HP laptop Wi-Fi option gone, says there's no Wi-Fi Network Available

[LexaCheyenne94]

My HP Laptop is either Windows 7 32 bit or 64 bit not entirely sure. The WiFi option is completely gone. It says there is no Wi-Fi network available. It's a wireless connection. It won't let troubleshoot. It won't let me open the start up menu. I've been having to use key combos to do anything on it. I've restarted it many many times! I've unplugged my router and plugged it back on, the WiFi works on all of our other devices just fine. I can't access the Device Management. It says it either doesn't exist or I don't have permission to access that, even though I used the command prompt as administrator. And my laptop is not compatible with anything past Windows 7. I can usually solve the problems with my laptop, but this time I'm stumped. Please help! Thank you!

[Raj_05]

Hi @LexaCheyenne94,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue with your HP laptop's Wi-Fi connectivity. Since you've tried several troubleshooting steps already, let's explore some additional options.

Check Hardware Switch: Some HP laptops have a physical switch or button to toggle Wi-Fi on and off. Make sure it's switched to the "on" position.

Check Device Manager: If you can't access Device Manager through the usual means, try accessing it via the Run dialog box. Press Windows key + R, then type devmgmt.msc and press Enter. This should open Device Manager directly.

Update Wi-Fi Drivers: In Device Manager, locate the network adapter section. Look for any entries related to Wi-Fi or wireless networks. Right-click on them and select "Update driver." Follow the prompts to search for updated drivers online.

Check for Disabled Network Adapter: In Device Manager, if you see any entries for network adapters, ensure they are not disabled. Right-click on any disabled adapter and select "Enable."

Reset TCP/IP Stack: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (you mentioned you've done this before), and type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

netsh winsock reset 

netsh int ip reset 

ipconfig /release 

ipconfig /renew

Check BIOS Settings: Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Del during startup). Ensure that the wireless network adapter is enabled in the BIOS settings.

Perform System Restore: If the issue started recently, you can try restoring your system to a previous point when the Wi-Fi was working fine. To do this, type "system restore" in the Start menu search bar and follow the prompts.

Since you're unable to access certain functions normally, using key combinations or alternative methods like the Run dialog might help you bypass those limitations.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[LexaCheyenne94]

I already tried the computer management/device management in the command prompt along with the nitsh thing as well. It tells me the file does not exist or I don't have permission to open it even though I opened the command prompt as administrator. Tried to reset it to when the wifi worked, that didn't work. Where is this hardware switch located specifically? And I will try the last thing you said.