Wi-Fi adaptor driver keeps coming up with an error and stopping me from connecting to any wi-fi

[JParr1]

Hi 

I am having this issue where my network adaptor comes up with an error and stops me from connecting to any wi-fi removing the wi-fi option altogether from the network settings.

So far I have tried:

 - Making sure my drivers are up to date (they are)

 - Uninstalling and removing my drivers then restarting my computer so that it reinstalls them

 - Performing a 'Network Reset', this actually fixes it temporarily but then it stops working again after an hour or so leading me to believe it is not a hardware issue.

 - Performing a 'System Reset', this also fixed it temporarily for a bit more time - about 4 hours of use.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @JParr1 

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

Thank you for laying out the steps you've already taken—it's clear you've been thorough and persistent, and I’m genuinely sorry this issue is still disrupting your connectivity. 

When the Wi-Fi adapter disappears entirely from network settings, especially after resets, it often points to a deeper driver conflict or firmware instability. 

Let’s work through a more targeted approach to help stabilize it.

 

1. Run HP UEFI Diagnostics (Outside Windows)

This will help rule out hardware faults with certainty.

• Power off your laptop completely
• Press Esc repeatedly during startup, then select F2 for diagnostics
• Choose Component Tests > Wireless Module Test
• Follow the prompts and note any error codes

If the test passes, we can focus entirely on software-level fixes.

 

2. Clean Reinstallation Using HP-Specific Driver

Windows Update may install generic drivers that conflict with HP’s firmware. Let’s use the official release:

• Visit your model’s driver page: HP 14-dq0000 Drivers
• Download the Realtek RTL8821CE or Intel Wireless LAN driver (based on your configuration)
• Open Device Manager > Network Adapters, uninstall the current Wi-Fi driver and check Delete the driver software for this device
• Restart your laptop and install the downloaded HP-specific driver manually

 

3. Disable Power Saving for the Adapter

Windows may be powering down the adapter prematurely.

• Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters
• Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter > Properties > Power Management
• Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”

 

4. Check for Conflicting Services

Some background services may interfere with the adapter’s operation.

• Press Win + R, type services.msc
• Locate and disable the following if present:
  • WWAN AutoConfig
  • Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
• Restart your system and monitor behavior

 

5. BIOS Update

A firmware update may resolve underlying instability.

• Visit the BIOS section of your model’s support page
• Download the latest BIOS update utility
• Run it with your laptop plugged in and connected via Ethernet or USB tethering

Let me know how the diagnostics go—I’ll guide you through the next steps based on what we find. You're doing everything right, and we’ll get this sorted.

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