Inability to fix “! Network Adapter” in BIOS

[MarkMade]

Hi there,

every few months, my laptop seems to randomly lose the ability to connect to wifi, and refuses to display any indications it was able to connect to wifi in the first place. While this issue has a tendency to randomly resolve itself after 1-4 weeks, I need this computer operational soon for academic purposes.

This time, I went to the BIOS menu, and noticed that under Boot Options, the Network Adapter was marked with an “!” Indicating it was disabled. When I tried to enable it (using Ctrl+1), nothing happened and the issue was not resolved. How do I fix this?

[Max3Aj]

Hi @MarkMade, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
It sounds like your laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is being disabled at the BIOS level, which is preventing it from working in Windows. Here’s a systematic approach to resolve the issue:

Reset BIOS to Default Settings

1. Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS (press F10 repeatedly when turning it on).
2. Navigate to the Exit tab.
3. Select Load Setup Defaults (or a similar option).
4. Save and Exit (F10).
5. Restart the laptop and check if Wi-Fi works.

Check if the Network Adapter is Recognized in Device Manager

1. Press Win + X → Select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network Adapters.
3. Look for your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel Wireless or Realtek Wi-Fi).
   • If it has a yellow triangle: Right-click → Uninstall device → Restart.
   • If it’s missing: Go to View → Check Show hidden devices.
   • If still missing, proceed to Step 3.

Reinstall Network Drivers

1. Wired Connection or USB Transfer Required:
   • If possible, connect via Ethernet or download the Wi-Fi driver on another device and transfer it via USB.
2. Download the latest Wi-Fi drivers from HP's official website.
3. Install the drivers and restart your laptop.

[Max3Aj]

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

1. Turn off your laptop.
2. Press the Power button and immediately keep pressing F2.
3. Select Component Tests → Run Wireless Module Test.
4. If errors appear, note the failure ID and contact HP Support.

Perform a Hard Reset

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Disconnect charger and remove the battery (if removable).
3. Hold the power button for 30 seconds.
4. Reconnect power and turn on.

Update BIOS (If Available)

1. Check for a BIOS update on HP support website.
2. Install if available (ensure the laptop is plugged in).

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support