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.

[Mayer02]

Hi!

So this did not solve the issue. The toggle switch shows up when I leave my house and disappears at my house. I've deleted and reinstalled the device driver and I can't run a Windows update, because I can't connect to the Internet.

I purchased an exterior WiFi adapter, and now the two SS USB drives have stopped working and won't recognize my wireless mouse or any other thumb drive plugged in.

When I turn on the computer it acts like it's trying to load something (you can hear the drive ramp up) except the Task Manager doesn't show any activity and then refuses to close (shows "Not Responding").

I cannot duplicate these problems when I'm away from my house. Best Buy Geek Squad ran a quick diagnostic and it shows everything is fine. 

Any other suggestions?

[Jerry_57]

Thank you for your response.

Here are the specific steps to resolve this:
 

1. Immediate Physical Action

• Unplug the New WiFi Adapter: Power down the HP computer completely.
   
• Disconnect all USB peripherals (mouse, keyboard, external drives, and the new adapter).
   
• Perform a Hard Reset: While everything is unplugged, hold down the power button for 30 seconds to drain residual power.
   
• Reboot: Turn the computer on without the new adapter plugged in to see if the USB ports and mouse return to normal.

2. Software & Driver Troubleshooting

If the ports work after the reset, the adapter's drivers are likely corrupted or conflicting:
 

• Uninstall Adapter Software: Go to "Programs and Features" in the Control Panel and uninstall the software related to the new WiFi adapter.
   
• Update Chipset Drivers: Visit the Official HP® Support, enter your model number, and update the Chipset and USB 3.0/3.1 drivers.
   
• Device Manager Cleanup: Open Device Manager, expand "Universal Serial Bus controllers," right-click on any device with a yellow warning symbol, and select "Uninstall." Restart the computer. 
  
  
  3. Alternative Solutions

If the adapter is necessary:
 

• Use a Powered USB Hub: The adapter may be drawing too much power. A USB hub that plugs into a wall outlet can supply enough power for the adapter without overloading the computer's motherboard.
   
• Try Different Ports: If you are using USB 3.0 (blue) ports, try USB 2.0, or vice versa.