How to enable Wi-Fi on a Lenovo B560 laptop: all the methods (2026)

Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad B560 — a popular model from the early 2010s that is still used by many users. However, over time, owners encounter a common problem: The Wi-Fi adapter suddenly turns off. or is not detected by the system. The reasons can vary, from accidental keystrokes to driver failure. In this article, we'll look into all possible ways to turn on Wi-Fi on Lenovo B560, including hardware and software methods, as well as fault diagnostics.

The special feature of this model is hardware Wi-Fi switch, which is often confused with Airplane mode. In addition, in B560 two types of wireless modules are used (Broadcom And Intel), which influences driver selection. If you've already tried enabling the network through the Windows notification bar and it didn't work, don't rush to take your laptop to a service center. In 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved within 5 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: The BIOS interface and key layout may vary slightly depending on the modification. B560 (For example, B560-AMD vs B560-Intel). If your model is equipped with a discrete graphics card, some keyboard shortcuts may conflict with the graphics drivers.

1. Hardware Wi-Fi activation: keys and switches

The first thing to check is - physical condition of the adapterOn . Lenovo B560 Wi-Fi can be disabled in two ways:

1. Programmatically - via a keyboard shortcut Fn + F5 (or Fn + F2 on some modifications).
2. Hardware - using a mechanical switch on the case (if your version has one).

On the majority B560 there is no separate toggle switch for Wi-Fi, but some assemblies (for example, for the American market) were equipped with it. It is usually located on right or left end laptop near the USB ports. If there is a switch, slide it to the position «ON» (usually marked with a green dot).

If there is no toggle switch, try keyboard shortcut:

• 🔹 Click Fn + F5 (the most common combination for Lenovo B560).
• 🔹 If it doesn't work, try Fn + F2 (on some versions with AMD).
• 🔹 Press and hold the keys for 3–5 seconds—sometimes the laptop doesn't respond to short presses.

How do I know if Wi-Fi is turned on?

After successful pressing:

• 🔸 On the key F5 (or F2) should light up orange/blue indicator.
• 🔸 A network icon with available connections will appear in the Windows tray (bottom right).
• 🔸 If the indicator is flashing red, it means that the adapter It's on but can't find the network. (check your router).

2. Check in BIOS: Why Wi-Fi may be blocked

If hardware activation didn't help, the problem may lie in the settings. BIOS/UEFIOn . Lenovo B560 The Wi-Fi adapter sometimes gets disabled at the firmware level—for example, after a factory reset or BIOS update. To check this:

1. Restart your laptop and press immediately F2 (or Del, less often F1) to enter BIOS.
2. Go to the section Advanced → Wireless (or Configuration → Network).
3. Find the parameter Wireless LAN and set the value Enabled.
4. Save changes (F10 → Yes) and reboot.

What to do if there is no Wireless option in BIOS?

In some BIOS versions Lenovo B560 The option is hidden. Try:

• 🔹 Reset BIOS to factory settings (Load Default Settings).
• 🔹 Update BIOS to the latest version (see section 5).
• 🔹 Check if the adapter is disabled in Device Manager (more on this below).

⚠️ Attention: If after changing the BIOS settings the laptop stops booting, reset the CMOS by removing the battery on the motherboard for 10 minutes (disassembly is required). B560 The battery is located under the keyboard, next to the cooler.

3. Enabling Wi-Fi via Windows: Device Manager and Network Settings

If the adapter is physically turned on, but Windows does not “see” it, the problem lies in drivers or OS settings. First, check the device status in Device Manager:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the names Broadcom 802.11, Intel Wireless or Atheros.

Possible adapter statuses and what to do:

If the adapter appears normal in the Device Manager, but Wi-Fi is not working:

• 🔹 Check it out airplane mode: click Win + A and turn it off.
• 🔹 Launch network diagnostics: right-click on the Wi-Fi icon → Troubleshooting.
• 🔹 Reset network settings: Settings → Network → Network reset.

Make sure Airplane Mode is turned off|Check if the adapter is enabled in Device Manager|Run network troubleshooter|Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver-->

4. Installing and updating Wi-Fi drivers

About 40% of problems with Wi-Fi on Lenovo B560 related to outdated or damaged driversThis model was equipped with adapters from Broadcom, Intel or Atheros, and each requires its own drivers. Do not use generic drivers from Microsoft. - They often don't work.

How do I find out the adapter model?

1. Open device Manager (Win + X).
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Double click on the wireless device and go to the tab Intelligence.
4. From the drop-down menu, select Equipment ID - copy the first line (starts with PCI\VEN_).

Where can I download the correct drivers?

• 🔹 Lenovo official website: Please enter your laptop model (B560) and select your OS. For B560 Drivers from are suitable IdeaPad B460/B570 - they are compatible.
• 🔹 Adapter manufacturer's website: if adapter Intel — download from downloadcenter.intel.com, If Broadcom - With www.broadcom.com/support.
• 🔹 Specialized packs: DriverPack Solution or SlimDrivers (only if you haven't found the original ones!).

Installation instructions:

1. Remove the old driver: in Device Manager, right-click on the adapter → Remove device → check the box Uninstall driver programs.
2. Restart your laptop.
3. Run the downloaded driver installer as administrator.
4. After installation, reboot again.

⚠️ Attention: If after installing the driver, Wi-Fi disappears from Device Manager, it means you downloaded an incompatible version. Use Lenovo System Update (utility from the manufacturer) for automatic selection of drivers.

What to do if the driver is not installed?

If the driver installer returns an error "Device not found", try:

1. Install the driver in manual mode via Device Manager (update driver → Search this computer).

2. Disable digital signature verification Windows (to do this, hold down while booting) Shift + F8 and select Disable mandatory driver signature verification).

3. Check if the driver conflicts with the antivirus (temporarily disable protection).

5. BIOS update: a last resort

If all the previous methods didn't work, the problem might be outdated BIOS firmwareOn . Lenovo B560 old BIOS versions (before 44CN27WW) have bugs with wireless adapter management. The update will help if:

• 🔹 Wi-Fi is unstable (constantly disconnects).
• 🔹 The adapter is not detected even after reinstalling Windows.
• 🔹 There is no option in the BIOS Wireless LAN.

How to update BIOS on Lenovo B560:

1. Download the latest BIOS version from Lenovo's official website (select model IdeaPad B560).
2. Unzip the archive and copy the firmware file (usually with the extension .FD or .ROM) on an empty flash drive (FAT32).
3. Restart your laptop and go to BIOS (F2) and select Update BIOS (or Flash BIOS).
4. Specify the path to the file on the flash drive and wait for the completion (Do not turn off the power!).

Important warnings:

• 🔹 Update your BIOS battery powered only (not from the network)!
• 🔹 Do not use a BIOS version from another model (even B570 may not fit).
• 🔹 If an error occurs during the update, the laptop may stop turning on.

6. Diagnostics of hardware faults

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may be in physical malfunction adapter or antennas. On Lenovo B560 common causes:

• 🔹 Oxidation of contacts Wi-Fi module (due to humidity or time).
• 🔹 Broken antenna cable (manifested as a weak signal or complete absence of networks).
• 🔹 Chip overheating (the adapter switches off under load).

How to check the hardware:

1. Visual inspection:
   • Turn off the laptop, disconnect the battery and power cable.
   • Remove the back cover (unscrew the screws and carefully pry up the plastic latch).
   • Find the Wi-Fi module - it looks like a small board with two antenna wires (black and white).
   • Check that the antennas are firmly seated in the connectors (they should click when connected).

Check in another system:

• If possible, connect the Wi-Fi module to another laptop (for example, via an adapter) mPCIe-to-USB).
• Or install a known working module in B560 (adapters from are suitable) B570, G570).

Signs of a faulty adapter:

• 🔹 The laptop is not responding Fn + F5, although Wi-Fi is enabled in BIOS.
• 🔹 The adapter appears and disappears in the Device Manager (error code 45).
• 🔹 The network signal is extremely weak (1–2 bars), even near the router.

⚠️ Attention: If you are not confident in your laptop disassembly skills, it is better to contact a service center. Lenovo B560 The keyboard and touchpad cables are fragile and easily torn if the cover is removed carelessly.

7. Alternative ways to connect to the Internet

If Wi-Fi is on Lenovo B560 It still hasn't worked, but you need the Internet urgently. Use alternative methods:

1. USB Wi-Fi adapter

The easiest solution is to buy an external adapter (from 300 rubles). For B560 will do:

• 🔹 TP-Link TL-WN725N (compact, does not require drivers for Windows 10/11).
• 🔹 ASUS USB-AC51 (supports 5 GHz).
• 🔹 D-Link DWA-131 (with removable antenna for better signal).

2. Sharing Internet from your phone

If you have a smartphone that supports USB-thering or Bluetooth-thering:

1. Connect your phone to your laptop via USB.
2. Turn it on in your phone settings Modem mode → USB modem.
3. On the laptop in Network connections a new connection will appear.

3. Ethernet over USB

If there is a router near the laptop, but there is no Wi-Fi:

• 🔹 Buy an adapter USB-to-Ethernet (For example, TP-Link UE300).
• 🔹 Connect the cable from the router to the adapter, and the adapter to the USB port B560.
• 🔹 Windows will automatically install the driver and configure the connection.

Lenovo B560 Wi-Fi FAQ

Why did Wi-Fi disappear after reinstalling Windows?

The cause is usually a missing driver. Windows 10/11 does not always automatically install drivers for older adapters (especially Broadcom). Download the driver from the Lenovo website. before reinstalling the OS and save it to a flash drive.

The Fn + F5 key isn't working. What should I do?

Possible reasons:

• 🔹 Driver not installed Lenovo Hotkey Features (download it from the official website).
• 🔹 Conflict with the video card driver (update the driver) Intel HD Graphics or AMD Radeon).
• 🔹 Key Fn locked in BIOS (check the setting) HotKey Mode).

Wi-Fi turns on but can't find a network. What's wrong?

The problem may be:

• 🔹 Router (reboot it, check channel settings).
• 🔹 Antennas (If the signal is weak, the cable inside the laptop may have come loose).
• 🔹 Adapter settings (open Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings, right-click on the wireless connection → Properties → Configure → on the tab Additionally check the parameter Wireless Mode — must be 802.11b/g/n or Auto).

Is it possible to replace the Wi-Fi module with a more modern one?

Yes, but with restrictions:

• 🔹 Lenovo B560 supports modules of the format mPCIe (Not M.2!).
• 🔹 Maximum speed is limited by the interface - even if you set Intel 7260 (867 Mbps), the actual speed will not exceed 150–300 Mbps.
• 🔹 Compatible models: Intel 6205/6235, Broadcom BCM4313, Atheros AR9285.
• 🔹 Before purchasing, check if there is an option in the BIOS Whitelist (on some Lenovo it blocks non-original modules).

Wi-Fi stopped working after updating the BIOS. How do I roll back?

If the update was unsuccessful:

1. Download previous BIOS version from the Lenovo website.
2. Unzip it to a flash drive (FAT32).
3. Boot into BIOS, find the option Downgrade BIOS or Flash BIOS and select the old firmware.
4. If there is no rollback option, create a bootable USB flash drive with DOS and flash the BIOS via the command line (instructions are on the forums) Lenovo).

Important: Rolling back the BIOS is risky - only do it if you are sure the new version caused the problem.