How to Fix Duplicate WiFi Network on Windows 10
Dealing with a duplicate WiFi network on your Windows 10 device can be quite frustrating. Whether it’s a simple glitch or a more complex issue, there are several methods you can try to resolve this problem. In this article, I’ll guide you through a variety of approaches to fix the duplicate WiFi network issue on your Windows 10 machine.
Check for Interference
One of the most common reasons for a duplicate WiFi network is interference from other devices or networks. To check for interference, follow these steps:
- Ensure that your WiFi router is placed in a central location, away from walls and large metal objects.
- Change the WiFi channel on your router to avoid interference from neighboring networks. You can usually do this by logging into your router’s web interface.
- Disable any other devices that may be emitting WiFi signals, such as cordless phones or baby monitors.
Update Your Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause various issues, including duplicate WiFi networks. To update your drivers, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list.
- Expand the “Network adapters” category and right-click on your network adapter.
- Select “Update driver” and choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will search for and install the latest drivers for your network adapter.
Reset Your Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can help resolve many network-related issues, including duplicate WiFi networks. To reset your network settings, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Go to “Update & Security” > “Reset this PC” > “Reset now.” You can choose to keep your files or remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Manually Remove Duplicate WiFi Networks
If the above methods don’t work, you can manually remove the duplicate WiFi network from your device. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin).” You may need to enter an administrator password or confirmation.
- In the command prompt or PowerShell, type the following command and press Enter:
netsh wlan show profiles- This command will display a list of all WiFi profiles on your device. Find the duplicate network and note its name.
- Enter the following command, replacing “NetworkName” with the name of the duplicate network:
netsh wlan delete profile name="NetworkName"- Repeat this process for any other duplicate networks you find.
Check for Malware
Malware can sometimes cause duplicate WiFi networks by interfering with your network settings. To check for malware, follow these steps:
- Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.
- Remove any detected malware and restart your computer.
Reinstall Your WiFi Adapter
In some cases, reinstalling your WiFi adapter can resolve the duplicate network issue. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list.
- Expand the “Network adapters” category and right-click on your network adapter.
- Select “Uninstall device.” Make sure to check the box next to “Delete the driver software for this device” before clicking “Uninstall.” This will remove the driver for your network adapter.
- Restart your computer.
- After your computer restarts, Windows will automatically reinstall the network adapter and its drivers.
Replace Your WiFi Router
If none of the above methods work, it’s possible that your WiFi router is malfunctioning. In this case, you may need to replace your router with a new one. Before doing so, make sure to back up any important data from your router’s settings and configuration.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the duplicate WiFi network issue on your Windows 10 device. If the problem persists
