..it would (probably) keep stopping if it couldn't find a physical wireless adapter.
Clutching at straws a bit, but where are you not seeing any adapter(s).
I'd be looking in device manager, checking for the presence of the appropriate adapter, and also if it is in a "problem state".
If there is no such adapter in device manager, then I'd be checking all the other trees in there for problem devices.
If either of the above is the case, (re-)installing the manufacturer's latest driver might just remedy it.
If there are neither problem device(s) or an adapter in a problem state, then a hardware issue is the most likely diagnosis. (though not guaranteed).
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Laptop missing network adapter - Windows .. 
Laptop missing network adapter - Windows.. 
