How to turn on Wi-Fi on a Lenovo IdeaPad 100 laptop: all the methods

Laptop Lenovo IdeaPad 100 — a popular model for work and study, but users often encounter a problem: Wi-Fi suddenly disconnects or fails to turn on after a Windows update, a system reinstallation, or even a simple reboot. In 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved in 2-3 minutes if you know where to look.

In this article - All working methods for turning on Wi-Fi on IdeaPad 100 (including series 100-14IBY, 100-15IBY (and other modifications). We'll cover hardware switches, Windows settings, driver updates, and even rare cases where the problem lies in the BIOS. If your laptop isn't detecting a network or the Wi-Fi icon is crossed out, you'll find the solution here.

For your convenience, we've arranged the methods from simplest to most complex. Start with the first section and move on to the next step if the previous method doesn't work. On models IdeaPad 100 With Windows 10/11, a keyboard shortcut often helps Fn + F7 - try it right now.

1. Checking the Wi-Fi hardware switch

On many laptops Lenovo, including the series IdeaPad 100Wi-Fi can be disabled using a physical button or switch. This is designed to save battery life, but users often accidentally press it, wondering why the internet connection is lost.

Where to look for the switch:

• 🔍 Laptop side panel - on some modifications there is a small slider with the inscription Wireless or the antenna icon. Move it to the position ON.
• 💻 Keyboard - press the combination Fn + F7 (on some models - Fn + F5). Icon on the key F7 should light up orange or white.
• 🖱️ Touchpad — It's rare, but some versions have a touch-sensitive button to the right of the touchpad for controlling wireless modules. Tap it once.

If after pressing the combination Fn + F7 If the Wi-Fi indicator on the key doesn't light, the problem may be with the keyboard drivers or BIOS settings. Read more about this in the following sections.

2. Enable Wi-Fi via Windows settings

If the hardware switch doesn't help, check your operating system settings. In Windows 10 and 11, Wi-Fi may be disabled by software—for example, after an update or due to Airplane mode.

How to enable Wi-Fi through settings:

1. Click Win + Ito open Windows Settings.
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
3. Move the slider Wi-Fi in position On.
4. If there is no slider or it is inactive, click Change adapter settings (on the right in the menu).
5. In the window that opens, find Wireless network (or Wireless Network Connection), right-click and select Turn on.

If after these steps the Wi-Fi still doesn't work, check if Airplane mode is enabled:

• 📱 Tap the network icon in the lower right corner of the screen (next to the clock).
• 🛫 Make sure the button Airplane mode disabled (not highlighted in blue).
• 🔄 If the mode was enabled, disable it and restart the laptop.

3. Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver

One of the most common reasons for Wi-Fi not working is Lenovo IdeaPad 100 — outdated, corrupted, or missing wireless adapter drivers. This can occur after a Windows update, a virus attack, or an improper laptop shutdown.

How to update the driver:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the section Network adapters.
3. Find the device with the names Wireless, Wi-Fi, 802.11 or Network Controller (if the name is unknown, see the table below).
4. Right click on it and select Update driver → Automatic search.

If the automatic search doesn't help, download the driver manually:

If after updating the driver the Wi-Fi still doesn't work, try remove the device and restart the laptop:

1. IN Device Manager Right click on the Wi-Fi adapter.
2. Select Remove device → check the box Remove the driver software for this device (if any).
3. Restart your laptop. Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

4. Checking BIOS/UFEI settings

In rare cases, Wi-Fi can be disabled at the BIOS level. This typically occurs after resetting the BIOS settings, updating the firmware, or if the laptop has been repaired. Lenovo IdeaPad 100 The wireless module settings are hidden in the section Advanced or Configuration.

How to enable Wi-Fi in BIOS:

1. Turn off your laptop.
2. Press the power button and immediately press repeatedly F2 (or Fn + F2) to enter BIOS.
3. Go to the section Advanced → Wireless or Network Configuration.
4. Find the parameter Wireless LAN or Wi-Fi and set the value Enabled.
5. Save changes (F10) and restart the laptop.

If your BIOS doesn't have this setting, it's not the problem. Return to the previous sections.

5. Troubleshooting using Windows

Windows 10 and 11 have built-in tools for diagnosing network problems. They don't always solve the problem, but they often provide clues as to the cause—for example, they might report a missing driver or an IP address conflict.

How to run diagnostics:

1. Right-click on the network icon in the tray (next to the clock).
2. Select Troubleshooting.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The system will automatically check the adapter, IP settings, and connection to the router.

If the diagnostics don't help, try resetting your network settings:

1. Open Parameters → Network and Internet → State.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Confirm the action and restart the laptop.

After resetting, all saved networks will be deleted, and you'll have to re-enter your passwords. However, this often resolves connection issues.

6. Checking the physical connection of the Wi-Fi module

If none of the previous methods worked, the problem might be hardware failure — for example, the Wi-Fi module contact has come loose or it has failed. Lenovo IdeaPad 100 The wireless module is usually located under the back cover, next to the battery.

How to test the module:

• 🔧 Disconnect the laptop from the power supply and remove the battery. (if it is removable).
• 🔩 Remove the back cover (You'll need a Phillips screwdriver.) It's usually held in place with 8-10 screws.
• 📡 Find the Wi-Fi module - This is a small board with two antennas (black and white wires).
• 🔌 Check your connection - carefully remove the module and insert it back, making sure that the contacts are not bent.

If the Wi-Fi works after this procedure, the problem was a poor connection. If not, the module may be faulty and needs to be replaced. Lenovo IdeaPad 100 form factor modules are usually installed M.2 2230 (For example, Intel 7265NGW or Realtek RTL8723BE).

7. Alternative ways to connect to the Internet

If the wifi is on Lenovo IdeaPad 100 It still hasn't worked, but you need the Internet urgently. Use alternative methods:

• 🌐 USB modem — Connect a 3G/4G modem from your carrier (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon). Most models are detected automatically.
• 📱 Smartphone as a hotspot - turn it on on your phone Modem mode and connect your laptop via Wi-Fi or USB.
• 🖥️ Ethernet cable — if the router is nearby, connect the laptop to it via a network cable (RJ-45 port).
• 🔄 Powerline adapter — If the router is far away, use adapters that transmit the Internet through electrical wiring.

These methods will help temporarily solve the problem until you find the cause of the broken Wi-Fi or take your laptop to a service center.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on the Lenovo IdeaPad 100

sudo rfkill unblock wifi
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager