Table of Contents
How to fix “Cellular option missing” issue in Windows: If you access the internet through a cellular connection, you can find the option to do so listed on the right-hand side of the Network and Internet tab in the Settings menu of Windows 11/10. There are times when it is not there. In the following article, you will learn how to fix the problem where Cellular is missing from the Network and Internet in Windows 11/10. The Cellular option will appear in the right pane of the Network and Internet Settings window on your Windows 11/10 personal computer once you have inserted a modem or adapter for a cell phone into the port of a laptop or desktop computer.
Even after inserting the device into the port, if the Cellular option is not present, you will not be able to connect the adapter to your computer in order to access the internet. The fact that this option is not present can be attributed to the fact that the adapter in question has been disabled in some capacity within Network Connection Settings. Simply turning on the Cellular option will cause it to be displayed in the menu for you to select from. We mentioned below are the ways how to fix “Cellular option missing” issue in Windows.
What causes the “Cellular option missing” issue?
- Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible drivers for your cellular modem or adapter can prevent Windows from recognizing and enabling the cellular option.
- Software Updates: Sometimes, after a Windows update, the cellular option can become disabled or hidden.
- Network Settings: Incorrect or outdated Access Point Name (APN) settings can lead to the cellular option being missing. APN settings are crucial for connecting to a cellular network.
- Network Problems: If there are issues with your cellular network, such as no signal or a problem with your SIM card, this can result in the cellular option being unavailable.
- Windows Configuration: Certain system settings or policies might disable the cellular option. This can be due to group policies in a corporate environment or manual configuration changes.
- Hardware Problems: Physical issues with your cellular modem or adapter, such as a loose connection or a malfunctioning device, can lead to the cellular option being unavailable.
- Security Software: Some security software or third-party applications can interfere with Windows settings, including those related to cellular connectivity.
How to fix “Cellular option missing” issue in Windows
Update Windows

- Click on the Start button.
- Select “Settings.”
- Choose “Update & Security.”
- Click on “Windows Update.”
- Click “Check for updates.”
Check Airplane Mode
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on “Network & Internet.”
- Select “Airplane mode.”
- Toggle off the Airplane mode switch.
Check Cellular Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on “Network & Internet.”
- Select “Cellular.”
- Ensure that “Mobile data” is turned on.
- Verify the APN settings are correct (contact your mobile carrier for these settings).
Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select “Device Manager.”
- Expand the “Network adapters” section.
- Right-click on your network adapter and choose “Update driver” or “Uninstall device.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Run the Windows Troubleshooter
- Open the Settings app.
- Click on “Update & Security.”
- Select “Troubleshoot” from the left pane.
- Click on “Internet Connections” and run the troubleshooter.
Perform a System Restore
- Open the Control Panel.
- Search for “Recovery” in the search bar.
- Click on Open System Restore and follow the instructions.
Checking your hardware and software prerequisites
Prerequisite | Description |
---|---|
Hardware Connection | Ensure your cellular modem or adapter is correctly connected to your computer and recognized. |
Windows Updates | Keep your Windows operating system up to date by regularly checking for updates. |
Active Cellular Plan | Verify that your cellular plan is active and your SIM card is working properly. |
Device Manager | Check if your cellular modem or adapter is listed under “Modems” in Device Manager and update the driver if needed. |
Enable Cellular Data | Turn on cellular data in Windows settings if it’s disabled. |
Correct APN Settings | Create a new APN with the correct settings provided by your cellular provider. |
Reset Network Settings | Try resetting network settings through Windows settings. |
Modem Firmware Update | Check for and install any available firmware updates for your cellular modem or adapter from the manufacturer’s website. |
Conclusion
Windows 11, which does not include a cellular option, has a significant deficiency in terms of connectivity features. Those who are dependent on mobile data are hampered by this omission, which comes at a time when uninterrupted internet access is essential, particularly for users of mobile devices. These potential solutions will assist you in resolving the problem of Windows 11’s cellular network not functioning properly. If you want to know more information about this visit Microsoft official Website.
Questions and Answers
Here is how you can find out: go to your Search option and type in Settings; then, click on Network & Internet; navigate to the Network and Sharing Centre; and finally, click on Change adapter settings. Check to see if the option to use your cellular phone is still available. For instance, you should see a name like “Mobile Broadband 1.” Right-click on it and select the “Enable” option from the menu that appears.
In Windows 10/11, it’s possible that Services will vanish from the Services Manager if some of the system files have been corrupted. Therefore, executing the command tools SFC and DISM could potentially restore Services that have been removed or lost.
There have been multiple reports of bugs affecting both Android and Apple phones, and these bugs can cause your phone to become completely inaccessible online. These issues may manifest themselves as a direct consequence of recent updates or modifications made to the software. Another possibility is that the software you are using is incompatible with the hardware issue you are experiencing.