Laptop Lenovo B570e — a popular model from the early 2010s that is still used by many users. However, owners often encounter a problem: The Wi-Fi adapter does not turn on. or is not detected by the system. The reasons can vary, from accidentally pressing a key to a driver failure. In this article, we'll look at all the possible ways to enable Wi-Fi on Lenovo B570e, including hardware and software methods.
The special feature of this model is the presence physical switch wireless networks, which is easy to miss. Furthermore, depending on the BIOS version and the Windows installed (7, 10, or 11), the procedure may differ. We'll cover solutions for all cases, including situations where the adapter does not appear in device manager or lights up orange.
If you're setting up Wi-Fi on an old laptop for the first time, don't be alarmed: most issues can be resolved in 5-10 minutes. The key is to follow the instructions in order and don't skip any steps. Let's start with the easiest method.
1. Checking the physical Wi-Fi switch
On Lenovo B570e The Wi-Fi adapter is controlled by a hardware switch. — this is one of the most common reasons why the network won't turn on. Many users accidentally click it or are simply unaware of its existence.
The switch is located on right end of the body (next to the USB ports) and looks like a small slider with an antenna icon. It has two positions:
- 🔘 Included — the slider is moved to the right (usually marked with a white or blue dot).
- 🔚 Off — the slider is moved to the left (there may be a red mark or a cross).
If the switch is in position Off, slide it to the right, and wait 10-15 seconds for the system to recognize the adapter. After that, check the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray (lower-right corner of the screen). If the icon appears, connect to the network as usual.
Important: On some modifications B570e instead of a slider is used keyboard shortcut Fn + F5 (or Fn + F2). Try this combination if there is no physical switch.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi using hotkeys
If the physical switch is OK but Wi-Fi still doesn't work, try hot keysOn . Lenovo B570e The combination responsible for activating wireless networks is:
Fn + F5
When pressed, the adapter status indicator should appear (usually in the upper right corner of the screen). Possible options:
- 📶 Blue/white color — Wi-Fi is on.
- 🚫 Red cross — the adapter is disabled.
- ⚠️ Yellow exclamation mark - problems with the driver or hardware.
If the combination Fn + F5 doesn't work:
- Make sure the function
Fnactive (on some laptops it needs to be enabled in the BIOS). - Try an alternative combination:
Fn + F2orFn + F7. - Check if the function keys are disabled in the system settings.
On Lenovo B570e with pre-installed Windows 7 combination Fn + F5 may conflict with software Lenovo Energy ManagementIf nothing happens after clicking, remove this utility through Control Panel → Programs and Features.
☑️ Checking hotkeys
3. Setting up Wi-Fi in Windows settings
If hardware methods don't help, check your operating system settings. The algorithm varies depending on your Windows version, but the general principle is the same.
For Windows 7:
- Open
Start → Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center. - Select
Changing adapter settings. - Find Wireless network connection (Wireless Network Connection). If it is disabled (grayed out), right-click and select
Turn on.
For Windows 10/11:
- Click
Win + I(will openParameters). - Go to
Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - Make sure the slider is Wi-Fi is in position
On. - If the networks are not displayed, click
Troubleshooting.
If there is no wireless connection at all in the list of adapters, the problem is with the drivers or hardware (more on this in the following sections).
What should I do if there is no Wi-Fi option in Windows settings?
This means the system doesn't recognize the adapter. This could be due to:
- Driver is missing (most often).
- The adapter is disabled in BIOS.
- Physical failure of the Wi-Fi module.
In this case, proceed to sections 4 or 5 of this article.
4. Checking and installing Wi-Fi drivers
If the previous methods did not work, most likely the problem is wireless adapter driverOn . Lenovo B570e Usually one of two modules is installed:
- 📡 Broadcom 4313 (the most common).
- 📡 Atheros AR9285 (less common, but also occurs).
To check the driver status:
- Click
Win + R, enterdevmgmt.mscand pressEnter(will open) device Manager). - Expand the tab
Network adapters. - Find the device with the names Broadcom, Atheros or Wireless.
Possible problems and solutions:
| Situation | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The adapter is marked with a yellow exclamation mark. | The driver is not installed correctly or is damaged. | Update/reinstall the driver (see below) |
| The adapter is not in the list | Disabled in BIOS or faulty | Enable in BIOS or check physical connection |
| The adapter is displayed as "Unidentified Device" | Driver missing | Install the driver manually (download from the Lenovo website) |
| The adapter is there, but the networks are not found. | Problems with the antenna or router settings | Check your router or reset your network settings. |
To update the driver:
- Right click on the adapter in Device Manager.
- Select
Update driver → Automatic search. - If Windows doesn't find the update, download the driver from Lenovo's official website (enter model) B570e in search).
⚠️ Attention: Don't download drivers from third-party websites—they may contain viruses or be unsuitable for your version of Windows. Always use official sources.
5. Enabling the Wi-Fi adapter in BIOS
If the adapter is not displayed even in Device ManagerIt may be disabled at the BIOS level. This is rare, but worth checking.
To enter BIOS on Lenovo B570e:
- Turn off your laptop.
- Press the power button and immediately press it repeatedly
F2(orDel, IfF2(doesn't work). - Once you enter the BIOS, go to the section
Advanced → Wireless(orConfiguration → Network, depending on the version). - Find the parameter
Wireless LANand set the valueEnabled. - Save changes (
F10) and restart the laptop.
If there is no item in BIOS Wireless LAN, which means the adapter is controlled only by a physical switch or drivers.
⚠️ Attention: BIOS settings may vary depending on the version. If you're unsure, take a photo of your current settings before making any changes or consult a specialist.
6. Diagnosing adapter faults
If none of the methods helped, the problem might be hardware failure adapter. Here's how to check:
Signs of a faulty Wi-Fi module:
- 🔌 The adapter is not detected in Device Manager even after installing the drivers.
- 💡 The Wi-Fi indicator (if present) does not light up when the switch is turned on.
- 🔧 The area above the keyboard is overheating (may indicate a short circuit).
What can be done:
- Checking the connection: Disassemble the laptop (or contact a service center) and make sure that the antennas are connected to the Wi-Fi module. B570e The adapter is usually located under the keyboard, next to the RAM.
- Module replacement: If the adapter burns out, it can be replaced with a similar one (for example, Broadcom BCM4313 or Atheros AR9285). The cost of a new module is from 500 to 1500 rubles.
- Using a USB adapter: If repair is not practical, buy an external Wi-Fi adapter (for example, TP-Link TL-WN725N) and connect it via USB port.
On Lenovo B570e The antenna connector to the Wi-Fi module often fails. If lightly pressing on the housing near the adapter results in a network connection, the problem is with the contacts.
7. Alternative ways to connect to the Internet
If you turn on Wi-Fi on Lenovo B570e If it didn't work, but you urgently need internet, try alternative methods:
Connection methods without Wi-Fi:
- 🌐 Ethernet cable: Connect your laptop to the router via
LAN port(RJ-45 connector). - 📱 USB modem: Use a 3G/4G modem (for example, from Megaphone or Beeline).
- 🔗 Modem mode on a smartphone: Share the Internet from your phone via USB or Bluetooth.
- 🖥️ Powerline adapter: Transmitting the Internet through electrical wiring (useful if the router is far away).
If you need Wi-Fi for other devices (for example, a smartphone or tablet), you can share internet from a laptop:
- Connect Lenovo B570e to the network via cable.
- Open
Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot(Windows 10/11). - Enable the option
Allow use of my internet connection.
⚠️ Attention: When distributing Wi-Fi from a laptop, monitor the processor temperature - on B570e weak cooling system, and prolonged load can lead to overheating.
Lenovo B570e Wi-Fi FAQ
🔹 Why doesn't Wi-Fi work after turning on the switch?
Possible reasons:
- The adapter driver is not installed or is damaged.
- The adapter is disabled in Device Manager.
- Problems with antennas (check the connection).
- Conflict with software (eg. Lenovo Energy Management).
Solution: Go through all sections of this article in order.
🔹 How do I find out which Wi-Fi adapter is installed in my B570e?
There are two ways:
- Via Device Manager: Open
devmgmt.msc, find the sectionNetwork adaptersand look at the title. - Via command line: Launch
cmd, enterwmic nic get nameand find the line with Wireless.
🔹 Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi module with a more modern one?
Theoretically yes, but with some reservations:
- 🔧 Lenovo B570e supports modules of the format Mini PCIe (not to be confused with M.2).
- 📡 Modern adapters (for example, Intel AX200) may not work due to lack of support in BIOS.
- 💻 The best option is modules based on Broadcom 43xx or Atheros AR9x (they are guaranteed to be compatible).
Before purchasing, check if there is an option in the BIOS PCIe/PCI Legacy Support - it may need to be turned on.
🔹 Why does Wi-Fi work but keep dropping out?
Reasons for an unstable connection:
- 📶 Weak router signal (move the laptop closer).
- 🔋 Energy savings: in
Device Managerdisable the optionAllow the computer to turn off this device to save power(adapter properties → Power management). - 🔄 Channel overload: change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (for example, from
Autoon6or11).
🔹 Where can I download original drivers for the Lenovo B570e?
Official drivers can only be downloaded from the Lenovo website:
- Go to https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/.
- Enter the model
B570ein the search bar. - Select your version of Windows.
- Download driver for Wireless LAN in the section
Network and wireless communications.
If the Lenovo website doesn't open, try the driver archive at DRP.su (choose a package for Lenovo B Series).