desktop won't connect to wifi

[xzaviermims]

Desktop wont connect to wifi it just shows the airplane mode option

[NonSequitur777]

@xzaviermims,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

I am glad I paid attention to the "Tags" ("Microsoft Windows Server 2012 and older"), because the fact that you are using Microsoft Windows Server 2012 or older does make a difference compared with consumer PCs, as it changes how some of the settings and troubleshooting steps would be handled. Windows Server editions are designed for different use cases, so the interface and available options can be different from standard desktop versions of Windows.

Here are the troubleshooting steps based on using Windows Server 2012 or older:

1. Turn Off Airplane Mode:

• Unlike regular Windows 10 or 11, Windows Server editions don’t have the same Action Center or easy-to-access airplane mode toggle. You will need to use the Network and Sharing Center to manage network connections.

• To disable airplane mode, go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center and look for network-related settings to disable airplane mode, if available. Alternatively, check if there is a physical switch on the machine or a keyboard shortcut (such as: Fn + F2) to disable airplane mode.

 

2. Enable Wireless Network Adapter:

• Since Windows Server doesn't automatically install some drivers like Windows Client editions, it’s possible the wireless network adapter isn't recognized.

• Open Device Manager and expand the Network adapters section. Right-click the wireless network adapter and select Enable if it’s disabled.

• If it’s not listed, you may need to manually install the wireless network drivers for your system.

 

3. Install or Update Network Drivers:

• If the Wi-Fi adapter is not working, you may need to manually download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them.

• You can check Device Manager to see if the wireless network adapter is listed and if it has a warning sign next to it. If so, you can right-click to update the driver or uninstall and reinstall it.

 

4. Network Troubleshooter:

• Windows Server editions don’t have a built-in Internet Connection Troubleshooter like client editions. However, you can run Command Prompt commands to diagnose network issues.

  • Run Command Prompt as Administrator and copy/paste/enter the following commands one at a time:

    ipconfig /release

    ipconfig /renew

    netsh int ip reset

  • This will release and renew your IP address and reset the TCP/IP stack.

 

5. Check BIOS Settings:

• Similar to client editions, it’s still a good idea to check BIOS for any settings that may disable the wireless adapter.

 

6. Verify Network Configuration:

• Windows Server typically doesn’t automatically configure networks like desktop versions of Windows. You may need to manually configure your network settings:

• Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings and then check the Wi-Fi adapter’s properties.

• If the Wi-Fi adapter isn't showing up, you may need to add it manually through Server Manager or Network Connections.

Let me know how it goes or if you need further assistance!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777