How to Enable Wi-Fi on an ASUS Vivobook Laptop: 5 Working Methods

Laptops ASUS Vivobook 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 turns off or doesn't turn onThe reasons can vary, from accidentally pressing keys to driver or BIOS settings failure. In this article, we'll cover all the possible ways to enable Wi-Fi on Vivobook, including models X515, S15, Pro 14/16 and other series.

It is important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on Windows versions (10 or 11), laptop modifications (for example, the presence of a physical Wi-Fi switch) and even current state of the systemIf you see a network icon with a red cross, the network is crossed out, or the module doesn't appear in the device list at all, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved without contacting a service center.

Before you begin setting up your internet connection, check the obvious: is the internet working on other devices (smartphone, tablet)? If not, the problem may be with your router or ISP. If so, read on.

1. Hotkeys for turning on Wi-Fi on the ASUS Vivobook

The fastest way to activate your wireless network is to use function key combinationOn most models Vivobook the combination is responsible for this Fn + F2However, there are some nuances:

• 🔹 On Vivobook S14/S15 (2020–2023) can be used Fn + F12 — look for the key with the antenna icon.
• 🔹 On older models (before 2019), a separate button sometimes works Wi-Fi on the sidebar.
• 🔹 If the keys don't respond, check if the power is off airplane mode (more about him below).
• 🔹 On some Vivobook Pro the combination may differ - check the user manual (usually Fn + F10).

After pressing the keys, wait 5-10 seconds – the Wi-Fi indicator (if present) should light up, and the network icon should appear in the system tray. If nothing happens, proceed to the next method.

2. Check Airplane mode and Windows network settings

A common reason for the lack of Wi-Fi is active airplane modeIt disables all wireless modules, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. You can check its status as follows:

1. Click Win + Ato open Notification Center.
2. Find the tile Airplane mode - If it is highlighted in blue, click on it.
3. Also check the tiles Wi-Fi - it must be turned on.

If the Wi-Fi icon in the tray is crossed out or missing, try enabling it through the settings:

1. Open Start → Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Go to the tab Wi-Fi and move the slider to the position "On".
3. If there is no slider or it is inactive, the problem is deeper (drivers or BIOS).

3. Enabling Wi-Fi via BIOS/UEFI (if the module is disabled at the system level)

If the previous methods did not work, it is possible that The Wi-Fi adapter is disabled in the BIOS.This happens after a factory reset, firmware update, or virus attacks. To check:

1. Restart your laptop and when the logo appears ASUS click F2 (or Del on some models).
2. In the BIOS menu, find the section Advanced (or Wireless).
3. Look for parameters like:
   • Wireless LAN Support → install Enabled;
   • Onboard Wi-Fi → turn on;
   • Network Stack → must be Enabled.

Save changes (F10) and reboot.

Attention! The BIOS interface may vary depending on the model. Vivobook and firmware versions. On newer laptops (2022 and newer), the Wi-Fi settings section is sometimes hidden in Advanced → System Configuration.

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 → Advanced settings → Shutdown → Uncheck "Turn on fast startup").

2. Use the button NovaButton (if any) to reset BIOS.

3. On some Vivobook To enter BIOS you need to hold F2 + power button for 10 seconds.

4. Checking and reinstalling Wi-Fi adapter drivers

If Wi-Fi does not turn on even after checking the BIOS, the problem is most likely in network adapter driversThey can fail after a Windows update, a virus attack, or an improper laptop shutdown. Here's how to diagnose and fix them:

Step 1: Check the adapter status in Device Manager

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the section Network adapters.
3. Look for devices with names like:
   • Qualcomm Atheros;
   • Intel Wireless-AC;
   • Realtek RTL8xxx;
   • Mediatek Wi-Fi.

If a yellow triangle is lit next to the adapter, the driver is not working properly.

Step 2: Update or reinstall the driver

Method 1: Automatic update

1. Right-click on the adapter → Update driver → Automatic search.
2. If Windows finds an update, install it and reboot.

Method 2: Manual installation from the ASUS website

1. Go to ASUS official support website.
2. Please enter your laptop model (e.g. Vivobook X515EA).
3. In the section Drivers and utilities Select your OS and download the latest driver for Wireless.
4. Install it and restart your laptop.

Attention! If after installing the driver Wi-Fi still doesn't work, try roll back the driver (in the adapter context menu, select Properties → Rollback). Sometimes new versions contain bugs.

Make sure the adapter is visible in Device Manager.

Check for the absence of a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark

Update the driver via Windows Update

Download the latest driver from the ASUS website

Restart your laptop after installation-->

5. Diagnosing hardware problems (if Wi-Fi doesn't turn on at all)

If none of the methods helped, perhaps the problem is in the Wi-Fi module itselfThis could be:

• 🔌 Disconnected antenna cable (often after disassembling the laptop).
• 🔥 Burnt out adapter (due to power surge or overheating).
• 🛠️ Damage to the M.2 connector (on models with a replaceable module).

You can check for hardware failure as follows:

1. Connect your laptop to the router via Ethernet and check if the internet is working. If so, the problem is definitely with the Wi-Fi module.
2. Try connecting external USB-Wi-Fi adapterIf it works, the internal module is faulty.
3. On models with removable Wi-Fi module (For example, Vivobook Pro 16X) you can remove it and check it for damage.

If you don't understand how to repair laptops, it's better to contact a service center. On ASUS Vivobook Wi-Fi modules produced between 2020 and 2023 are often soldered to the motherboard, and replacing them requires special equipment.

6. Additional methods: network reset and alternative methods

If Wi-Fi turns on, but does not connect to the network or keeps turning off, try the following:

Reset Windows network settings

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Confirm the action and restart the laptop.

Changing the adapter's power settings

Sometimes Windows turns off Wi-Fi to save power. To fix this:

1. Open device Manager → Network adapters.
2. Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → Power management.
3. Uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Virus check

Some viruses block network connections. Scan your system with Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus (for example, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on the ASUS Vivobook

Why is there no Wi-Fi button on my Vivobook?

On most modern models ASUS Vivobook (2020 and newer) There is no physical Wi-Fi button. A key combination is used instead. Fn + F2 (or another, depending on the model). If the keys don't work, check the BIOS settings or drivers.

My Wi-Fi turns on but can't find any networks. What should I do?

Possible reasons:

• The router is not broadcasting the network (check the indicators on it).
• Incorrect channel settings on the router (try changing the channel to 1–11 in the router settings).
• Adapter driver failure (reinstall it).
• The mode is on 802.11n Only in the router - turn it off.

Also try connecting to a different network (for example, from your phone in hotspot mode).

My Wi-Fi stopped working after a Windows update. How do I fix it?

Windows updates sometimes reset drivers. Follow these steps:

1. Roll back your system to a restore point (Start → Settings → Update & Security → Recovery).
2. If it doesn't help, uninstall the current Wi-Fi driver. Device Manager and install the version from the ASUS website.
3. Disable automatic driver updates via gpedit.msc (for Windows Pro).

Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi module on the Vivobook myself?

On most models ASUS Vivobook (except Pro-series) Wi-Fi module soldered to the motherboard, and replacement requires soldering. Exceptions:

• Vivobook Pro 14/16 (2021–2023) — removable module (connector M.2 2230).
• Vivobook S14/S15 (before 2020) - sometimes removable.

Before replacing, check the compatibility of the module (for example, Intel AX200 or AX210).

How do I reset my network settings to factory defaults?

Windows 10/11 has a built-in network reset feature:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Click Network reset → Reset now.
3. After rebooting, all saved networks and adapter settings will be deleted.

Attention! After the reset, you will have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords.