Why doesn't Ubuntu 16.04 detect WiFi network on my laptop?

[JayantB]

I've installed windows 10 64-bit on it and also Ubuntu 16.04 . I have installed drivers for W10. But it does not detect WiFi . What's wrong with it and how do I fix it?

[WAWood]

@JayantB

HP only warranties their PCs for usage with the OS that comes preinstalled. IF you replace that or add a different OS, then you assume full responsibility for maintaining that other OS -- as HP then provides no assistance on that.

Win10 PCs nearly all use UEFI and that poses special problems for installing Linux distros: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2147295

Your best bet for Linux support, since HP does not provide Linux drivers, is to contact the support forum for the Linux distro you are trying to install -- in this case, the Ubuntu Forums: http://ubuntuforums.org/

Folks there have experience using HP machines with Linux and know a lot about driver sources and dual-booting.

Good Luck

[COE2k14 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The problem is that, since this is a relatively new laptop HP has launched for APAC region, the newer RealTek Wireless Lan Module (Realtek RTL8723DE 802.11 bgn 1x1 WiFi + BT 4.2 Combo Adapter part no: 927230-855) of this laptop is not supported as of today. The wireless hardware is RTL8723DE. The driver for this module can be expected only by the year end (2017 Q4) as per Larry Finger, the maintainer of wireless drivers for Linux. Do go through:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Wireless-and-Networking/HP-bs576tx-wifi-card-not-detected-in-...

@JayantB,

I'm planning to buy this HP 15-BS576TX laptop too to use with Debian Linux. I am also going through posts and through manuals to determine whether Linux does not support any other hardware for this model. Since, 15-bs576tx is an updated model of last year's HP 15-AY503tx (6th gen i5), I hope this is a reliable model, bang for the buck. If it's not offtopic, you may share your experience about this laptop especially build quality and any possible hardware/software/heating issues exist for this model. Thank you.

[IT_WinSec]

Hello,

If it turns out the wi-fi module is really completely incompatible and there is absolutely no way to run it with Ubuntu or any Linux distro you want (even with the latest kernel) , you can always purchase a cheap (or not so cheap) external USB wi-fi adapter like these:

https://www.walmart.com/c/ep/wi-fi-usb-dongle

http://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/adapters/usb-adapters

http://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/wifi-adapters/

and use them for wi-fi access.

[JayantB]

@WAWood
So, should I ask them about drivers there?

[JayantB]

@IT_Win Sec
How do I know if the problem is an incompatible wifi module?

[IT_WinSec]

@JayantB

By writing incompatible, I meant there were no drivers available in the kernel and Ubuntu didn't recognize it.

[JayantB]

Hi @COE2k14 ,
Thanks for your information about the availability of the module.
As for the laptop, it's working pretty well. The Hardware quality seems good, though I do not have so much of experience in using laptops (this is my 1st one). Also, I haven't experienced any heating issues.
Let's hope we get the modules as early as possible.

[JayantB]

Hi @IT_Win Sec ,
Thank you for the suggestion regarding the WiFi adapter.
@COEP 14 has also mentioned about the availability of the drivers.
So, The only way is either to wait for them to arrive or to buy adapters as you say.
Thank you!

[JayantB]

@IT_WinSec , @COE2k14, @WAWood ,
I noticed just another thing that bluetooth connecticity is also not possible in Ubuntu on my laptop even though it works on W10. Is it the same problem as wifi? Please guide me about it.
( I know this problem is not relevant to the tag wifi, but I just asked since you guys seem to know about Ubuntu and connectivity)