Wi-Fi Module Upgrade Compatibility for HP Laptop 15-da0255ur

[crash1e]

Dear HP Support Team,

I hope this message finds you well.

I own an HP Laptop 15-da0255ur, and I would like to inquire about the possibility of upgrading the internal Wi-Fi module. Currently, my device does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth 5.0+.

Could you please let me know whether this model supports the installation of a compatible Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module that includes 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 or newer? If so, I would also appreciate it if you could provide a list of recommended or supported modules for this laptop.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,
Nazar.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi, Nazar:

Assuming your notebook has the RTL8723DE Wi-Fi adapter, that means your notebook only has one antenna wire.

HP 15 Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

There is only one dual band Wi-Fi card you can upgrade to that works with only one antenna wire and still have both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work.

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11 ac 1×1 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported) HP part # L17365-005

Below is the link to the service manual, where you can find the Wi-Fi card removal and replacement procedure:

HP 15 Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide

[crash1e]

Thank you for your previous response — that’s already good news for me!

As a follow-up, I would like to confirm whether it would be possible to upgrade the Wi-Fi module in my HP Laptop 15-da0255ur in order to enable Bluetooth 5.0 or newer functionality.

Specifically, I’m considering the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9461 802.11ac 1×1 WiFi + BT 5.0 Combo Adapter.
According to the official HP 15 Laptop PC Maintenance and Service Guide for HP Laptop 15, this module is listed as compatible with the series.

I’ve also attached a screenshot from the guide highlighting this model.

Could you please confirm whether this adapter is indeed compatible with my specific laptop model (15-da0255ur)?

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

You would have to take the entire notebook apart including the display panel and motherboard in order to add a second antenna wire that a better card to work than the one I posted.

You will also have to find and buy the dual antenna kit listed in chapter 3 of the service manual.

If you want to go through all of that extensive work, you can probably upgrade to this card:

Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 ax 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.0 MU-MIMO M.2 2230 non-vPro   HP part # L35282-005.

[crash1e]

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation and recommendation of the Intel AX200 card — I really appreciate your time and support.

However, I’d like to clarify one point: the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 9461 802.11ac 1×1 WiFi + BT5 Combo Adapter (non-vPro) supports MU-MIMO and is a 1x1 module, meaning it is designed to operate with just one antenna.

Given that, is there any reason why this card would still not be a suitable upgrade for my HP Laptop 15-da0255ur, which currently has only one antenna installed?

It seems like this model wouldn't require the second antenna or the additional disassembly efforts mentioned for 2x2 modules like the AX200.

Thank you again for your guidance — just trying to make sure I understand the upgrade path correctly.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The Dual Band Wireless-AC 9461 802.11ac 1×1 Wi-Fi + BT5 Combo Adapter will only work if your notebook originally came with that model Wi-Fi card.

I once made that recommendation to another forum member and they reported back that the card didn't even show up in the device manager.  It was as if no Wi-Fi card was installed.

The reason being that it is a CNVi card and only works on certain motherboards/processors.

What Are the Intel® Integrated Connectivity (CNVi) and Companion RF...

So, I would not use that card, but if you want to try it, just know that the chances of it working are slim and none.

[crash1e]

That makes sense — thank you for the clarification.

In that case, I’d rather not take the risk and will go with the Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac 1×1 Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 Combo Adapter (MU-MIMO supported) you recommended, to avoid the issue you mentioned with CNVi cards.

To be absolutely sure it will fit, I’ve attached a photo of the WLAN slot in my laptop so you can check the width and confirm that the RTL8821CE is indeed compatible.

(Pardon the condition of the laptop — this photo was taken right after the first opening, it’s nice and clean now 😅)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

The RTL8821CE will fit and be a direct swap with no additional hardware work required.

Here is the service video for how to remove and replace the card:

Replace the Wireless Module | HP Notebook 15, HP 250 and 255 G7 Notebook PC | HP

Here are the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers for the card:

 2024.10.230.2

sp157102.exe

1.10.1072.3000

sp155460.exe

[crash1e]

Great, thank you!

Once I buy and install the new module, I’ll let you know how it goes.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Anytime.

Glad to have been of assistance.

Looking forward to reading about the results of your notebook's Wi-Fi card upgrade project.