BIOS update removed Realtek USB network adapter

[jsmaloney]

I have always tried to faithfully use the HP Support Assistant to do recommended software updates.  Unfortunately, two recent BIOS updates have taken away my Ethernet Adapter.  It took some time to do the research to figure out why I can suddenly only connect to our router with a wireless connection, I figured out how to go to Device Manager and look at the Network adapters.  There is supposed to be an adapter listed for Realtek USB FE Family Controller and it was gone yesterday, then reappeared this morning but the network still would not be recognized.  I went to the HP Support Assistant and saw that another BIOS update was available so I loaded that one, and the Ethernet network adapter is again gone!  I have read tech blogs, etc. that say it should be reinstalled when you restart the laptop with Windows 10.  Even if it reappears after I restart the laptop, I'm still having a problem getting it to activate so my ethernet cable connected to a USB 2.0 port will be recognized and I do not have to connect to my router with a wireless connection.  

[praveen196]

@jsmaloney Welcome to HP Community!

I understand that after updating the BIOS, the laptop will not detect the USB network adapter.

Do not worry. I will try to fix the issue.

Please perform the below steps and check.

Press windows key and then followed by the key "B" this time and then the power button for around 3-4 seconds, then release the power button and continue to hold windows+B for 3-4 seconds more.

This issue could occur if the network drivers are not updated.

Let's go through a few steps that may help to fix this issue.

And here are a few steps to uninstall and reinstall the drivers from device manager:

1. Click Start, and enter Device Manager into the Search field. Click Device Manager.

2. Double-click the Network adapters category.

3. Right-click the name of the Network Adapter and select Uninstall.

4. On the "Confirm Device Uninstall" window, click OK.

5. When the network adapter software has been uninstalled, restart the computer. The computer will reinstall the device driver software.

6. After the computer restarts and completes the installation of the device driver software, try connecting to the Internet.

If the issue persists, I suggest that you run the HP Support Assistant by following the link: Using HP Support Assistant (Windows 10, 8, 7)

Here's a related HP Forums post that seems to have helped others: Click here

Let me know how this works.

Keep us posted,

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, 

Give us a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on this post, 

Have a great day!

[jsmaloney]

Good evening, thank you for trying to help. 

I actually did all of the things you recommended back when I continued to do a lot of research on this and nothing seemed to work.  A couple days later, when I was talking with a friend who has expertise in this and plugged in the Ethernet to USB adapter, the laptop then decided to recognize it!  I have no idea what changed with the laptop over the two days so that the Ethernet adapter finally started working again, but I will keep my hopes up that it continues to work!  

[praveen196]

@jsmaloney

Thank you for the update.

In the feature, If you have any other concerns. Please get back to us. We will assist you.

Have a nice day!!