Laptops ASUS Vivobook 15 They're popular due to their combination of performance, compact size, and affordability. However, even with these devices, users sometimes encounter problems: Wi-Fi suddenly disconnects or doesn't turn on at all after a system update, factory reset, or hardware failure. If you're reading this article, chances are your Vivobook 15 does not see available networks, and the wireless connection icon in the tray is crossed out or missing.
The reasons can vary, from something as simple as disabling the adapter with a key combination to serious driver or hardware issues. In this guide, we'll cover the details. all possible ways to turn on Wi-Fi — from the simplest to the most advanced, including diagnostics through device Manager, BIOS settings, and even resetting network settings. We'll also cover common user errors. ASUS Vivobook 15 (for example, series X515, M515, S515), which cause problems with the wireless network.
Before moving on to complex steps, check the obvious: is Wi-Fi working on other devices (smartphone, tablet)? If so, the problem is with the laptop. If not, the router may be faulty or the ISP may have temporarily suspended the service. Also, make sure Airplane mode is disabled (we'll talk about it in the first section).
1. Checking Airplane Mode and Key Combinations
The most common reason for Wi-Fi to "disappear" on ASUS Vivobook 15 - accidental keypresses or activation of the mode On the planeThis mode disables all wireless modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), so even if the adapter is working properly, networks will not be displayed.
To check and disable Airplane mode:
- 🔹 Click
Win + Ato open Notification Center (on the right side of the screen). - 🔹 Find the tile Airplane Mode (airplane) and make sure that it not highlighted in blueIf it is highlighted, click on it.
- 🔹 Alternatively: go to
Settings → Network & Internet → Airplane Modeand turn off the slider.
If Airplane mode was turned off but Wi-Fi still doesn't work, check hardware enablement of the adapterOn most models Vivobook 15 The key combination responsible for this is:
- 🔹
Fn + F2— standard combination for turning Wi-Fi on/off (on the key)F2(usually an antenna icon is drawn). - 🔹 On some modifications (for example, Vivobook S515) can be used
Fn + F12.
⚠️ Attention: If after pressing Fn + F2 If the Wi-Fi indicator on your laptop doesn't light up, this could indicate the adapter is disabled in the BIOS or there's a driver issue. Don't proceed to the next steps without checking this first. BIOS settings.
Also pay attention to wireless network indicator (usually located on the front panel or next to the touchpad). If it:
- 🟢 Lights up green/blue — the adapter is turned on, the problem is in the drivers or Windows settings.
- 🔴 Lights up red/orange — the adapter is disabled (using keys or in BIOS).
- ⚫ It doesn't burn at all — the Wi-Fi module may be faulty or physically disconnected (for example, after repair).
2. Enable Wi-Fi via Windows settings
If hardware methods don't help, check your operating system settings. In Windows 10 and 11, wireless network management is done through Parameters or Control Panel.
Method 1: Through Windows Settings
- Click
Win + Ito open Parameters. - Go to the section
Network and Internet. - In the left menu, select
Wi-Fi. - Make sure the slider is «Wi-Fi» is in position "On".
- If the slider is gray and inactive, the problem is in the driver or the adapter is disabled.
Device Manager.
Method 2: Through Control Panel (relevant for Windows 10/11)
- Open
Control Panel(can be found by searching onWin + S). - Go to
Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center. - Select on the left
Changing adapter settings. - Find Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) and check its status:
- 🟢 Connected - Everything is fine.
- 🟡 Disabled - right click and select
Turn on. - ❌ The icon is missing — the adapter is not detected by the system (go to the section about drivers).
☑️ Checking Wi-Fi settings in Windows
If after turning on the adapter in Control Panel networks still not showing, try restart the laptopSometimes changes only take effect after a reboot.
3. Checking BIOS/UEFI settings
If Wi-Fi doesn't turn on either via the keys or Windows, the wireless adapter may be disabled at the BIOS level. This can happen after a firmware update, a factory reset, or an accidental change to settings.
To check the BIOS settings on ASUS Vivobook 15:
- Turn off your laptop.
- Turn it on and immediately press the key repeatedly
F2(on some models -DelorEsc) to enter BIOS. - In the BIOS menu, find the section
Advanced(advanced settings). - Look for parameters related to wireless modules:
- 🔹
Wireless LAN Support- must be in position Enabled. - 🔹
Onboard Wi-FiorWLAN- Also Enabled. - 🔹
Radio Control- If there is, turn it on.
- 🔹
F10) and restart the laptop.⚠️ Attention: BIOS settings may vary depending on the firmware version and model. Vivobook 15If you are not sure about your actions, do not change other parameters - this may lead to unstable operation of the system. If the parameter Wireless LAN There is no BIOS, which means the adapter is not disabled at the hardware level.
After exiting the BIOS, wait until Windows fully loads and check if Wi-Fi is enabled. If not, proceed to the next section.
What should I do if I can't enter BIOS?
If the laptop does not respond to F2/Del, try:
1. Disable Fast Boot in Windows (Settings → System → Power & sleep → Additional power settings → Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable → Uncheck "Turn on fast startup").
2. Use the button Esc when turned on (on some ASUS models).
3. Connect the keyboard via USB and try again.
4. Diagnosing and updating Wi-Fi drivers
One of the most common sources of Wi-Fi problems on ASUS Vivobook 15 — incorrect or outdated driversThis can happen after a Windows update, a virus infection, or a failed software installation. The system either doesn't see the adapter at all, or displays it with an exclamation mark. Device Manager.
To check and update the driver:
- Open
device Manager(Win + X → Device Manager). - Expand the section Network Adapters.
- Look for devices with names like:
- 🔹
Qualcomm Atheros(often used in Vivobook 15), - 🔹
Intel Wireless-AC(in models with Intel processors), - 🔹
Realtek RTL8xxx(in budget modifications).
- 🔹
Update driver.Automatic search and wait for the process to complete.If automatic update doesn't help, try Install the driver manually:
- Download the latest driver from official ASUS website (select your model Vivobook 15 in the section
Support → Drivers & Tools). - IN
Device ManagerRight-click on the adapter →Update Driver → Browse my computer for driver software. - Specify the path to the downloaded file and follow the instructions.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Wi-Fi adapter is missing Device Manager |
The adapter is disabled in BIOS or is physically damaged. | Check the BIOS, disassemble the laptop (if you have the skills) |
| There is an adapter, but it has an exclamation mark. | The driver is not installed or is in conflict. | Update/reinstall the driver |
| The adapter is turned on, but the networks are not visible. | Problems with the WLAN AutoConfig service | Restart the service (see next section) |
| Wi-Fi turns on but keeps turning off | Power saving turns off the adapter | Disable power saving for the adapter |
5. Restart the WLAN AutoConfig service
In Windows, the service responsible for managing wireless connections is WLAN Auto Configuration (WLAN AutoConfig). If it has stopped or is not working properly, Wi-Fi may not turn on even if the adapter is working properly.
To restart the service:
- Click
Win + R, enterservices.mscand pressEnter. - In the list of services, find WLAN Auto Configuration (
WLAN AutoConfig). - Check her status:
- 🟢 Works - right click and select
Restart. - ⚪ Stopped — click
Launch.
- 🟢 Works - right click and select
Automatically and apply the changes.If the service does not start, try running the command in command prompt as administrator:
net start WlanSvc
After restarting the service, reboot your laptop and test your Wi-Fi. If the issue persists, proceed to the next section.
6. Resetting network settings and additional methods
If none of the previous methods helped, the problem may lie in network configurationsResetting your network settings will return all settings to factory defaults, which can often resolve connection issues.
To reset network settings in Windows 10/11:
- Open
Settings → Network & Internet → Status. - Scroll down and click Network Reset.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete (the laptop will reboot automatically).
- 🔹 Disabling power saving for your Wi-Fi adapter:
- Open
device Manager→Network adapters. - Right-click on the adapter →
Properties → Power Management. - Uncheck the box
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Open
- 🔹 Virus check: Some malware blocks network connections. Scan your system with Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
- 🔹 Windows Update: go to
Settings → Update & Securityand install all available updates.
After the reset, you will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password, but all other settings (such as VPN or proxy) will also be deleted.
Additional methods that may help:
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the network the Wi-Fi still does not work, and inDevice Managerthe adapter is displayed with an errorCode 10orCode 43, this may indicate hardware failure (for example, a broken antenna or a faulty module). In this case, it is recommended to contact a service center.
7. Hardware diagnostics and service call
If all software methods have been exhausted, but Wi-Fi is on ASUS Vivobook 15 It still didn't work, the problem is most likely hardwareHere are the most common reasons:
- 🔹 Disconnecting Wi-Fi antennas: When disassembling the laptop or after a fall, the cables connecting the adapter to the antennas may have come loose.
- 🔹 Wi-Fi module failure: The wireless adapter is a separate microcircuit that can burn out due to a power surge.
- 🔹 Motherboard problems: It is rare, but it happens that the south bridge or the power supply circuits of the adapter are faulty.
- If you have experience disassembling laptops, you can carefully remove the bottom cover. Vivobook 15 and check if the antennas are connected to the Wi-Fi module (usually these are two thin cables marked
MAINAndAUX). - If the antennas are in place, try reconnecting them (after turning off the laptop and removing the battery).
- If the Wi-Fi module is removable (in most models Vivobook 15 it is soldered, but on some it is in M.2 format), you can try replacing it with a known good one.
- Roll back the system to a restore point (
Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore). - Uninstall the current Wi-Fi driver and reinstall it from the ASUS website.
- Disable automatic driver updates (
Settings → Update & Security → Advanced options → Driver updates → Disable). - Through
device Manager(chapterNetwork adapters). - Through
Command line: enterwmic nic get name, manufacturer. - On the official ASUS website: enter the laptop serial number in the section
Support.
To check the hardware:
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact ASUS service center Or a laptop repair shop. The average cost of diagnostics ranges from 500 to 1,500 rubles, and replacing a Wi-Fi module will cost 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the adapter model).
What does the Wi-Fi module look like in the ASUS Vivobook 15?
In most models, this is a small board measuring ~3×2 cm with connectors for antennas and type markings Intel AX200, Qualcomm QCA61x4 or Realtek RTL8822CEA soldered-in module is more difficult to replace—a soldering station is required.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on the ASUS Vivobook 15
Why did Wi-Fi disappear after a Windows update?
Windows updates sometimes reset drivers or conflict with them. Try:
Wi-Fi turns on but keeps disconnecting. What should I do?
This is a typical problem due to energy saving. Open device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, go to Properties → Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Also check your power settings in Control Panel → Power Options — select a scheme High performance.
Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi via a USB adapter if the built-in one doesn't work?
Yes, this is a temporary solution. Buy it. USB Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN823N or ASUS USB-AC53 Nano) and connect it to your laptop. Windows will automatically install the drivers, and you'll be able to use the internet. However, this won't solve the problem with the built-in module.
How do I find out the Wi-Fi adapter model on my Vivobook 15?
There are several ways:
Typical adapters for Vivobook 15: Intel Wireless-AC 9462, Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174, Realtek RTL8821CE.
Is it worth disassembling the laptop yourself to check the antennas?
If you don't have experience, it's better not to risk it. ASUS Vivobook 15 The device has fragile latches and cables that are easily damaged. Contact service if:
- The laptop is under warranty (disassembly will void it).
- You are not confident in your skills.
- The problem appeared after a fall or mechanical impact.