New ACER Aspire 5 a515-46. does not recognize wifi not sure how to fix this.

Riverviewguy
Riverviewguy Member Posts: 2 New User
I have setup my new Acer laptop and going through the setup it did not give me the option to choose wifi only through ethernet. I can't find the wifi drivers under the network drivers and only show ethernet and Bluetooth options. I have tried seeing if it was hidden, restarting and setting it back up again to no avail. After a day of this I am at a loss and would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks :)

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    If Device Manager shows no red or yellow warnings and a wifi/wlan device doesn't show up under Network adapters folder, then there may be a hardware failure. Try this. Shut the machine off. Remove charger. Insert paperclip into reset pinhole on bottom for about a minute. Then plug the charger back. Turn it on to see if Windows now detects and automatically installs the wifi. If still no joy, immediately return the machine to the vendor as defective for a refund or exchange before the vendor's return defective merchandise authorization (RMA) period expires. Usually only a few weeks. ACER warranty repair service will take longer.

    Jack E/NJ

  • Erick-Acer_Retired
    Erick-Acer_Retired Member Posts: 503 Seasoned Practitioner WiFi Icon
    Hi @ Riverviewguy
    You could try creating a new WiFi nework after removing this connection.
    Right click WiFi icon in the taskbar, click Open Network Options.
    Click Change Adapter Options, right click WiFI connection and click disable, then Delete.
    Connect with Ethernet cable and create a new WiFi connection.

  • StevenGen
    StevenGen ACE Posts: 12,064 Trailblazer
    I have setup my new Acer laptop and going through the setup it did not give me the option to choose wifi only through ethernet. I can't find the wifi drivers under the network drivers and only show ethernet and Bluetooth options. I have tried seeing if it was hidden, restarting and setting it back up again to no avail. After a day of this I am at a loss and would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks :)

    First try and press the F3 key a few times and see if the Wi-Fi reinstates? If the Wi-Fi is not there then press F3 key again a few times, if the Wi-Fi is still not there then reboot, reinstall the appropriate Intel (with Intel drivers its best to install the Intel® Driver & Support Assistant as that will update all the intel components drivers to the latest drivers in your laptop) or and with the MTK Wi-Fi and BT drivers do the same with the latest MTK drivers. All this should work.


  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @Riverviewguy

    I agree with @StevenGen for installing the Driver and Support Assistant, assuming you have the Intel Wi-Fi/BT card in the laptop. 
  • Riverviewguy
    Riverviewguy Member Posts: 2 New User
    Thanks for all the replies you guys are great. Unfortunately none of them worked. A friend suggested I take off the back and see if anything was lose after a few days of scratching my head. I was a bit nervous but found the wifi card and inspected it closely it was loose and the tiny screw holding it was loose so I pushed it in gently and tightened the screw. Once I screwed the back in again and turned the power back on...voila. I wish I had thought of this before spending almost two days searching for answers. I want to thank you all for all the responses and help. I know not everyone would have felt comfortable taking apart a laptop to do this. 
  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer
    Good for you. Thanks for reporting back.

    Jack E/NJ

  • padgett
    padgett ACE Posts: 4,532 Pathfinder
    Any time I open the back (usually to add Ram or an SSD) I have a set of magnetic jewelers screwdrivers and a magnetic tray.. Those tiny screws are really easy to drop and they will roll.