If Windows 10 is stuck in Airplane Mode, your PC can’t get online. Follow this troubleshooting guide if you find yourself in this situation.
Reasons Why Windows 10 Gets Stuck in Airplane Mode
There are a few reasons why your laptop may get stuck in airplane mode. Usually, the problem is due to software bugs or glitches, faulty network drivers, or a simple physical switch. In most cases, your first approach should be to restart the computer. Often, the cause of the problem will reveal itself with its corresponding fix.
How to Fix It When Windows 10 Is Stuck in Airplane Mode
Follow these steps in order to get your Windows device out of airplane mode. It starts with the simplest solutions and progresses to more advanced options.
Reboot the Windows computer. Many errors, including a Windows 10 device stuck in Airplane mode, can be resolved with a simple reboot. Use a keyboard shortcut. Check your keyboard for a key featuring an icon that looks like a radio tower emitting signals. This key varies from model to model and is typically a function key or another key found along the top row, such as PrtScr (PrintScreen). Hold the Function (Fn) key, then press the key containing the icon mentioned above. If successful, a notification appears in the upper-left corner of the screen stating Airplane mode off, and Wi-Fi and other connectivity are instantly reinstated. Not all computers have this key. If you don’t see it at first glance, move to the next troubleshooting step. Use the Windows Action Center. Select the Action Center icon located in the lower-left corner of the desktop (it looks like a message window), then select the Airplane Mode icon to toggle the feature off. A list of available connections appears. If any of your previously configured Wi-Fi networks are set to connect automatically and are in range, you should be online in a few seconds. Use a custom button. Certain PCs (mainly laptops) come with an Airplane Mode button, sometimes referred to as the Network button. Pressing this button enables and disables Airplane Mode. See the PC manufacturer’s manual for more details on whether your computer has this button and where it is located. Depending on the model, this switch can sometimes override Windows settings. You must set it to the proper position to avoid getting stuck in Airplane Mode. Turn off airplane mode through System Settings. You can also toggle airplane mode off and on from the System Settings interface. Go to the Search box, enter airplane mode, then select Airplane mode: System settings, located under the Best match header. You’ll see the Airplane Mode Settings interface. Under the Airplane mode heading, toggle the switch to Off. Reset the PC’s BIOS to its default settings. Clearing CMOS will reset the BIOS settings to their defaults. This is only recommended for advanced users. Reinstall Windows 10. You’ll reinstall Windows 10 using the Reset This PC feature. This is also a big project, so it’s only recommended as a last resort. Consult Microsoft support. If none of the above solutions worked, contact Microsoft support to resolve the issue.
Hold the Function (Fn) key, then press the key containing the icon mentioned above. If successful, a notification appears in the upper-left corner of the screen stating Airplane mode off, and Wi-Fi and other connectivity are instantly reinstated.
A list of available connections appears. If any of your previously configured Wi-Fi networks are set to connect automatically and are in range, you should be online in a few seconds.
See the PC manufacturer’s manual for more details on whether your computer has this button and where it is located.
You’ll see the Airplane Mode Settings interface. Under the Airplane mode heading, toggle the switch to Off.
