Laptop Lenovo G50-45 — a popular model from 2014–2015, it's still widely used thanks to its robust build and balanced features. However, many users encounter a problem: The Wi-Fi adapter suddenly stops working., isn't showing up in the list of networks, or is simply disabled. There could be various reasons, from accidentally pressing a key to a driver error.
In this article we will look at all possible ways to turn on Wi-Fi on Lenovo G50-45, including hardware switches, BIOS settings, driver updates, and troubleshooting. We'll pay special attention to common errors (e.g., Code 10 or Network adapter not detected) and their solution.
If your laptop isn't detecting a network or the Wi-Fi icon is crossed out, don't rush to take it to a service center. In 80% of cases, you can fix the problem yourself in 5-10 minutes. Let's start with the easiest part!
1. Checking the Wi-Fi hardware switch
On Lenovo G50-45 Wi-Fi can be turned off physically — using a special key or switch. This is the most common reason for networks to "disappear."
🔹 Where to find the switch?
- 💡 Key
Fn + F5(orFn + F2) - on most models Lenovo This combination is responsible for the wireless modules. Press it and check if the Wi-Fi icon appears in the system tray. - 🔄 Side switch - on some modifications G50-45 There's a small slider on the left or front (usually with an antenna 📶). Move it to the position
ON. - 🖥️ Indicator on the body If the orange/blue LED next to the keyboard or on the front panel is lit, Wi-Fi is enabled. If it's not lit, try a key combination.
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Attention! On some versions Lenovo G50-45 (for example, with processors AMD A6/A8) the combination may differ. IfFn + F5didn't work, tryFn + F2orFn + F7.
If Wi-Fi doesn't appear after pressing the keys, proceed to the next step. There may be a problem with your system settings or drivers.
2. Enable Wi-Fi via Windows settings
Sometimes the adapter is disabled at the operating system level. Let's check this in Windows settings (relevant for Windows 10/11):
🔹 Step-by-step instructions:
- Click
Win + Ito open Parameters. - Go to the section
Network and Internet → Wi-Fi. - Make sure the slider is Wireless Network enabled (should be blue).
- If the slider is gray and inactive, click on it.
Change adapter settings(on the right). - Find Wireless Network Connection, right click and select
Turn on.
📌 What if the adapter is not on the list?
- 🔧 This means that the driver is not installed or the adapter is disabled in Device Manager (we will discuss this below).
- 💻 If you have recently updated Windows, try roll back the system to the previous restore point.
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Attention! IN Windows 11 The interface may be slightly different, but the logic is the same. If you don't see Wi-Fi in your network settings after turning it on, check airplane mode (it disables all wireless modules).
☑️ Network check in Windows
3. Check and configure in Device Manager
If Wi-Fi does not turn on via keys or settings, the problem is most likely in Device ManagerThere are two ways to get there:
- Click
Win + Xand select "Device Manager". - Or type in Windows search
devmgmt.mscand pressEnter.
🔹 What to look for in the Dispatcher:
- Expand the tab Network Adapters.
- Find the device with the names
Wireless,Wi-Fi,802.11or Qualcomm Atheros/Broadcom (V Lenovo G50-45 usually worth it Qualcomm Atheros QCA9565). - If there is one near the adapter down arrow (🔽) - Right-click and select
Engage. - If there is no adapter at all, the problem is in the drivers (see the next section).
🔧 Error codes and their meaning:
| Error code | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
Code 10 |
The driver cannot start the device. | Reinstall/update the driver |
Code 45 |
The device was manually disabled | Enable via context menu |
Code 28 |
No drivers | Install the driver from the Lenovo website |
Code 43 |
Windows has stopped the device due to errors. | Roll back the driver or update the BIOS |
If the adapter shows up as "Unknown Device" in Device Manager, it's 100% a driver issue. Proceed to the next section.
4. Installing and updating Wi-Fi drivers
Drivers are the most common reason for Wi-Fi not working on Lenovo G50-45. Especially if you recently reinstalled Windows or updated the system. Let's take a look. 3 ways to install drivers:
🔹 Method 1: Automatic update via Device Manager
- Open device Manager (
devmgmt.msc). - Find your Wi-Fi adapter (tab
Network adapters). - Right click →
Update driver→Automatic search.
❌ Minus: Windows doesn't always find up-to-date drivers, especially for older models.
🔹 Method 2: Manual installation from the Lenovo website
- 🌍 Go to Lenovo's official support website.
- 🔍 Enter your laptop model: G50-45 (check the modification on the sticker below!).
- 📥 In the section
Drivers and softwarefind Wireless Network (Wi-Fi) and download the latest version. - 📂 Install the driver and restart your laptop.
🔹 Method 3: Installation via third-party programs
If the first two methods don't work, you can use utilities like:
- DriverPack Solution (automatic driver search).
- Snappy Driver Installer (offline driver database).
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Attention! Third-party programs may install unnecessary software. Use them only if other methods fail, and download them from official websites.
📌 What to do if the driver is not installed?
- 🔄 Try it remove the old driver via Device Manager (right click →
Remove device), then install a new one. - 🛠️ If the installation fails, run the installation file as administrator.
How can I find out the exact model of my Wi-Fi adapter?
Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → Right-click the adapter → Properties → Details tab → select Hardware IDs. Copy the top line (starting with VEN/DEV) and search for the driver using this code on Google.
5. Checking BIOS settings
If Wi-Fi does not turn on even after installing the drivers, it may be The wireless module is disabled in the BIOSThis is a rare problem, but it's worth ruling out.
🔹 How to enter BIOS on Lenovo G50-45:
- Turn off your laptop.
- Press the power button and immediately press it repeatedly
F2(orDel, less oftenF1). - If it doesn't work, try
Fn + F2.
🔹 What to look for in BIOS:
- Go to the section
AdvancedorConfiguration. - Find the parameters
Wireless LAN,Wi-FiorWLAN Radio. - Make sure the value is
Enabled(IfDisabled- change and save the settings using the keyF10).
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Attention! BIOS settings may vary depending on the version. If you're unsure, avoid changing any other settings, as this could cause your laptop to malfunction.
📌 What to do if there is no Wi-Fi option in BIOS?
This means the problem isn't with the BIOS. Go back to checking your drivers or hardware switches.
6. Troubleshooting and Alternative Solutions
If all the above methods did not help, the problem may be hardware (Wi-Fi module failure) or related to router settingsLet's look at typical scenarios:
🔹 Checking the router and network
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and distributing the network (check on your phone or other device).
- 🔄 Reboot your router (unplug it from the power outlet for 30 seconds).
- 🔒 Check if your Wi-Fi password has changed.
🔹 Signs of hardware failure
If after all these steps Wi-Fi still doesn't work, pay attention to the following symptoms:
- 🚫 In Device Manager The adapter is displayed with an exclamation mark (
Code 43orCode 10), and no driver helps. - 🔌 The laptop does not respond to the hardware Wi-Fi button (the indicator does not light up).
- 💥 Before the problem, the laptop was dropped, hit, or exposed to liquid.
In such cases, it is most likely out of order Wi-Fi module (usually Qualcomm Atheros or Broadcom). It can be replaced - the cost of a new module for Lenovo G50-45 is ~1000–1500 rubles (2026).
🔹 Alternative ways to connect to the Internet
If Wi-Fi isn't working but you urgently need internet, use:
- 📱 USB modem (connect your phone via USB and turn it on
Modem mode). - 🖧 Ethernet cable (if the router is nearby).
- 🔄 External Wi-Fi adapter (USB dongle for 500–800 rubles).
7. Common mistakes and their solutions
Let's figure it out TOP 5 mistakesthat owners face Lenovo G50-45, and ways to eliminate them:
🔹 Error: "No connections available" (Wi-Fi icon is crossed out)
- 🔧 Solution: Check your hardware switch, update your driver, or reset your network settings (
Settings → Network → Network reset).
🔹 Error: "Windows couldn't connect to the network"
- 🔧 Solution: Forget the network (
Wi-Fi Settings → Manage Known Networks) and reconnect. If that doesn't help, change the router's security type fromWPA3onWPA2.
🔹 Error: "The network adapter does not have valid IP configuration settings."
- 🔧 Solution: Open
Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settingsRight click on Wi-Fi →Properties→Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4)→ Check the boxesObtain IP/DNS automatically.
🔹 Error: "Driver not designed for this platform" (during installation)
- 🔧 Solution: Download the driver for the correct system bitness (32-bit or 64-bit). You can find out the bitness in
Settings → System → About.
🔹 Error: Wi-Fi turns on but keeps turning off
- 🔧 Solution: Turn it off energy savings for adapter:
- Open device Manager.
- Right-click on the Wi-Fi adapter →
Properties→ tabPower management. - Uncheck the box
Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
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Attention! If after updating Windows 10/11 to the latest version Wi-Fi stopped working, try rolling back the system or installing the driver in compatibility mode (right click on the installer →Properties→Compatibility→ selectWindows 8).
FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Why is there no Wi-Fi button on my Lenovo G50-45?
On some modifications G50-45 There is no hardware button. A combination is used instead. Fn + F5 (or another, depending on the BIOS version). Also check the side switches—sometimes they're hidden under rubber caps.
🔹 Is it possible to connect an external Wi-Fi adapter if the built-in one is broken?
Yes, this is the simplest solution. For Lenovo G50-45 Any USB adapter with support will do Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)Popular models: TP-Link TL-WN725N, ASUS USB-AC51Cost: from 500 rubles.
🔹 How do I reset my network settings to factory defaults?
IN Windows 10/11 go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network resetAfter rebooting, all network adapters will return to their default settings (you will need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password).
🔹 Why doesn't Wi-Fi work after reinstalling Windows?
This is a common situation—Windows doesn't install Wi-Fi drivers automatically. Download the driver from Lenovo website through another device and transfer to your laptop via USB.
🔹 Is it possible to enable Wi-Fi without drivers?
No, without drivers, the adapter won't be detected by the system. The only solution is to install the driver via another connection (Ethernet, USB modem) or transfer files from another PC.