Update to Win 11 25H2 has caused the Wi-Fi to constantly disconnect on 2 different HP laptops

[JohnTCI1]

My wife and I have 2 HP Laptops: model 17-cp0013dx and model 15-dy1004la. They have both “upgraded” from Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 in the last 2 days (we never received 24H2).

Unfortunately, both are experiencing the same random yet constant Wi-Fi disconnecting issue.

Additionally, although we keep clicking on the box with the option to "Connect Automatically" each time we have to reconnect, the box is always empty again.

We have tried using the following, which didn't resolve anything:

(i) HP Support Assistant "Fix your network",

(ii) Device Manager says that the Best Driver for the Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter is already installed.

(iii) Network Reset.

A Dell Optiplex 7060 Micro also upgraded from 23H2 at the same time without a problem.

Obviously, we could revert back to 23H2 but presuming that my wife and I can’t be the only 2 people who own HP laptops which are having problems with the Wi-Fi network disconnection issue . . . I would for the moment prefer to continue to pursue a solution.

I haven’t yet tried to change the drivers . . . because the driver info online is very, very confusing. To wit:

Both HP laptops have the same Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter, and the same driver: 2024.10.229.0 installed.

The HP support page doesn’t yet have the option to select drivers for 25H2 but shows the availability for 24H2 of 1.0.0.251 Rev.S (dated July 26, 2024) for the 17” laptop and 1.0.0.249 Rev.S (dated June, 3 2024) for the 15.6” laptop.

However, Copilot says that (i) 2024.10.229.0 was released on February 17, 2024, (ii) 1.0.0.251 Rev.S on October 3, 2023, and (iii) 1.0.0.249 Rev.S on June 25, 2020 (Wow!!!)

As I said, very, very confusing.

We would be most grateful for clarification about: (i) which are the latest Drivers and (ii) if there is anything else that we can try to resolve the issue without having to revert back to 23H2.

We really appreciate any help you can provide.

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

The latest driver HP currently has for the RTL8821CE Wi-Fi adapter is this one:

Realtek RTL8xxx Wireless LAN Drivers

Version 2024.10.230.600

sp162860.exe

OPERATING SYSTEM(S):
Microsoft Windows 10 version 2004 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 10 version 20H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 10 version 21H1 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 10 version 21H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 10 version 22H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 24H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 11 version 21H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 11 version 22H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 11 version 23H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 11 version 24H2 (64-bit)
Microsoft Windows 11 version 25H2 (64-bit)
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC 64-bit
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC 64-bit

[JohnTCI1]

Many, many thanks, Paul,

Have installed Version 2024.10.230.600  on both and, with fingers crossed, neither has disconnected for over an hour . . .  and the "Connect automatically" box remains filled in.  

Easy to believe that Copilot could have identified the wrong driver . . . but the HP support page for the specific laptops????

In thanking you once again, could you please advise where you found that Version 2024.10.230.600 was the latest driver?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

HP does a better job of keeping the drivers for their business class PC's updated.

So, I usually look at some of their newest models for updated Wi-Fi drivers.

I found that driver, which is on several different-newer than your-model notebook support pages, at the link below:

HP EliteBook 835 13 inch G11 Notebook PC (8Q5V1AV) Software and Driver Details