So, some things were not loading in any browser (Edge, Chrome, Firefox). Not everything; it was an odd mix. Updates had been conducted, diagnosis run, etc. Wasn’t deeply affecting my ability to surf the net so I mostly just ignored it. I figured some update would be installed at some point which would fix it.
That didn’t happen.
Then it grew worse. Suddenly my ‘puter began telling me that I was in Airplane mode all the friggin’ time. Again, not a serious issue but annoying to me and also a concern that there may be deeper issues at work.
So, on a whim today, I ran updates on my drivers. Turned out my WiFi driver wouldn’t update. Ran some stuff to fix that, and all the network stuff just disappeared. Adapter wouldn’t turn on; didn’t even show up. Wireless switch didn’t work. For all intents and purposes (or intensive purposes…chuckle), my laptop’s wireless didn’t exist.
With a deep-throated GRRRRRRR building in my head, I pulled out an ethernet cable and went wired with my laptop to connect to the net. Next I did some brief searches about the problem. Really inane and simplistic solutions were offered. Like, “Check the wireless password and ensure that is right.” That was just red meat to the GRRRRRRR within me. But finally, with patience, I found a site that knew what was up. It directed me to my Services where it was revealed that Windows had turned off my WLAN AutoConfig. WTF, right? Right-clicked that puppy and joy was achieved. I was wireless again and everything loaded.
We have joy in mudville once again.
Michael Seidel, writer 
Hi Michael. As a tech person long out of date with the new stuff, what would cause Windows to take such an action? Or was it done by the antivirus / anti-malware software you run? Just to educate myself I did a search for WLAN AutoConfig. It should be an interesting read. Glad you have joy again. I have different programs that all want to update my drives. I only let one do it as it has proved itself over time. Hugs
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Don’t know. That surprised me as well. Did a Windows update today (no choice, auto download, etc), and it again turned off the WLAN AutoConfig. All evidence points to Windows shutting it off, but its reasoning is unknown. Hugs
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Ah shoot. I was excited thinking to learn something new about windows. The 5 pages I opened did not give me any information not covered in the stuff I already knew. But I have not seen any of them say why the service might have been shut off. I looked at all my computers and the settings are to manual which is how I like it for my own control. But when it comes to my computers I admit I am a control freak. Hugs.
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I hear you and understand. Hugs ‘n cheers, M
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