Microsoft claims a problem with a recent Windows 11 update means some PCs will be unable to connect to Wi-Fi networks.
The software giant admitted the problem with Wi-Fi connectivity was caused by two recent Windows updates, both issued in December.
The company is in the process of resolving the issue by effectively rolling back the updates, but it can take 24 hours for the fix to fully propagate to consumer devices.
The good news for consumers is that the issue is unlikely to affect home Wi-Fi networks. Instead, it’s authenticating with public networks such as those found in businesses, educational establishments or venues where the issue is likely to occur.
Windows 11 Wi-Fi Workaround
If you can’t wait for Microsoft’s fix to arrive on your system, there are measures you can take to resolve the problem yourself. Those in desperate need of a Wi-Fi connection could attempt to restore their system to a point before the updates were installed. The first of the problematic updates was released on December 4.
Alternatively, users could try to remove the troublesome updates manually. The updates in question are KB5033375 and KB50532288. You can remove these by searching for “Windows Update” from the Windows 11 search bar, opening the Windows Update settings and then selecting “Uninstall updates”.
Selecting system restore points or manually removing updates can sometimes cause more problems than they solve, so it might be wiser to simply wait for Microsoft’s fix to arrive.
Wired connections should still work on computers with an Ethernet socket, although these are increasingly rare on modern laptops, especially ultraportables. It’s often not easy to find wired connections in public venues, either.
Cellular connections are another temporary workaround. Most modern smartphones support mobile hotspots, where your phone creates a Wi-Fi network that your laptop and other devices can join securely. This relies on your phone having a decent data connection and can only provide internet access; you won’t be able to join the local network in your business to get access to file shares or printers, for example.
Windows Update Problems
The Wi-Fi problem is the second major bug created by Windows updates in recent weeks.
Another recent update to Windows 10 and Windows 11 resulted in any connected printer being labelled as a HP model, with a HP printer app installed for good measure. This prevented some users from being able to use advanced print features that were only available in their printer manufacturer’s own software, because the HP app effectively hijacked the printer.
Microsoft has subsequently released a downloadable troubleshooting tool to rid Windows PCs of the HP printer error.
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