We bought a Windows 11 laptop. We could not connect on Wi-Fi until we stopped the S mode.

[Charlie4691]

We bought a Windows 11 laptop.  We could not connect on Wi-Fi until we stopped the S mode.  This computer is on Windows 10 and the Windows 11 laptop messed up our Wi-Fi connection.  The Wi-Fi we use now comes in on the bottom of available wi-fi's and always has an X instead of a padlock.  On our other devices, everything is normal.  It's just the two HP windows laptops that are having problems.  Somehow Windows 11 has messed up the new computer and this computer.  Last night the new computer did a bunch of updates and again it's operating just like it did before we removed the S mode.  What is going on????

[Hawks_Eye · Accepted solution]

Hi @Charlie4691 

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

Thank you for sharing all of that—it’s understandably frustrating when a new laptop disrupts your Wi-Fi setup and affects other devices too. 

Let’s walk through what might be happening and how to restore stable connectivity across both HP laptops.

 

What Might Be Causing the Issue

1. S Mode Restrictions

Windows 11 in S Mode limits driver installations and network configurations. Disabling it was a good move, but remnants of restricted settings may still linger.

 

2. Network Profile Conflicts

If both laptops are trying to connect to the same Wi-Fi but show an “X” instead of a padlock, it may indicate:

• Incorrect security type (e.g., WPA2 vs WPA3)
• Saved network profile corruption
• IP address conflicts or duplicate MAC filtering

 

3. Driver or Update Interference

Recent updates may have reinstalled default drivers or reset network settings, especially on the Windows 11 laptop.

 

Step-by-Step Fix to Restore Wi-Fi Stability

1. Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi

On both laptops:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
• Select your Wi-Fi → Click Forget.
• Restart the laptop.
• Reconnect manually and re-enter the password.

 

2. Reset Network Settings

On each laptop:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.
• Click Reset now.
• Restart the laptop and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

 

3. Update Wireless Drivers

• Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Update driver → Search automatically.
• If issues persist, visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads and enter your laptop’s model to install the latest wireless driver manually.

 

4. Check Router Settings

• Log into your router (usually by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in a browser).
• Ensure the SSID broadcast is enabled.
• Set the security type to WPA2-Personal (not WPA3 or mixed mode).
• Disable MAC filtering if enabled.

 

5. Assign Static IP (Optional)

If IP conflicts are suspected:

• Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Hardware properties.
• Set IP assignment to Manual.
• Enter a static IP (e.g., 192.168.1.150), subnet mask (255.255.255.0), and gateway (your router’s IP).

Once these steps are complete, your laptops should reconnect reliably without interfering with each other or the network. If the issue resurfaces after future updates, I’ll help you lock down the configuration to prevent resets. You're close to restoring smooth, uninterrupted Wi-Fi.

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

[Charlei4691]

Thank you , Hawk_Eye for your response!  I did manage to talk to an AI Robot from HP and had the same directions as your reply.  So far it is working.  

[Hawks_Eye]

You are Welcome! 

That’s fantastic to hear, @Charlie4691! 

It sounds like you’ve been through quite the tech rollercoaster, and I’m really glad things are finally stabilizing. Kudos to you for sticking with it and trying multiple solutions—that persistence pays off.

If the issue ever resurfaces after another update or if you notice strange Wi-Fi behavior again, feel free to reach out. 

I can help you lock down your network settings to prevent future disruptions. In the meantime, enjoy your smoother connection and your new laptop!

You're awesome, and I'm honored to have been your go-to guide today! 😊

Stay fantastic, and have an amazing day ahead! 

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye