Laptop Wi-Fi Not Working? Fix Missing Wi-Fi & Code45

 Laptop Wi-Fi Not Working? How to Fix Missing Wi-Fi Option and Realtek Code 45 Error By Sondkar Legal Associates | Technology Troubleshooting Guide

 

Have you ever turned on your laptop and found that the Wi-Fi option has disappeared? Does Wi-Fi keep searching for networks, refuse to connect, or stop working after a restart?

 

In some Windows laptops, the wireless adapter may temporarily become unavailable to the operating system. One possible error is Code 45, which means Windows currently detects the hardware as not connected or available.

 

I recently experienced a similar problem on my Windows laptop. The Wi-Fi adapter was identified as Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter, and Device Manager displayed the following message:

 

“Currently, this hardware device is not connected to the computer (Code 45).”

 

After trying a full shutdown, a power reset and a hardware scan, my Wi-Fi started working again. This guide explains the steps I followed and what other Windows users can try safely.

 

Symptoms of a Laptop Wi-Fi Problem

 You may experience one or more of these symptoms:

 - The Wi-Fi option is missing from Windows Quick Settings.

- Wi-Fi remains stuck while searching for networks.

- Available Wi-Fi networks do not appear.

- Device Manager displays a Code 45 error for the wireless adapter.

- The Wi-Fi adapter disappears and reappears.

- The laptop cannot connect to Wi-Fi even though other devices work.

 These symptoms can have different causes. The correct solution depends on the error and the laptop model.

 Step 1: Check the Wi-Fi Adapter in Device Manager

 1. Press Windows + X.

2. Select Device Manager.

3. Expand Network adapters.

4. Look for a wireless adapter such as Realtek, Intel, Qualcomm or a device containing the words Wi-Fi or Wireless.

5. Right-click the adapter and select Properties.

6. Under the General tab, check the Device status message.

 

If you see “This device is working properly,” the problem may be related to Windows settings, the Wi-Fi service, network configuration or another issue.

If you see Code 45, Windows currently considers the hardware unavailable. This does not automatically prove that the Wi-Fi card is physically damaged.

Step 2: Shut Down the Laptop Completely

 

1. Save your work and close open applications.

2. Select Start → Power → Shut down.

3. Wait until the laptop is completely switched off.

 

A full shutdown followed by a fresh start may help clear a temporary hardware or power-state problem.

 

Step 3: Perform a Power Reset

 

On a laptop model that supports this procedure:

 

1. Make sure the laptop is completely shut down.

2. Disconnect the charger.

3. If the manufacturer permits it, press and hold the power button for approximately 20–30 seconds.

4. Reconnect the charger.

5. Switch on the laptop.

 

This procedure can help reset a temporary power or hardware state on some laptops. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular model, especially if it has a removable battery or a dedicated reset procedure.

 

Step 4: Scan for Hardware Changes

 

1. Press Windows + X.

2. Open Device Manager.

3. Select the computer name at the top of the device list.

4. Open the Action menu.

5. Click Scan for hardware changes.

6. Wait for Windows to refresh the device list.

7. Expand Network adapters and check whether the wireless adapter is available again.

 

If the adapter returns, check whether the Wi-Fi option has reappeared in Quick Settings.

 

Step 5: Check Whether Wi-Fi Is Working

 

1. Press Windows + A.

2. Look for the Wi-Fi control.

3. Turn Wi-Fi on if it is available.

4. Select your Wi-Fi network.

5. Enter the password if required.

6. Check whether the laptop connects successfully.

 

If the Wi-Fi adapter is working but the laptop still cannot connect, troubleshoot the network connection separately.

 

What If Wi-Fi Is Still Missing?

 

If the problem continues, try these additional checks:

 

- Open Device Manager and select View → Show hidden devices.

- Check whether the wireless adapter is disabled or displays an error.

- Install the correct wireless driver from the laptop manufacturer's official support website.

- Check Windows Update for relevant driver updates.

- If Code 45 persists, consult the laptop manufacturer's troubleshooting instructions or a qualified technician.

 

Do not uninstall the Wi-Fi driver or change BIOS settings without understanding the consequences. If the adapter repeatedly disappears, a hardware or connection issue may need professional diagnosis.

 

Why Does This Wi-Fi Problem Happen?

 

Possible causes include:

 

- A temporary Windows or driver problem.

- A wireless adapter that does not initialise correctly after sleep or startup.

- A driver update or compatibility issue.

- A power-management problem.

- A hardware fault or an internal connection problem.

 

These are possible causes, not a confirmed diagnosis for every laptop displaying Code 45.

 

My Real Experience

 

In my case, Windows displayed Code 45 for the Realtek RTL8822CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter. I performed a full shutdown, held the power button for 20–30 seconds with the charger disconnected, and scanned for hardware changes in Device Manager. After following these steps, the Wi-Fi problem was resolved.

 

I cannot confirm which individual step fixed the issue, but sharing the process may help other users troubleshoot similar symptoms.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Why did my laptop Wi-Fi option disappear?

 

Possible reasons include a driver issue, a disabled wireless adapter, a temporary power-state problem or a hardware detection issue.

 

2. What does Wi-Fi Code 45 mean?

 

Code 45 means Windows currently considers the hardware device not connected or available. It does not, by itself, confirm physical damage.

 

3. Can a power reset fix a missing Wi-Fi option?

 

It may help on some laptop models when the problem is caused by a temporary power or hardware state. It is not guaranteed to work.

 

4. Should I uninstall my Wi-Fi driver?

 

Not as the first step. Check the adapter status, restart the laptop and scan for hardware changes first. If driver repair is necessary, use the manufacturer's official support resources.

 

5. What should I do if the Wi-Fi adapter still shows Code 45?

 

Follow the troubleshooting instructions for your laptop model. If the adapter remains unavailable after a suitable reset and driver checks, professional hardware diagnosis may be required.

 

Conclusion

 

A missing laptop Wi-Fi option can be frustrating, but a careful troubleshooting process may help identify the cause. Start with Device Manager, perform a full shutdown, try the manufacturer-approved power-reset procedure, and scan for hardware changes.

 

If these steps do not resolve the issue, investigate the driver and hardware rather than repeatedly performing resets.

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Disclaimer: This article shares general troubleshooting information and a personal experience. Results vary by laptop model and the underlying cause. Follow your manufacturer's instructions before performing hardware or power-reset procedures