If the WiFi icon is no longer visible on your computer, what should you do? This article will guide you through various methods to restore the missing WiFi icon from the Taskbar in Windows 10. Additionally, you can explore MiniTool for more helpful Windows tips and troubleshooting techniques.

The WiFi icon allows your device to connect to wireless networks. However, many users have reported that this icon sometimes vanishes from the Taskbar, leaving them unable to manage their network connections easily.

Below, we’ll walk you through several effective fixes to bring back the missing WiFi icon. Try these solutions one by one until the issue is resolved.

Solved – Missing WiFi Icon on Taskbar in Windows 10/8/7

This section covers step-by-step solutions for restoring the WiFi icon in Windows 10 and earlier versions.

Solution 1. Check the Hidden Icons Section

It’s possible that the WiFi icon hasn’t disappeared—it might just be hidden. Click the small upward-facing arrow on the Taskbar to expand the hidden icons area. If the WiFi icon is there, simply drag it back to the main Taskbar.

If you don’t see it there, proceed with the following methods.

Solution 2. Turn On WiFi Icon via Settings

You can manually enable the network icon through the system settings.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows I to open the Settings app, then select Personalization.

Step 2: From the left-hand menu, click on Taskbar.

Step 3: Scroll down and click on Turn system icons on or off.

Step 4: Ensure that Network or Wireless is set to On.

Step 5: Go back and select Select which icons appear on the taskbar.

Step 6: Confirm that the Network icon is enabled.

After completing these steps, restart your PC and check if the WiFi icon has reappeared.

Solution 3. Restart Windows Explorer

A glitch in the File Explorer process may cause icons to disappear.

Here’s how to restart it:

Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Task Manager, locate Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose End task.

Step 3: Then, click File > Run new task, type explorer.exe, and press Enter to restart it.

Check if the WiFi icon is now visible.

Solution 4. Restart Essential Network Services

Certain background services must be running for network functionality.

Step 1: Press Windows R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, ensure the following services are running. If any are stopped, right-click and choose Start:

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• Network Connections
• Plug and Play
• Remote Access Connection Manager
• Telephony

After starting them, reboot your computer and verify the WiFi icon's presence.

Solution 5. Enable Icon via Group Policy Editor

For Windows Pro or Enterprise users, Group Policy settings might be hiding the icon.

Step 1: Press Windows R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Navigate to:
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar

Step 3: On the right, find and double-click Remove the networking icon.

Step 4: Set it to Disabled, then click Apply and OK.

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Solution 6. Fix via Registry Editor

Editing the registry can resolve deeper system issues.

Step 1: Press Windows R, type regedit, and click OK.

Step 2: Navigate to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Network

Step 3: Look for the Config key, right-click it, and select Delete.

After deletion, restart your PC and check for the WiFi icon.

Note: If the Config key is missing, skip this method and try another.

Solution 7. Use the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in tool to diagnose network problems.

Step 1: Press Windows R, type ms-settings:troubleshoot, and press Enter to open Update & Security.

Step 2: Click on Troubleshoot, then go to Additional troubleshooters.

Step 3: Select Internet Connections and click Run the troubleshooter.

Let the tool scan and fix issues. Once done, restart your computer.

If none of these solutions work, consider reinstalling Windows as a last resort—but be sure to back up your data first.

Final Thoughts

In summary, this guide has provided multiple ways to fix the missing WiFi icon on the Windows Taskbar. If you’re facing this issue, go through each solution carefully. With patience, you should be able to restore full network visibility and functionality.

The above is the detailed content of Full Solved – WiFi Icon Missing from Taskbar Windows 10/8/7. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!