WiFi Toggle Randomly Missing from Globe Icon

[Mayer02]

I have an older hp Pavilion laptop that still works great (minimal usage) with Windows 11. I just upgraded my xFinity modem and the wi-fi toggle is missing completely from the globe icon (on the bottom right hand of the screen). I took it to Best Buy Geek Squad and lo and behold, it was there. I came home and split the bands on my modem to 2.4 and 5/6. My computer still doesn't show the wifi toggle ...only Bluetooth shows up. I've started and restarted my computer and still nothing. Why did it show up at Best Buy but not at my house?

[Jerry_57]

Hi @Mayer02,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

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

A missing Wi‑Fi toggle in the taskbar/network area usually points to the wireless adapter/driver not being detected properly, rather than the modem bands themselves. From the provided HP content, the recommended HP steps are:
 

• Run Windows Update and install all updates, then restart if prompted.
   
• Run Windows Update again until it says your device is up to date.
   
• Open HP Support Assistant and check for driver updates there as well, since HP may provide drivers before Windows Update does.
   
• If the issue continues, use Device Manager to update the specific Wi‑Fi/network driver:
  
  
  • Right-click Start
     
  • Select Device Manager
     
  • Find the wireless/network adapter
     
  • Choose Update Driver Software/search automatically online

HP also notes that Device Manager is best for troubleshooting a specific issue, like Wi‑Fi problems.
 

I hope this will help.

 

Take care and have a good day.