My network driver is missing in my windows 11 HP Pavilion x360 and the search function also disables

[LakshyaSaraf]

My network driver is missing in my windows 11 HP Pavilion x360 and the search function also disables. I am also unable to update my windows and am currently using an external network adapter. Wifi option simply disappears from the settings tab and I am unable to even uninstall the recent windows updates. Troubleshooting shows that the network adapter is missing but it doesn't install.

[rachelgomez1619]

General troubleshooting

Method 1: Let Windows automatically detect and install network adapters
Windows can automatically detect and install the correct network adapters for you. It will also correct any corrupted registry entries on the network adapter.

To direct Windows to automatically detect and install network adapters for you, follow these steps:

Right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
To see a list of installed network adapters, expand Network adapter(s). Click to locate the network adapter, and then click Uninstall.
Restart the computer, and then let the system automatically detect and install the network adapter drivers.
Check to see whether your networking icons appear. If this method worked for you, you are finished with this article. However, you might want to read the "Prevention tips" section to learn how you can avoid this problem in the future.

If this method did not work for you, try Method 2.

Method 2: Verify network settings and services
Network settings such as adapter settings, services settings, the logon setting, the desktop interaction setting, and networking services settings enable you to use your computer to connect to a network. If these settings are incorrect, network connectivity issues can occur.

To verify network settings and services, follow these steps:

Verify that the correct network adapter is selected. A network adapter is a device that enables you to connect a computer to a network. It is also known as a network interface card (NIC).
Right-click My Computer, click Properties, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.
Double-click Network adapters, and then verify that the correct network adapter name is selected. If you do not know the name of your network adapter, don't worry. For now, just make sure that an adapter is selected.
Double-click the network adapter, and then verify that the "This device is working properly" message appears in the Device status box on the General tab. If you do not see this message, click Troubleshoot, and follow the directions.
After you confirm that the correct network adapter is selected and is working properly, you can close all the open dialog boxes.
Verify that the necessary services are started. The Services settings direct the system to stop, start, and administer system services.
Right-click My Computer, and then click Manage.
Double-click Services and Applications, and then click Services.
In the right pane, look at the Status column. You may need to expand the box so that you can see all the columns. Make sure that the following services are started:
Remote procedure call (RPC)
Note

This service must be started before other services can take effect.

Network Connections
Note

This service can only start if the RPC service is active.

Plug and Play
COM+ Event System
Note

This service can only start if the RPC service is active.

Remote Access Connection Manager
Note

This service can only start if Telephony service is active.

Telephony
Note

This service can only start if the RPC service and the PnP Service are active.

To start a service, right-click the service name, and then click Start.
Do not close the Computer Management box because you will need to check additional settings in the remaining steps.
Verify the logon setting.
In the right pane, double-click COM+ Event System service.
Click the Log On tab.
Under Log on as, verify that the Local System account is selected.
Verify the desktop interaction setting.
Double-click the Network Connections service.
Click the Log On tab.
Under Log on as, verify that the Local System Account option is selected.
Verify that the Allow service to interact with desktop check box is selected, and then click OK.
Close the Computer Management box.
Verify the network services setting.
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
Scroll down and then click Networking Services, and then click Details. Verify that Simple TCP/IP Services is turned on, and then click OK.
Close all the open dialog boxes.
Verify that the network DLL files are registered correctly. DLL files are small files that include a library of functions and data that can be shared across multiple applications.
Click Start, and then click Run.

In the Run box, type cmd.exe, and then click OK.

Type the following lines. Press ENTER after you type each line. This command text is difficult to type. Be sure that you type it exactly as it appears below. Or you may find it easier to copy and paste the text instead. Click OK when the RegSvr32 dialog box appears for each command.

Restart the computer. Check to see whether your networking icons appear. If this method worked for you, you are finished with this article. However, you might want to read the "Prevention tips" section to avoid this problem in the future.

This may help you,

Rachel Gomez

[LakshyaSaraf]

unable to see the lines I need to type in the command prompt in the method 2 you have proposed

[Johnharper241]

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Open the Windows updates tab in the left pane.
Click on Check for updates. Windows will now scan for missing system updates and download the wireless driver update for your Wi-Fi adapter.