Network adapter driver missing

[Clauu]

Hello, my wifi driver suddenly disappeared. Ran Network Troubleshoot and I get this message: "windows did not detect a properly installed network adapter". Tried installing various network adapters including mediatek and realtek but none of them are showing up in Device Manager. Where can I find a proper network adapter driver for my laptop?

[Alden4]

Hi @Clauu,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like your HP 15 laptop has lost its network adapter driver, possibly due to a system update or corruption. Here's how to troubleshoot and find the correct driver.

Use HP Support Assistant

1. Download HP Support Assistant from the official HP website.
2. Run HP Support Assistant to scan for missing drivers and updates. It should automatically identify and install the correct Wi-Fi drivers for your laptop.

Install Drivers from HP Website

1. Go to the HP Software & Drivers page for your HP 15 laptop.
2. Enter your laptop’s model number or use the auto-detect tool to find your device.
3. Under "Driver - Network", download the latest Wi-Fi driver for your laptop.
4. Install the driver and restart your laptop.

Use Device Manager (If driver appears)

1. Open Device Manager (Press Windows + X and select Device Manager).
2. Look under Network adapters and check if the network adapter is listed. If it's not showing, try the following:
   • Click Action in the menu and select Scan for hardware changes.
   • If it appears, right-click and select Update Driver.

Run Windows Update

Sometimes, Windows Update may automatically find and install the missing driver:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.

Check the BIOS/UEFI

In rare cases, the network adapter may be disabled in the BIOS/UEFI settings:

1. Restart your laptop and press ESC or F10 to enter BIOS/UEFI.
2. Check if the wireless adapter is enabled (Look under the Advanced or Integrated Peripherals tab).
3. If disabled, enable it, save, and exit.

Use a USB Wi-Fi Adapter (Temporary Solution)

If the internal adapter still doesn't appear, you can use a USB Wi-Fi adapter as a temporary workaround until the issue is resolved.

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