Learn how to refresh available Wi-Fi networks in Windows 11

This article explains refreshing or rescanning available Wi-Fi networks in Windows 11.

Wi-Fi in Windows allows users to connect to wireless networks. This allows users to access the internet and other resources without needing physical cables, providing flexibility and mobility.

Wi-Fi networks within range will be visible when you open the Wi-Fi connection pane in Windows. When you see a Wi-Fi SSID, you can select and connect to it depending on whether you have the correct password.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26002 (Canary), Microsoft has rolled out a new refresh button on the Wi-Fi Quick Settings flyout, so you can now refresh the list of wireless networks available.

Instead of waiting for a network’s SSID to appear, you can use the refresh or rescan button to search for networks not displayed on the list.

Refresh the Wi-Fi list on the Quick Settings

As mentioned above, a new refresh button on the Wi-Fi Quick Settings flyout pane allows users to rescan available Wi-Fi networks.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open Quick Settings (Win+A).

Then, select the Manage Wi-Fi connections arrow on the right side of the Wi-Fi button.

Click the ‘Refresh‘ button on the Wi-Fi connection pane to refresh the Wi-Fi networks list.

Refresh the Wi-Fi networks list using the Windows Terminal

Another way to refresh the Wi-Fi network list is to use the Windows Terminal app.

First, open the Windows Terminal app. Then select the PowerShell tab and run the command below.

Get-Service wlansvc | Restart-Service
OR
Restart-Service -Force -Name "wlansvc"

Use the Command Prompt tab with Windows Terminal and run the command below to refresh the Wi-Fi networks list.

PowerShell "Get-Service wlansvc | Restart-Service"
OR
PowerShell Restart-Service -Force -Name "wlansvc"

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to refresh the Wi-Fi network list in Windows 11. Please use the comments form below if you find errors or have something to add.