How can I "turn on wireless capability" in Windows 7?

Solution 1:

This happens because power management turned off wireless capability when not in use. You can change this setting:

1. Open Network Connections
2. Right-click on the wireless connection and select Properties
3. Click Configure next to the wireless adapter

4. Click the Power Management tab
5. Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"

Like this:

Solution 2:

What I think is that you must have accidently pressed the wifi off option from "Windows Mobility center". Try opening it from "Windows Mobility center". You can open "Windows Mobility center" by opening control panel and type "Windows Mobility center".

Solution 3:

Sometimes none of above will be useful because the wireless adapter has been disabled from BIOS, in this case you need to enter to the BIOS and set it as default, then login again and go "Windows Mobility Center" through Control Panel and you can turn the wireless adapter ON/OFF.