Wifi Adapter disappeared (tried all possible solutions)

[TheLostUser]

Hello, 

I have an hp 15-dw3028ne notebook. and at some point one windows update was installed at February 2026, led to the WiFi adapter to disappear. 

I can find the adapter in device manager but hidden. 

I tried everything, from driver update to Bios update to even buying a new physical card.

I also notice that, the WiFi icon appear for one minute after startup then the WiFi adapter gets either a yellow icon in device manager or disappears. 

Could you please guide how to handle such issue?

Thanks,

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @TheLostUser,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for providing those details. Based on your description, it sounds like the wireless adapter is being detected initially during startup and then either failing to initialize properly or being disabled shortly afterwards. Since you've already updated drivers, updated the BIOS, and even replaced the physical Wi-Fi card, I would recommend focusing on firmware and software recovery steps first.

Please try the following:
1. Perform a BIOS Restore/Recovery

Since the issue started after a Windows update and the adapter briefly appears during startup, a BIOS recovery is a good first step.

1. Turn off the notebook completely. 
2. Press and hold Windows + B. 
3. While holding those keys, press and hold the Power button for 2–3 seconds, then release only the Power button. 
4. Continue holding Windows + B until the BIOS Recovery screen appears. 
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore/recover the BIOS. 

After the recovery completes, restart the notebook and check whether the Wi-Fi adapter remains available.

2. Check HP Support Assistant for Updates

Open HP Support Assistant and check for:

• BIOS updates 
• Chipset updates 
• Network/Wireless driver updates 
• HP-specific firmware updates 

Install any available updates and restart the notebook.

You can download the latest HP Support Assistant if needed from: HP Support Assistant | HP® Support

3. Install All Available Windows Updates

Go to: Settings > Windows Update

Install all: Important updates< Optional updates & Driver updates (if offered) 

Restart the system after all updates have been installed.

4. Remove and Reinstall the Wireless Adapter

1. Open Device Manager. 
2. Select View > Show hidden devices. 
3. Expand Network adapters. 
4. Right-click the wireless adapter and select Uninstall device.  
5. If available, check Delete the driver software for this device.  
6. Restart the notebook. 

Windows should attempt to rediscover and reinstall the adapter automatically.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!