menu.
To do this, we simply have to click on the arrow that appears next to the clock , in the task bar, and see the icons that appear. Is there the one for Wi-Fi? Perhaps it is hidden there.
If we see it hidden there and we want it to be in the taskbar, where other icons such as the battery or speaker appear, we simply have to drag it. The same if what we want is the opposite: hide the icon.
Enable the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar
Another option that we must take into account is that the Wi-Fi icon is not enabled to appear on the taskbar. Windows allows us to configure it and choose what we want to show us in that place. It is very simple and you only have to follow a series of steps.
We have to go to Windows Settings , we enter Personalization and then Taskbar, which is the last option that appears on the left side. Then we have to click Select the icons that will appear on the taskbar.
There we will see a list and we have to enable so that the Wi-Fi icon is displayed on the taskbar. It may have been set not to appear.
Use Windows Group Policy
We can also enable or disable the Wi-Fi icon from the Windows Group Policy. Again you have to follow a series of simple steps to do this. We must, first, press the Windows + R keys and run gpedit.msc .
Once inside we have to go to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Start Menu and Taskbar. We are interested in the option Remove Network Connections from the start menu. We double click and in case it is enabled, we give it to disable. In this way we would not be removing the Wi-Fi icon from the taskbar.
Restart the system
Undoubtedly one of the simplest steps, but one that often solves errors, is to restart the computer . Sometimes there may be a problem in that session that affects the icons displayed on the taskbar, among other issues.
Simply by restarting the computer we can solve certain problems that may occur in Windows 10. It is another of those basic steps that we can carry out if we see that the Wi-Fi icon does not appear.
Reinstall the network card drivers
Errors like this can be due to missing drivers or outdated drivers. There may also have been some conflict with the system after a Windows update, for example.
For this reason, another point to consider is the possibility of reinstalling the network card drivers . It is very simple and for this we must go to Start, Device Manager, Network adapters and there look for the Wi-Fi card. We click with the second mouse button and click Uninstall the device. We restart the computer and it will automatically reinstall the drivers.
Restart network services
One last point to consider is to restart network services. In this case we press the Windows + R key combination and execute services.msc . There we have to look for Network connections.
When we have it selected, we only have to click with the right button of the mouse on the name and click Stop, to later start it again.
In short, these are some options that we can take into account if the Wi-Fi icon does not appear on the taskbar. Different procedures for the same objective.
