Hp Laptop wont connect to wifi after windows update release

[Jondoe222]

Hi, 

After the release of the new Windows update, my laptop suddenly wont connect to my wifi nor even allow me to access the internet settings. As soon as I click the network and security, the whole setting thing force closes. I tried restarting the computer but nothing happens. It wont let me reset the computer either. I think this is a recent problem but I’d really love for some help. And to be clear, I havent updated it yet to the new software. It wont allow me without wifi. 

[praveenbv]

Hi@Jondoe222, Welcome to the HP Support Community!

As I understand, Wi-Fi keeps not connecting,

No worries, as I'll be glad to help you, that said, I'll need a few more details to dissect your concern & provide an accurate solution:

When was the last time it worked fine?

Were there any hardware/software changes made? 

Have you tried any troubleshooting steps? 

Let's try these steps to resolve the issue: 

Change your wireless environment

Environment greatly impacts the effectiveness of wireless networks. Review and consider the following actions to help resolve the wireless network issue.

• Proximity: If you have a mobile computer, try to move it closer to your router so the signal strength is strong. The farther the computer is from the router, the weaker the broadcast signal. Use the wireless icon in the notification area to check the strength of the signal.

Weak signal: 

 or 

Strong signal: 

 or 

• Interference: If possible, remove metal objects that are near or between the router and computer. They can interfere with the network signal and cause poor connectivity. Move the computer or router to a location where there are fewer solid object between the two and check if signal strength/connection improves.

Other devices operating on similar frequencies, such as cordless phones, microwaves, analog security devices, etc. can cause interference as well. Relocate or turn off these devices for testing.

• Limit the  Too many devices on the same network can cause performance drops. Temporarily have another device log off the network and see if the wireless issue is resolved. amount of devices:
• Try connecting to a different network: If possible try to connect to another known nearby wireless network to see if the wireless issue is resolved. Too many devices on the same network can cause performance drops.

Try connecting to the Internet again. If you cannot optimize the environment, for example, your computer must be used at a specific place, consider purchasing a wireless repeater to extend the network range.

Check for bandwidth consuming apps or services then test connection speeds

Devices such as smart TVs, wireless TV receivers, laptops, tablets, and phones might be consuming bandwidth and making your Internet service slower. Likewise, applications running on your computer might be using bandwidth in the background.

To isolate this further:

1. Try turning off or temporarily disconnecting any other devices that are using the same Internet connection.
2. Close all other applications on your computer, and then test the connection speed again.
3. Check to see if the problem occurs within a specific application. If it is program-specific, here is a list of items that could help isolate this issue further.

• Check the developer’s website for updates or fixes.
• Try uninstalling and reinstalling the application.
• Try using another similar application.

If the wireless connection speed is still slow, test the network performance with a different device. If the same behavior exhibits, please contact your internet service provider (ISP) as this may be an issue with your internet connection or associated hardware.

If the problem doesn’t show on the other device or if another device is not available to test with, continue to the next step.

Temporarily disable the firewall software

Temporarily disable the firewall software on your computer to see if it is interfering with the Internet connection speed.

1. Right-click the taskbar icon associated with your firewall software and select Disable firewall or similar.
2. After disabling the firewall, test Internet connection performance. If there is still a problem continue to the next step.

• If the connection is still slow, then the firewall is not part of the problem.
• If the connection is faster, then adjust the firewall settings or use a different firewall.

CAUTION: Remember to re-enable the firewall after testing.

Update network adapter drivers through Device Manager

Installing the latest wireless LAN adapter driver can resolve common issues with the wireless Internet connection. Use Device Manager to find the latest WLAN driver.

1. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
2. Double-click Network adapters, right-click the name of the Wireless Adapter, then select Update Driver Software.
3. Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. If an updated driver is found, follow the instructions to install it.

Try connecting to the Internet again. If there is still a problem continue to the next step.

Update the BIOS (notebook PCs): Follow the steps from the link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c00042629.

Disable power management state for wireless adapter in Device Manager

Most wireless devices can be turned off by the system to save power. In some sleep scenarios, the device might not wake properly when the system returns from sleep or hibernate. To prevent this from happening, adjust the power management settings for the wireless adapter.

1. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
2. Double-click Network Adapters to expand the list, right-click the wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter in the list, and then select Properties.
3. In the Adapter Properties window, click the Power Management tab.
4. Remove the check next to Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and then click OK.
5. Close Device Manager, restart the notebook computer, and then attempt to reconnect to the wireless network.

Confirm only one antivirus/firewall software is running

Performance can be negatively affected when multiple antivirus programs are installed on your computer. Uninstall all but one antivirus program.

For Windows 10 and 8

To remove programs and software components from your computer hard disk drive, follow these steps:

1. In Windows, search for and open Programs and Features.
2. In the Uninstall or change a program window, select the program you want to remove from the list and click Uninstall or Uninstall/Change at the top of the program list.
3. Read and respond to any messages that may open while the software is being removed from your computer.
4. Test to see if the wireless issue continues. If there is still a problem continue to the next step.

Temporarily disable Bluetooth

Try temporarily disabling Bluetooth to see if this impacts the network performance.

After disabling Bluetooth, try to see if the wireless issue continues. If there is still a problem continue to the next step.

NOTE: If no Bluetooth device or options are present, your PC may not have been equipped with this feature.

Windows 10

1. Right-click Start and select Settings.
2. Click Devices and select Bluetooth.
3. Slide the Bluetooth settings to Off.

Use the Network and Internet Troubleshooter (Windows 10)

The Network and Internet Troubleshooter tests the network for problems and attempts automatic repairs for any issues found.

1. Right-click the wireless connection icon in the notification area, then select Troubleshoot problems. The Windows Network Diagnostic window opens and the troubleshooting process begins.

Figure: Taskbar and wireless network icon

NOTE: This is an image of a connected network, your icon may look different depending upon the status.

1. After automated troubleshooting has completed, read the information on the screen.

• This describes problems found, fixed, or actions necessary to resolve the connectivity problems.
• When complete, follow any recommended actions and try connecting again.
• If the problem persists or there were no issues found by the troubleshooter, close the results screen and continue to the next step.

IconWindows 10 Network Status Icon Description 

 If there is a red x over the network status icon, this means that there are no wireless networks currently available. 

 If there is a star on the network icon, this means you are not connected to any network 

 Connected - No Internet access. This icon with an exclamation mark means you are connected to the network but no Internet access. You should check the router or modem to see any Internet connection problem. 

 A successful connection will look like this. Note, this doesn’t take the different signal strengths into account.

Restart the PC

1. Restart the computer with the wireless issue.
2. After the computer has restarted, try connecting to the Internet again.

Check the Internet Service Provider (ISP) connection

Check if other devices can connect to the same wireless network and if they have the same wireless issue:

• If other devices on the same network do not experience the same connection issues as the local computer, then the issue is related to the PC having the connection issue.
• Verify the password being used to connect to the existing wireless network is correct. Your Internet service provider will be able to walk you through this process.
• If other devices can connect to the wireless network but can’t access the Internet, the problem is likely related to the connection between your router/modem and the Internet service provider. Reset the router/modem (if not done yet) and contact your Service Provider if the issue persists.
• If other devices can’t connect to the wireless network, the problem is likely related to your wireless router or it’s configuration. Reset the router (if not done yet) and make sure you use the correct password when you try to connect. If the issue persists, contact your internet service provider

     Hope this helps! Keep me posted.

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Have a great day! 

[Jondoe222]

Praveen, thank you for the response. I tried all those options beforehand, plus more. Not of them could fix it. 

Internet connect completely vanished. When I would click network, only the airplane mode option would appear which I could only enable and disable (didnt make a difference). 

i tried uninstalling and reinstalling, reset the settings, used the command prompt, nothing worked. The worst prt was, I couldnt even reset my computer. It wouldnt allow me. I tried all the troubleshooting tips from HP and nothing worked at all. 

as you mentioned earlier, when I checked the status for the wireless, the properties said it was working properly under the device manager. However, in another options place, the ethernet and wifi had a red X next to them showing they wouldnt connect. Trouble shooter wouldnt work without internet connection. 

i ran a diagnostic (F2 at restart I believe) and it showed everything was working fine. But for the network, for a split second it would show the (Nic car? Or Nfc card?) not detected and would disappear. 

i think 2 possible issues for this was the new Windows 21h1 updated which failed to update. Then, the potential other issue was I was signed on (administrator) with my School email. The day this problem happened was the day I officially graduated from the school. So im not totally sure but I think those 2 things may have somehow glitched something or maybe for sure it was the windows update. 

Like I said earlier, I couldnt reset. It would say something like installation media not found. What I ended up doing is taking a USB hardrive downloading windows iso from another computer/laptop with the correct version (64 bit windows) and then putting it into my laptop and booting it from the USB. It was a complete reset but caused the Windows Pro that I originally had (came with the laptop) and changed it to Windows home. Unfortunately, I cant get that back. But it managed to reset the whole device and now its functioning properly again. 

[praveenbv]

Hi@Jondoe222,

We have done the basic troubleshooting as per the document and the notebook needs to checked by taking remote access so that get to know it's a hardware or software issue.

I'd suggest you contact HP in your region regarding the service options for your computer or HP Chat Support Team.