How to Fix the Cellular Option Missing in Windows? 9 Effective Solutions

Contents

Why my cellular option is not showing up on Windows?

9 Tested Solutions To Fix Cellular Option Missing on Windows

Solution #1 – Try the Network Reset Tool

Solution #2 – Reinstall the Cellular Adapter Drivers

Solution #3 – Show the Hidden Drivers in Windows

Solution #5 – Roll Back the Drivers

Solution #6 – Reconfigure the Adapter Settings

Solution #7 – Use System Restore

Solution #8 – Check for Windows Updates

Solution #9 – Turn on the Cellular option

Conclusion

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Windows comes with a dedicated cellular feature. You can now enable the cellular option on Windows if your device has an eSIM or SIM card or an external cellular device with a SIM card. 

The cellular option missing error may confuse users who rely on cellular connectivity for their online needs or wish to use the device’s built-in cellular capabilities. While Windows 11 supports cellular networks and provides specific options for handling them, this option may sometimes mysteriously disappear, preventing users from accessing key functions. Typically, the cellular option missing problem occurs after updating the operating system.

There are a lot of ways this issue can negatively impact users. First, people relying heavily on cellular networks might struggle to keep connected to the internet. People who travel a lot or live in places with sparse internet infrastructure need access to cellular networks for productivity and communication. It could mess up their daily tasks and workflow if they don’t have a cellular option.

Also, 2-in-1 devices, laptops, and tablets with integrated cellular modems can be less useful without a cellular option. These gadgets make it easy for consumers to access the internet wherever there’s Wi-Fi. 

Taking away the cellular option makes these gadgets less valuable for users.

You’ll probably have to combine a few troubleshooting techniques to deal with no cellular options. Sometimes, users must reinstall or update their device’s drivers because they’re old or faulty. Additionally, network settings, including mobile hotspots, can be checked and configured to restore the option.

This guide will show you how to fix the cellular option in Windows. 

Before we dive into this Windows cellular option fix guide – we always highly advise using a reliable Virtual Private Network (we recommend CyberGhost VPN –> get our special 83% off deal here).
It will hide your online presence as well as secure your PC from dangerous websites and malware that might be causing various PC issues in the first place.

Why my cellular option is not showing up on Windows?

If you’re unable to access your cellular option on Windows, it could be due to several reasons:

1. Cellular Modem Turned Off: Check if your device’s cellular modem is turned on. Open the Settings app and navigate to Network & Internet > Cellular. Make sure the “Cellular” toggle switch is activated.
2. Inactive Cellular Plan: Ensure that your device’s cellular plan is active. You need to activate it with your cellular carrier before using it for network connections.
3. Lack of Cellular Modem: Some laptops and tablets do not have cellular modems, preventing them from connecting to cellular networks. If your device lacks this hardware, the Cellular option won’t be available.
4. Outdated or Broken Drivers: If your device’s drivers are outdated or malfunctioning, they can affect the hardware, including the cellular modem. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your device.
5. Airplane Mode Activated: Check if your device is in “Airplane mode.” When in this mode, it cannot connect to any networks, including cellular ones. Open the Action Center and turn off Airplane mode to regain network connectivity.

9 Tested Solutions To Fix Cellular Option Missing on Windows

Solution #1 – Try the Network Reset Tool

If you find the cellular option missing in Windows, you can start using the Network Reset Tool. Here is how:

1. Open Settings, and then go to Network & internet.

2. Click on Status, and scroll down to find Network reset.

3. Select Reset now.

Solution #2 – Reinstall the Cellular Adapter Drivers

If the first solution does not work, move on to the next one. 

Here is how to reinstall the Cellular Adapter Drivers:

1. Press the Windows key + X to open the Power User menu.

2. From the list, choose Device Manager.
3. Expand the entry for Network adapters.
4. Right-click on the Mobile Broadband Device or a similar name in the list.
5. Select Uninstall device.

6. Check the box and remove drivers.
7. Then click Uninstall.
8. Restart the computer after completing this step.
9. The Windows will automatically download and install a fresh copy of the driver.

 This process can help fix connectivity issues with your cellular adapter.

Solution #3 – Show the Hidden Drivers in Windows

Sometimes the cellular option missing due to hidden drivers that aren’t visible. To show these hidden drivers in Windows, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the “Start” button and select “Device Manager.”

2. Click “View” in the top menu in the Device Manager window.
3. Check the option for “Show hidden devices.”

4. Now, expand the list of network adapters and see if the missing adapter becomes visible.
5. If it is still not there, click on “Action” in the top menu and select “Scan for hardware changes.”

These steps should help you fix any hidden drivers that might be causing the cellular option missing in Windows.

Solution #5 – Roll Back the Drivers

1. Press the Windows key + S to open the Search bar.

2. Type “Device Manager” and click on the device manager on top.
3. Double-click on “Network adapters” to expand it.

4. Find your broadband device in the list and right-click on it.
5. Choose “Properties” from the right-click menu.
6. Then, navigate to the “Driver” tab.
7. Click the “Roll Back Driver” button.

8. You will be asked to provide a reason for reverting to the previous driver version. 
9. Click “Yes” to confirm and proceed with rolling back the driver.

Solution #6 – Reconfigure the Adapter Settings

1. Press the Windows key + ‘R’ together to open the Run dialog.
2. In the text field, type ‘ncpa.cpl’ and press Enter.

3. Right-click on the cellular network adapter, then choose Properties.

4. Click the Configure button.

5. Go to the Advanced tab.

6. Under Properties, select ‘Selective Suspend.‘
7. From the Value dropdown menu on the right, choose ‘Enabled.’
8. Finally, click OK to save your changes.

Restart your computer to see if the missing cellular option has been fixed.

Solution #7 – Use System Restore

System Restore is an excellent tool in Windows that lets you take your computer back in time to a point when it worked fine. This can be a lifesaver if recent changes to your system cause problems.

Here is how to use it:

1. Press the Windows key + ‘R’ on your keyboard together. This opens the Run box.
2. In the Run box, type ‘SystemPropertiesProtection’ and press Enter.

3. Now, head to the System Protection tab.
4. Look for the ‘System Restore…’ button and click on it.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions until you pick a restore point.

6. Select a time when your computer was running smoothly, ideally before the issue started. Follow the steps to complete the process.”

Solution #8 – Check for Windows Updates

1. Press the “Win + I” to open Windows Settings.
2. Click on “Updates & Security.”

3. Now, select “Windows Update” from the list on the left.

4. To check for updates, click the “Check for updates” button. Make sure to update anything that requires it.

Solution #9 – Turn on the Cellular option

1. Right-click the Start button, then select “Settings” from the menu.
2. Navigate to the “Network and Internet” category.
3. Look for the option labeled “Airplane.” There is no need to activate “Airplane mode,” just find it.
4. In the wireless devices section, you will see a toggle for “Cellular.” Use this to turn cellular connectivity on or off as needed.

Conclusion

We hope you followed our solutions and your cellular option is now fixed. If you still encounter issues, consider downloading and running a Windows fix software recommended by [Name]. This software has been tested by authorized technicians and used by thousands of satisfied users, which makes it a reliable choice for resolving any remaining problems.