10 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Stuck in Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is useful for working offline and increasing productivity, but it can be a hassle when it won’t turn off on your laptop. Here are 10 simple ways to fix Windows 11 stuck in Airplane mode.

Airplane mode disables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your device. If you can’t turn off Airplane mode, you won’t be able to use these services. This article will provide methods to fix Windows 11 stuck in Airplane mode, such as restarting your device, checking power management settings, and updating Windows BIOS. Let’s begin. Before proceeding, make sure you have tried enabling and disabling Airplane mode using the physical switch on your keyboard.

1. Restart Windows 11 Device

Restarting your device regularly can keep it running smoothly. It clears up your device’s memory and fixes errors by rebooting all system processes. This can help when fixing airplane mode problems. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Go to Start and click on the Power button.

Step 2: Click on Restart.

Once your device restarts, try turning off airplane mode. If it still refuses to budge, follow the methods listed below.

2. Manually Turn Off Airplane Mode

To turn off airplane mode on your Windows device, click the airplane icon in the Windows Taskbar and select the Airplane mode button. You can also press the function + airplane keys on your keyboard. Alternatively, go to Start, right-click, select Settings, go to Network & internet, and turn off the Airplane mode toggle.

3. Run Network Troubleshooter

Windows devices have a built-in troubleshooter to detect and solve issues. Use this tool to scan and fix network adapter issues that could be preventing you from turning off Airplane mode. Here’s how:

1. Right-click Start and select Settings.

2. In System, scroll down and click on Troubleshoot.

3. Click on Other troubleshooters.

Step 4: Find Network Adapter and click Run.

Follow the instructions on the screen to troubleshoot your network adapters and restart your device.

4. Change Wi-Fi Adapter’s Power Management Settings

Network adapters are usually off by default to save power. If you’re having trouble turning off Airplane mode on your device, try changing the power management settings. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Go to Start. Right-click and select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2: Go to Network adapters and right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter.

Step 3: Click on Properties.

Step 4: In the menu, go to Power Management and uncheck ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’.

Step 5: Click OK.

Close the window and restart your device to change the power management settings for your device’s Wi-Fi adapter.

5. Disable Radio Management Service

Radio Management Services turns airplane mode on and off on Windows devices. If airplane mode won’t turn off, try disabling Radio Management Services. Here’s how:

Step 1: Search for and open Services.

Step 2: Scroll down and right-click on Radio Management Services.

Step 3: Now, click on Properties.

Step 4: Go to Startup type and select Disabled.

Step 5: Click Apply and then OK.

Radio Management Services will now be disabled for your device.

6. Update Network Drivers

Drivers assist devices in communicating with the operating system and applications by transmitting data. If network drivers are outdated, it may lead to connectivity issues. To resolve this, follow these steps to check for Windows Network Driver updates:

– Step 1: Right-click Start and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Go to Network adapters and right-click on your network driver from the list.

Step 4: Click on ‘Search automatically for drivers’.

After installing driver updates, close the window and restart your device. If the problem persists, follow the next method.

7. Reinstall Network Adapters

Network adapters help ensure smooth operation of network-based services. If you are experiencing issues with your laptop staying in Airplane mode, a faulty or corrupt adapter may be to blame. To resolve this, reinstall your network adapters by following these steps: Step 1: Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager.

Step 2: Go to Network adapters and right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter.

Step 3: From the menu, click on Uninstall device.

Step 4: Click Uninstall again to confirm.

To uninstall the network adapter, restart your device and then disable Airplane mode.

8. Update Windows 11 BIOS

Everything that happens after you press the power button, from the welcome text on your screen to the loading of the operating system, is handled by your system’s BIOS. BIOS usually does not require a manual update, but it can be done if your device needs a bug fix or a specific issue resolved, like Airplane mode won’t turn off.

However, you should proceed with caution when accessing and updating BIOS, as it can make your device completely unusable if not done properly. For more information, refer to the following guides on how to enter BIOS without restarting your device and how to update BIOS.

9. Reset Windows 11 Device

If your system is stuck in Airplane mode, you can reset Windows to resolve the issue. Resetting Windows can remove custom settings or resolve any issues causing your system to perform erratically. Once the reset is complete, your device will revert to its default settings.

For more information on how to reset your device while keeping your data, or to perform a full device reset if necessary, check out our guides.

10. Contact Windows Support

If you have questions about a Windows product, device settings, or want expert help with recurring issues, access Get Help. If your device is in Airplane mode, this feature will connect you with the Windows Support team. Check our guides for more information on accessing Get Help on your Windows device.

FAQs on Using Airplane Mode in Windows 11

1. Can Airplane mode be re-enabled on Windows 11?

Yes, go to the System Tray and click the Airplane mode button.

2. Can I use my previously connected wireless devices when Airplane mode is on?

No, all device radio communications will cease in Airplane mode, preventing wireless devices from connecting. You’ll need to manually enable the required radio service to connect.

3. What should I do if the Airplane mode icon is grayed out?

If the airplane mode icon is grayed out on your device, it means that the function is not available. Read our article to learn how to fix airplane mode grayed out on a Windows device.

Work as You Fly

Laptops have become a necessity. With airplane mode, we can work uninterrupted at 35,000 feet. However, it’s annoying when your laptop won’t come off airplane mode. In this article, we’ve highlighted ten easy ways to fix Windows 11 stuck in Airplane mode. Let us know in the comments which fix worked for you.