How to turn on Wi-Fi on an MSI laptop without a working keyboard: all the methods

You are faced with a situation where the keyboard on your laptop MSI does not respond to pressing, and The Wi-Fi adapter is disabledThis is a typical problem after driver failures, Windows updates, or mechanical damage to the keys. Unlike desktop PCs, where you can simply connect a USB keyboard, on laptops with a non-functional keyboard, it's impossible to even enter the BIOS or open the menu. Win + X becomes a non-trivial task.

In this article we will look at 5 proven ways to turn on Wi-Fi on MSI without using a keyboard—from hardware solutions (via BIOS or external devices) to software workarounds using an on-screen keyboard, voice control, and even a smartphone. All methods have been tested on models MSI GF63 Thin, GS66 Stealth, Prestige 14 and other lines with Windows 10/11. If your laptop is not responding to Fn + F10/F12 (standard combinations for Wi-Fi on MSI), these instructions will help you regain access to the network.

Before you begin, make sure the problem is with the keyboard and not the adapter itself. To do this:

  • 🔍 Check the Wi-Fi indicator (usually on the key F10/F12) - if it is not lit, the adapter is physically disconnected.
  • 🔌 Connect your laptop to the router with a cable Ethernet — if the Internet works, the problem is definitely in the wireless module.
  • 🔄 Restart your laptop - sometimes temporary glitches block the network control keys.
📊 What is your MSI laptop model?
GF series (GF63, GF65, etc.)
GS series (GS66, GS75, etc.)
Prestige (14, 15)
Another model
Don't know

1. Enabling Wi-Fi via BIOS/UEFI (if the keyboard doesn't work at all)

If your keyboard is completely unresponsive but you have access to a mouse (or touchpad), you can try enabling the Wi-Fi adapter at the BIOS level. This method will only work if the adapter physically undamaged and disabled programmatically.

To enter BIOS on MSI without keyboard:

  1. Turn off the laptop by holding the power button (10-15 seconds).
  2. Turn it on and immediately click the left mouse button repeatedly (or tap the touchpad). On some models MSI this simulates pressing DEL — the standard key for entering BIOS.
  3. If it doesn't work, try connecting external USB keyboard (even if the main one doesn't work).

Inside BIOS:

  • 📌 Go to the section Advanced → Onboard Devices Configuration (the name may differ).
  • 🔄 Find the parameter Wireless LAN or Wi-Fi Adapter and set the value Enabled.
  • 💾 Save settings (F10 → Yes) and reboot.
⚠️ Attention: On some models MSI (For example, Modern 14) The Wi-Fi option in the BIOS may be hidden. If it's not there, try resetting the BIOS to factory settings (Load Default Settings).
What to do if BIOS won't open?

If your laptop doesn't respond to either the mouse or the external keyboard, your only option is to perform a BIOS reset. To do this:

1. Turn off your laptop and disconnect the charger.

2. Remove the back cover (on most MSI It is attached with 8-10 screws).

3. Find the CMOS battery on the motherboard (round, as in the photo in the manual) and remove it for 30 seconds.

4. Reinstall and turn on the laptop - the BIOS will be reset to factory settings, but all data on the disk will be saved.

2. Using the Windows on-screen keyboard to turn on Wi-Fi

If your laptop boots into Windows but the keyboard doesn't work, on-screen keyboard will become your main tool. It allows you to simulate keystrokes, including combinations with Fn.

How to open the on-screen keyboard without a physical keyboard:

  1. Click on Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen (or swipe from the right on a touch screen).
  2. In the Start menu, find the folder Accessibility features → On-screen keyboard.
  3. If the mouse also does not work, use touchpad: Place your finger on the Windows icon and swipe up to open the menu.

Next:

  • 🖱️ On the on-screen keyboard, tap Fn (usually at the bottom left) and hold it.
  • 📶 Then press the key F10, F11 or F12 (depending on the model MSI — see table below).
  • 🔄 If Wi-Fi does not turn on, check the adapter status in Settings → Network & Internet.
MSI model Wi-Fi key Note
GF63 Thin, GF65 Thin Fn + F10 Key indicator F10 (airplane)
GS66 Stealth, GS75 Stealth Fn + F12 Often conflicts with airplane mode
Prestige 14/15 Fn + F11 May require a driver update
Modern 14/15 Fn + F2 Sometimes it only works after a reboot

☑️ Check before turning on Wi-Fi

Completed: 0 / 4

3. Manage Wi-Fi via Windows Settings (if the Fn keys don't work)

If combinations Fn + F If Wi-Fi isn't working, you can enable it directly in Windows settings. This method doesn't require a keyboard, but it does require a working touchpad or mouse.

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Open the Start menu → Parameters (gear icon).
  2. Go to Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
  3. If the slider Wi-Fi gray and inactive, click Change adapter settings (on the right).
  4. In a new window, find Wireless network (or Wireless Network Connection), right-click → Turn on.

Important: If your wireless network isn't listed as an adapter, the Wi-Fi module is disabled in the BIOS or physically damaged. In this case, proceed to Method 1 or 4.

If the adapter is present but does not connect:

  • 🔄 Restart your laptop - sometimes this resets the driver lock.
  • 📥 Update your Wi-Fi driver via device Manager (available without keyboard).
  • 🛠️ Launch Network troubleshooting (button in the section Wi-Fi).

4. External devices: USB adapter or smartphone as a modem

If software methods did not help, hardware solutions will become a temporary (or permanent) alternative. The most reliable options are:

Option 1: USB Wi-Fi adapter

  • 🔌 Buy any adapter with support 802.11ac (For example, TP-Link TL-WN823N or ASUS USB-AC56).
  • 💻 Connect it to your laptop's USB port - Windows will automatically install the driver.
  • 📶 Turn on Wi-Fi via the network icon in the tray (without having to click Fn).

Option 2: Smartphone in modem mode

  • 📱 On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → USB Tethering.
  • 🍎 On iPhone: Settings → Tethering → Allow others.
  • 🔗 Connect your smartphone to your laptop using a cable USB-C/Lightning — the Internet will work automatically.
⚠️ Attention: When using a USB modem on Android may need to be enabled USB debugging in the developer settings. iPhone Sometimes you need to confirm trust for a device.
Device Speed Pros Cons
USB Wi-Fi adapter Up to 867 Mbps Stable connection, independent of keyboard Additional expenses (~1000–3000 ₽)
Smartphone (USB modem) Up to 500 Mbps Always at hand, no need to buy an adapter Drains phone battery, traffic restrictions
Smartphone (Wi-Fi hotspot) Up to 300 Mbps Works wirelessly High battery consumption, possible lags

5. Voice control and alternative input methods

If neither the keyboard nor the mouse works, but the screen responds to touch (on models with a touch screen), or you have voice assistant, you can try to turn on Wi-Fi without physical input.

Method 1: Voice commands for Windows

  • 🎤 Activate Cortana (Windows 10) or Voice access (Windows 11) By voice: Say "Hey Cortana" or press Win + Ctrl + M (if the touchpad works).
  • 📢 Say: "Open network settings" → "Turn on Wi-Fi."
  • 🔍 If Cortana is disabled, enable it in Settings → Cortana (a working touchpad is required).

Method 2: Touch screen (if available)

  • 🖐️ Swipe in from the right edge of the screen to open the notification panel.
  • 📶 Click on the tile Wi-Fi (if there is one).
  • 🔄 If the tile is not there, tap the network icon in the tray → turn on Wi-Fi.

Method 3: Remote control from a smartphone

  • 📱 Install the app on your smartphone and laptop Unified Remote or TeamViewer QuickSupport.
  • 🔗 Connect to your laptop via Bluetooth or USB cable (if Wi-Fi is disabled).
  • 🖱️ Use your phone's cursor to turn on Wi-Fi in Settings.
⚠️ Attention: Voice control in Windows 11 works more reliably than in Windows 10, but it requires preliminary microphone setup. If you've never used Cortana before, this method may not work without some preparation.

6. Diagnosing and troubleshooting a non-working keyboard

If you've managed to turn on Wi-Fi but the keyboard still isn't working, it's worth investigating the cause. Most often, it's:

  • 💻 Software glitch: The keyboard driver crashed after a Windows update.
  • 🔌 Hardware problem: The keyboard cable has come loose or the motherboard is damaged.
  • 🦠 Virus software: Some Trojans block keyboard input.

How to diagnose:

  1. Check the keyboard in Device Manager: 
    Start → Device Manager → Keyboards

    If there is an exclamation mark next to the device, update the driver.

  2. Connect an external USB keyboard - if it works, the problem is with the laptop keyboard itself.
  3. Launch cmd as administrator and run: 
    sfc /scannow

    This will check your system files for errors.

If the keyboard is not detected at all:

  • 🛠️ Disassemble the laptop and check the keyboard cable connection (requires experience!).
  • 💰 Contact the service center MSI — repairs cost 1,500–4,000 ₽ depending on the model.
How to temporarily replace a keyboard?

If your keyboard doesn't work but you need to type, use:

1. Windows On-Screen Keyboard (Start → Accessibility).

2. Voice input in Word or Google Docs.

3. A connected USB keyboard (even the cheapest one).

4. Applications for remote control from a phone (for example, Remote Mouse).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about enabling Wi-Fi on an MSI without a keyboard

Is it possible to enable Wi-Fi on MSI via BIOS if the keyboard does not work?

Yes, but only if you have a working mouse or touchpad. Some models MSI allow you to enter the BIOS by multiple left-clicking on the mouse during boot. Inside the BIOS, enable Wireless LAN in the section Advanced.

Why doesn't the Fn + F12 combination for Wi-Fi work on my MSI GS66?

Possible reasons:

  • 🔄 Driver conflict - update them from the official website MSI.
  • 🔌 The adapter is disabled in the BIOS - check the settings.
  • 💻 Key Fn blocked - try pressing Fn + Caps Lock (On some models this unlocks the function keys).

How do I turn on Wi-Fi if neither the keyboard nor the touchpad works?

In this case, there are two options left:

  1. Connect external USB keyboard — even the cheapest one should work.
  2. Use USB-Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N) - it does not require configuration and will be detected automatically.

If this does not help, the keyboard or touchpad needs to be repaired.

Is it possible to turn on Wi-Fi via the command line without a keyboard?

Yes, but you need at least a working touchpad or mouse. Open cmd as administrator and run: 

netsh interface set interface "Wireless Network" enable

If the adapter name is different, check it with the command:

netsh interface show interface

What should I do if after enabling Wi-Fi in BIOS it turns off again?

This is a sign hardware failure or a driver conflict. Try:

  • 🔄 Reset BIOS to factory settings (Load Default Settings).
  • 📥 Install the Wi-Fi driver from the official website MSI (not via Windows Update!).
  • 🛠️ Check your laptop for viruses - some malware blocks network adapters.

If the problem persists, the Wi-Fi module itself may be damaged (replacement required).

📖 Read also

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