How to enable Wi-Fi on an ASUS X551M laptop: all the methods (2026)

Laptop ASUS X551M — a popular model from the mid-2010s, still widely used due to its reliability and ease of repair. However, many users encounter a problem: the Wi-Fi connection suddenly drops, and the network icon in the system tray is crossed out with a red cross or is completely missing. The causes can range from accidentally pressing hotkeys to driver failures or hardware malfunctions.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to turn on Wi-Fi on ASUS X551M, from the basics (keyboard shortcuts, switches) to advanced (BIOS settings, driver reinstallation). We'll pay special attention to common mistakes users make during diagnostics and provide a checklist for quickly identifying the source of the problem. If your laptop doesn't detect the network at all, don't rush to take it to a service center: in 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved using software within 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Important: ASUS X551M was released with different network adapters (for example, Qualcomm Atheros AR9485 or Broadcom 4313). Some methods may not work if the adapter is physically damaged or disabled in the BIOS. If Wi-Fi still doesn't work after all these steps, check the laptop for mechanical damage to the antenna (a common issue with drops).

1. Checking that Wi-Fi is physically enabled

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the wireless module is not disabled by hardware. ASUS X551M The following are responsible for this:

• 🔄 Hardware switch on the side panel (if present). It's rare on this model, but some modifications were equipped with it.
• ⌨️ Keyboard shortcut Fn + F2 — a standard combination for turning Wi-Fi on/off on ASUS laptops.
• 🔋 Wireless network indicator (usually a blue or orange LED next to the key Caps Lock). If it is not lit, the module is disabled.

Try pressing Fn + F2 several times in a row. If the combination doesn't work:

1. Make sure the key Fn not locked (some models have a separate button) Fn Lock).
2. Check if the indicator light is on Num Lock when pressed Fn + F11 - This will confirm that the function keys are working.

Press Fn + F2 3 times|Check the Wi-Fi indicator (is it on?)|Make sure there is no physical switch in the "Off" position|Try restarting the laptop-->

If the indicator still doesn't light up, proceed to the next section - the problem may be in the BIOS settings or drivers.

2. Enabling Wi-Fi via BIOS/UEFI

Sometimes the wireless adapter is disabled at the BIOS level—for example, after a factory reset or firmware update. To check this:

1. Restart your laptop and press immediately F2 (or Del, If F2 does not work) until the BIOS screen appears.
2. Go to the section Advanced → Onboard Devices Configuration (the name may differ).
3. Find the parameter Wireless LAN or Wi-Fi and set the value Enabled.
4. Save changes (F10) and reboot.

Typical errors when working with BIOS:

• ❌ Confusion with the login keys. ASUS X551M it's almost always F2, but some users press it out of habit Esc or F12 (this is the boot menu!).
• ❌ Change other settings. Do not touch the settings. Secure Boot, TPM or SATA Mode - This may cause problems with loading Windows.

⚠️ Attention: If there is no item in BIOS Wireless LAN, this may mean the adapter is not detected by the system. In this case, check if it is physically connected (see the section on hardware diagnostics).

3. Diagnostics in Windows Device Manager

If Wi-Fi doesn't turn on with the keys and everything is configured correctly in the BIOS, the problem may be with the drivers or a disabled device. Open device Manager:

• 🖱️ Click Win + X and select device Manager.
• 🔍 Expand the branch Network adapters.

What to look for:

• 🔴 If next to the adapter name (for example, Qualcomm Atheros AR9485) the red cross is lit - the device is disabled. Right-click and select Engage.
• ⚠️ A yellow exclamation mark indicates a driver issue. Try updating it (see the next section).
• 🔎 If there is no adapter at all, it is either disabled in the BIOS or faulty.

Also check the section Other devices - sometimes the Wi-Fi adapter is displayed there as Unknown device.

4. Updating and reinstalling drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the most common reasons for Wi-Fi not working. ASUS X551M There are two reliable ways to update them:

Method 1: Through the official ASUS website

1. Go to ASUS support page.
2. Please enter your laptop model (X551M) and select your modification (for example, X551MA, X551MD).
3. In the section Drivers and utilities Select your OS (Windows 7/10/11) and download the latest driver for Wireless.
4. Install it and restart your laptop.

Method 2: Via Device Manager

1. Open device Manager (Win + X).
2. Find your Wi-Fi adapter, right click and select Update driver → Automatic search.
3. If Windows does not find updates, download the driver manually (see Method 1).

⚠️ Attention: Never use drivers from third party sites (like driverpack.io)! They often contain viruses or incompatible versions. The official ASUS website or Windows Update databases are the only safe sources.

Download from the official website|Use Windows Update|Install via Device Manager|Use third-party programs-->

Critical information: On ASUS X551M with adapter Broadcom 4313 may be required manual driver installation Even if Windows says it's already installed, download the package from the ASUS website, unzip it, and then select it in Device Manager. Update driver → Search this computer → specify the folder with the unpacked files.

5. Check Windows services and network settings

If the drivers are OK but Wi-Fi still isn't working, the problem may be with disabled services or incorrect network settings. Check the following:

WLAN AutoConfig Service:

1. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find a service Automatic WLAN configuration (WLAN AutoConfig).
3. Make sure she is In progress, and the launch type is Automatically.

Reset network settings:

1. Open Parameters (Win + I) → Network and Internet → State → Network reset.
2. Click Reset now and confirm the action.

Manual IP configuration (if DHCP does not work):

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Changing adapter settings.
2. Right click on Wireless network → Properties → Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
3. Check the box Use the following IP address and enter:

   IP address: 192.168.1.100
   Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   Default gateway: 192.168.1.1
   DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4

⚠️ Attention: If Wi-Fi works after resetting the network, but disappears again after a while, check your power saving settings. Device Manager Open the Wi-Fi adapter properties → tab Power management And uncheck the box With Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

6. Diagnostics of hardware faults

If none of the software methods helped, the problem may be in ironOn . ASUS X551M most often fail:

• 📡 Wi-Fi antennas — thin wires running from the adapter to the screen. They can fray or become disconnected if the laptop is dropped.
• 🔌 miniPCIe slot, into which the Wi-Fi module is inserted. The contacts oxidize over time.
• 🔋 The adapter itself — especially if the laptop overheated or was caught in the rain.

How to check:

1. Turn off your laptop and disconnect the battery (if it is removable).
2. Remove the back cover (you will need a Phillips screwdriver).
3. Find the Wi-Fi module - it looks like a small board with two antennas (black and white wires).
4. Carefully disconnect and reconnect the antennas. If the module shows signs of burning or bulging capacitors, it has burned out.

💡 Advice: If you're unsure of your abilities, it's best to contact a service center. Replacing the Wi-Fi module ASUS X551M Costs between 1,000 and 2,000 rubles (depending on the adapter model). Popular alternatives:

• Intel 7260 (supports Wi-Fi 5, but may require BIOS modification)
• Broadcom BCM943225HMB (a complete analogue of the native adapter)
• Atheros AR9485WB-EG (budget option)

Important: When replacing a module, pay attention to its interface. ASUS X551M supports only miniPCIe (not to be confused with M.2!). Also check that the new adapter is compatible with your BIOS version - some modules (for example, Intel AX200) may not be determined without firmware.

7. Alternative ways to connect to the Internet

If Wi-Fi still doesn't work, but you urgently need internet, you can use:

• 📱 USB tethering from a smartphoneConnect your phone via USB, enable modem mode in the settings and select USB tethering.
• 🔌 Ethernet adapterBuy an adapter. USB-to-Ethernet (costs ~500 rubles) and connect the cable from the router.
• 📶 4G modemUSB modems (for example, from MegaFon or Beeline) connect like a flash drive and do not require Wi-Fi.

For ASUS X551M Any chip-based adapter will do Realtek RTL8153 or ASIX AX88179Example models:

• TP-Link UE300 (USB 3.0, speed up to 1 Gbps)
• ASUS USB-AC56 (dual-band Wi-Fi + Ethernet)

⚠️ Attention: When using USB adapters, disable the built-in Wi-Fi module in Device Managerto avoid driver conflicts.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi on the ASUS X551M

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