How to Fix “Wireless AutoConfig Service Not Running” Issue on Windows 11

Quick Fixes

• Enable the WLAN AutoConfig service from Windows Services and set its Startup Type to Automatic.
• Run the Network troubleshooter from Windows Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Basic Fixes

• Reboot PC: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, select Shut down or sign out, and click Restart.
• Perform a system restore: Press the Windows key, search rstrui, and press Enter to open System Restore. Click Next, select a restore point, and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

Fix 1: Automate the WLAN AutoConfig Service

If the Wireless AutoConfig (WLAN) service isn’t running on your system, you can tweak its settings to enable and automate it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key > type Services > click on Run as administrator.

Step 2: Locate and double-click on the WLAN AutoConfig service to configure its settings.

Step 3: Select the General tab > set the Startup type to Automatic > click Apply to save changes.

Step 4: Click Start to enable the service and select OK.

Fix 2: Check the WLAN Adapter Status

An underlying issue with the WLAN Adapter can stop the Wireless AutoConfig service on Windows 11. Use the Device Manager app to check its status and enable it.

Step 1: Open the Power User Menu using the Windows + X shortcut and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Network adapters and double-click the device to check its status. If disabled, click on Enable Device to turn it on.

Fix 3: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows contains built-in troubleshooters to diagnose and fix problems with hardware and software components. You can use its Network troubleshooter to find and automatically fix underlying issues with the Wireless AutoConfig service.

Step 1: Press the Windows key > search network troubleshooter > click on Find and fix network problems.

Step 2: Select Next and click on Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet. Wait for the troubleshooter to identify and resolve existing network connection issues.

Fix 4: Reinstall the WLAN Adapter Driver

Corrupt WLAN Adapter drivers can trigger the issue with the WLAN AutoConfig service. To fix it, reinstall the wireless adapter using the Device Manager app.

Step 1: Open the Power User Menu (press the Windows + X shortcut) and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Network adapters, right-click the device, and select Uninstall device.

Step 3: Select Uninstall when prompted to confirm the action. Reboot the PC to let Windows 11 automatically install new compatible drivers.

Fix 5: Tweak Windows Registry to Fix the WLAN AutoConfig Service Error

If reinstalling the WLAN Adapter driver doesn’t solve the issue, tweak the Windows registry to fix the Wireless AutoConfig service not running on Windows 11.

Note: Take a backup of your Windows Registry using File > Export in the Registry Editor app before modifying it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search regedit, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Approve the UAC prompt, copy-paste the below path into the navigation bar, and press Enter.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dhcp

Step 3: Double-click the DependOnService key to set its value.

Step 4: Delete all string values except Afd and click OK to apply the changes. Then, restart your PC.

Fix 6: Reset the Winsock Catalog and TCP/IP Entries

Lastly, resetting the Winsock catalog and TCP/IP stack on Windows 11 helps solve the Wireless AutoConfig service not working issue.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Copy-paste the below command into the console and press Enter.

netsh winsock reset

Step 3: Finally, reset the TCP/IP stack using the below command and restart your PC.

netsh int ip reset