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March 20th, 2025 05:26
Vostro 3681 suddenly doesn't give a wifi option/does not detect it's wireless adapter
My Vostro 3681 suddenly doesn't detect its wireless adapter and does not give an option to connect to wifi. It seemed to happen right after the Windows 11 Version 24H2 (KB5053598) update but this is just speculation. I connected it to a LAN line and updated everything through windows as well as I updated everything through Dell SupportAssist with no luck. I tried uninstalling the wireless driver through device manager and restarting the computer and I tried disabling/enabling through the BIOS all to no avail.
It should be noted that, for whatever reason, when I tried to access the dell website to manually install drivers, the dell website couldn't be reached and so far can't be reached on this PC only. Furthermore, when I go into settings on the PC and go to the "Network & Internet" tab, settings freezes and then crashes; so I am unable to access the "Network & Internet" tab entirely.
Extra note: I have 3 Vostro 3681 computers in total and the other 2 work completely fine with no issues. It is just this one for some reason.
Any and all help/guidance will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and dedication!
lmacri
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March 21st, 2025 14:14
Hi MDLH72:
If your service warranty has expired let us know your Windows OS [if Win 10 or Win 11 open a Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and enter winver to find the version and OS build number] and BIOS version. To find your current BIOS version open a Run dialog box, enter msinfo32 to open your System Information, and look for the field named "BIOS Version / Date" in the summary.
Also let us know the make / model and current driver version of your WiFi/wireless adapter shown in Device Manager, and confirm that the General tab of your device properties states "This device is working properly" under Device Status (see the Lifewire article How Do I View a Device's Status in Windows?). From my Inspiron 15 5584, which has a Qualcomm QCA9377 wireless adapter:
I'd also suggest you run a F12 ePSA (enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment) on-board hardware diagnostic from your Dell BIOS. See the support article How to Run Dell Preboot Diagnostics and Hardware Tests on Your Dell Computer as well as the companion video How to Run Dell ePSA. Start with the Quick Test, and then move on to the Advanced Test section and run the advanced test for your network. If any of your ePSA scans reports an error code (e.g., 2000-0132) write it down and post back to let us know the error code(s).
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Dell Inspiron 15 5584 * 64-bit Win 10 Pro v22H2 build 19045.5608 * Firefox v136.0.2 * Microsoft Defender v4.18.25010.11-1.1.25020.1007 * Malwarebytes Premium v5.2.8.173-128.0.5184 * Macrium Reflect Free v8.0.7783 * Dell Update for Windows Universal v5.4.0 * My Dell v2.2.6.0 * Fusion Service 2.2.14.0
(edited)
MDLH72
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March 25th, 2025 03:38
@lmacri Thank you so much for your detailed response and taking the time to cover each step carefully!
Unfortunately, my service warranty was expired and I felt like there was not much I could do as a result. I sincerely thank you again for your detailed instructions despite my situation.
Fortunately, shortly after posting here, I used the Windows Creation Tool to download the Windows updates again for my computer. It turns out the Version 24H2 update was what caused all the problems after all. After re-updating, my computer is running fine again so far.
Once again, I want to greatly express my gratitude towards your efforts to help me. In the event I have another issue, I will refer to this information. I really hope that won't be the case though!
Thank you again for everything!
DELL-Jesse L
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March 21st, 2025 08:05
To receive assistance from Dell chat support, they need to verify the warranty status and ownership. Then you must troubleshoot with them. Click the "Get Help Now" icon on the right to start a live chat session. If already out of warranty, click here for the Dell out of warranty offering.