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My WiFi router has two networks with different SSIDs, one that broadcasts at 2.4GHz (b/g/n) and one that broadcasts at 5.8GHz (a/c).

I always connect to the 5.8GHz one, because the 2.4GHz one is much slower. That is, until yesterday when my Windows 10 PC just decided the 5.8GHz network doesn't exist anymore! I doesn't give me any errors, the network just doesn't show up in the WiFi networks list!

I tried EVERYTHING short of reinstalling Windows itself but it didn't work:

  • Tried accessing other networks (the ones that I can see) and they work correctly, both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz, it's just mine that "disappeared"
  • Other devices, like my phone, can still see the 5.8GHz network and connect to it without issues
  • Rebooting windows didn't work
  • Reinstalling the network adapter drivers didn't work, nor did performing a "network reset" from the windows options
  • Restarting the router didn't help
  • Changing the network's SSID from the routers options didn't help

I'm out of ideas... why did Windows just "blacklist" my network, and ONLY that network? Why can't I see it in the network list while other devices can? How can I diagnose this?

EDIT: update - after further testing, it seems that the issue is somehow tied to the particular USB WiFi adapter I'm using. I switched to a different one and it sees the network. However, I tried the one that doesn't work on a different laptop and there it works! So, it's not an issue with the adapter itself, it's an issue that my Windows installation together with that particular adapter. This is getting weird... anyone has any idea why this could be happening?

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  • Your troubleshooting steps give no conclusive answer, although it appears you did them correct... Very odd. Have you tried factory resetting the router?
    – acejavelin
    Jun 24, 2018 at 20:58
  • @acejavelin: thanks for your suggestion, I'll try it, but considering that ALL other devices in my house (phones, laptops, etc.) still see the network and ONLY my desktop pc doesnt, I think it's a PC issue rather than a router issue
    – Master_T
    Jun 24, 2018 at 21:05
  • You are probably correct, but before reinstalling Windows I would do it... If it works then you saved a ton of work, if not, you didn't really waste anything but a few minutes of time.
    – acejavelin
    Jun 24, 2018 at 21:14
  • @acejavelin: I've updated my question with a further test that could shed some light on the problem... or make it even wierder, I don't know which O.o
    – Master_T
    Jun 24, 2018 at 21:15
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    We are always glad to help but for future reference, the fact that you are utilizing a USB WiFi adapter probably should have been included within your original post. That makes a big difference.
    – Run5k
    Jun 25, 2018 at 0:46

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