My WIFI driver has disappeared

[NZS1]

After updating one night, my laptop stopped being able to connect to the internet.  After going through my settings, I found that my WIFI drivers had disappeared. The only way I've seen to get them back is through getting connected online and downloading them. But i cannot connect online in anyway, not even with an ethernet cable. My laptop is still under warranty.

What is the solution to this problem?

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @NZS1 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I'm really sorry you're going through this—sudden loss of connectivity like this can be incredibly stressful, especially when you're left without any access to the internet. But rest assured, there’s a clear and careful path we can take to bring your Wi-Fi capability back.

Here’s a step-by-step guide that does not require internet access on your laptop:

Step 1: Identify the Missing Driver

Since your Wi-Fi driver has disappeared, let’s start by confirming it's truly missing or corrupted.

Press Windows + X → choose Device Manager

Expand the section labeled Network adapters

If Wi-Fi is missing entirely or listed as Unknown Device, that confirms the driver has been removed or disabled.

If you see a yellow warning icon, it's likely the driver is corrupted rather than missing.

Step 2: Use Another Device to Download the Driver

You’ll need access to another computer or phone with internet. From there:

Visit HP’s official driver download page:
https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

Enter your laptop’s serial number or let the site auto-detect your product (if using another HP device). You can find the serial number on a sticker at the bottom of your laptop or in Settings > System > About (if still accessible).

Download the following items:

Wireless LAN Driver (Wi-Fi)

Chipset Driver (this helps detect the wireless module properly)

Bluetooth Driver (optional but often bundled with Wi-Fi hardware)

Transfer the files using a USB flash drive to your laptop.

Step 3: Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver

On your HP laptop:

Insert the USB flash drive

Locate the downloaded drivers

Install the Chipset Driver first, then the Wireless LAN Driver

Restart your laptop after installation

After restart, you should see your Wi-Fi adapter restored in Device Manager and be able to connect.

Step 4: Optional – Use HP Hardware Diagnostics

Sometimes hardware malfunctions after updates. To be thorough:

Turn off your laptop

Turn it back on and immediately start pressing F2 repeatedly

This will open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics

Select Component Tests > Wireless Module

Let the test run. If it fails, it confirms a hardware-level issue.

You're taking all the right steps by noticing the problem early and checking Device Manager. Whether this is a software misfire after an update or a hardware failure, these instructions are designed to get you back online safely and quickly. 

If you’d like, I can help guide you through downloading the correct driver based on your HP model.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye