Msi pro b850-p wifi not showing wifi, please help!

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues on the MSI PRO B850-P WiFi Motherboard

If you’ve recently assembled a new PC featuring the MSI PRO B850-P WiFi motherboard and are experiencing difficulties connecting to wireless networks, you’re not alone. This guide aims to help you identify potential causes and troubleshoot common Wi-Fi connectivity issues effectively.

Understanding the Issue

Many users have reported that after completing their PC build, the Wi-Fi option does not appear in the network settings, and only Bluetooth connections are visible. Furthermore, the Device Manager may not list any Wi-Fi adapters under the “Network Adapters” category, which indicates that the system is not recognizing the wireless hardware.

Possible Causes

1. Wi-Fi Module Not Enabled or Installed Properly:
   The MSI PRO B850-P WiFi motherboard features built-in Wi-Fi support. However, if the wireless module is disabled in BIOS or not properly installed, it won’t appear in the operating system.

2. Missing or Incorrect Drivers:
   Windows may not have the necessary drivers installed for the Wi-Fi hardware, which can prevent the device from being detected or functioning correctly.

3. Disabled Wi-Fi in BIOS Settings:
   Sometimes, onboard Wi-Fi can be disabled at the firmware level, which would prevent detection in Windows.

4. Hardware Malfunction or Compatibility Issues:
   Although less common, hardware defects or compatibility issues with other components may cause recognition problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Verify BIOS Settings:

2. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI firmware settings (typically by pressing DEL or F2 during startup).

3. Locate the Integrated Peripherals or Onboard Devices section.
4. Ensure that the Wi-Fi / onboard wireless module is enabled.

5. Save changes and exit BIOS.

6. Check Hardware Installation:

7. Confirm that the Wi-Fi module (if separate or optional) is properly seated in its slot.

8. For built-in Wi-Fi, this step may not be applicable, but ensure that any physical switches or jumpers related to wireless functionality are correctly configured.

9. Reinstall or Update Drivers:

10. Boot into Windows.

11. Open Device Manager (Win + X, then select Device Manager).
12. Check under “Network Adapters” for any devices related to wireless adapters.
13. If no Wi-Fi device appears, visit the MSI official website, navigate to your motherboard model’s support page, and download the latest drivers for onboard Wi-Fi.