Omnibook X not recognizing public wifi

[JoyL2048]

When I take my laptop out in public spaces, it doesn't pick up any wifi networks so im unable to move past the login screen as I have no internet connection. 

Any tips?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @JoyL2048 

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

If your HP OmniBook X isn’t detecting public Wi-Fi networks, especially before login, it may be due to driver limitations, restricted network scanning during lock screen, or a missing Realtek Wi-Fi update. 

Let’s walk through a focused recovery path to restore full wireless detection.

Step-by-step actions to fix public Wi-Fi detection issues

1. Install the latest Realtek Wi-Fi driver

Some OmniBook X models use the Realtek 8852BE-V Choya adapter, which may require a specific update to detect networks reliably.

• Visit: HP OmniBook X Flip 14 Drivers & Software 
• Enter your exact model number and download:
  • Realtek RTL8852BE Wi-Fi Driver
  • Intel Chipset Driver
• Restart your laptop after installation.

This update improves network scanning and stability in public environments.

 

2. Enable network access before login

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
2. Select your preferred public network (if previously connected).
3. Enable Connect automatically and Allow use for sign-in.

This allows Windows to connect to Wi-Fi before login, enabling captive portal access.

 

3. Manually trigger network scan

If no networks appear:

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Del > Click Network icon (bottom right corner).
• Wait 10–15 seconds for networks to populate.
• If still blank, click Airplane Mode on/off to refresh the adapter.

Public networks may take longer to appear due to signal congestion or captive portal delays.

 

4. Disable MAC randomization

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties.
2. Set Random hardware addresses to Off.

Some public networks block randomized MAC addresses, preventing detection or login.

5. Use mobile hotspot as a fallback

If public Wi-Fi remains undetected:

• Enable hotspot on your phone.
• Connect your OmniBook X to the hotspot to complete login and updates.
• Once logged in, retry scanning for public networks.

Let me know how the system responds after these steps. If networks still don’t appear, we can test with a clean boot or alternate adapter mode. 

You’ve done everything right by staying observant—I’ll be here to guide you further if needed.

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