WiFi Adapter Keeps Disappearing on Windows 11 (ASUS TUF – MediaTek MT7921) Even After Driver & BIOS Updates

Understanding WiFi Connectivity Issues on ASUS TUF Laptops with Windows 11: Troubleshooting the Disappearing WiFi Adapter

Introduction

Many users have encountered persistent WiFi connectivity problems on ASUS TUF series laptops running Windows 11, particularly with the MediaTek MT7921 wireless card. A common symptom is the WiFi adapter intermittently disappearing from the system, rendering wireless networks unavailable and causing frustration. This guide aims to explore potential causes and provide comprehensive troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue effectively.

Identifying the Problem

Users report that the WiFi adapter either:

Vanishes from the Windows device list altogether
Shows a yellow warning icon in Device Manager
Does not detect any wireless networks
The WiFi icon disappears from the taskbar

In such cases, Windows may temporarily or persistently stop recognizing the hardware, leading to inconsistent connectivity.

Common Troubleshooting Steps

Before progressing to advanced solutions, ensure the following have been attempted:

Driver Updates
Download and install the latest drivers directly from ASUS’s official support webpage specific to your TUF model.
Utilize the MyASUS utility for driver management.
Update drivers via Windows Device Manager by selecting the WiFi adapter and choosing “Update Driver.”
BIOS Firmware Update
Update the BIOS to the latest version available for your laptop model from ASUS’s official support site. BIOS updates can improve hardware compatibility and system stability.
Network Settings Reset
Reset all network settings through Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network Reset.
Restart the system afterward.
Power Management Adjustments
Navigate to Device Manager > Network Adapters > MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 MT7921.
Right-click and select Properties > Power Management tab.
Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
Disable Fast Startup
Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck “Turn on fast startup” and save changes.
Windows Updates
Ensure your system is fully updated with the latest Windows 11 patches and updates, as these often contain essential fixes for hardware compatibility.