Wifi adapter keeps uninstalling itself

[ksalmela]

If the computer is idle for awhile it uninstalls the wifi adapter. I can reinstall it but then I have to reboot and all of the websites think I am logging in from a new computer

[Pallipurath]

Hi @ksalmela,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I am sorry you're experiencing issues with your WiFi adapter uninstalling itself when your computer is idle, here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

Open Device Manager 

• Right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.
• Locate your WiFi adapter under "Network adapters."
• Right-click on the WiFi adapter and select "Properties."
• Navigate to the "Power Management" tab.
• Uncheck the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
• Click "OK."

Reinstall Wireless Network Adapter:

• In "Device Manager,
• Right-click your wireless network adapter 
• Select "Uninstall Device."

Check for Windows Updates:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Check for updates and ensure all system updates are installed.

I hope this helps, Keep us posted.

Take care and have an amazing day!

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards

Pallipurath.

[ksalmela]

Thank you for your response. There doesn't seem to be a power management tab that I am seeing. Any suggestions?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @ksalmela,

Thanks for the update!

If the Power Management tab is missing, no worries — that usually means Windows is using a generic driver or the adapter is controlled differently. Let’s try a few more steps to fix the issue:

Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver Using the Correct Manufacturer Driver
• Go to Device Manager → Network adapters.
• Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Uninstall Device → restart your PC.
• Then install the official Wi-Fi driver for your HP model from the HP Support website.
A proper driver often restores missing tabs like “Power Management.”

Turn Off USB Selective Suspend (Common Cause for Auto-Uninstall)
• Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings.
• Click “Change advanced power settings.”
• Expand “USB settings” → “USB selective suspend setting.”
• Set it to Disabled → Apply → OK.

Prevent Windows From Replacing Drivers Automatically
• Go to Windows Search → type “Device installation settings.”
• Select “No (your device might not work as expected).”
This stops Windows from pushing generic drivers that may cause the uninstall issue.

Check for Hidden Power Settings
• Open CMD as Administrator.
• Run this command:
powercfg -restoredefaultschemes
• Restart the PC.
This restores all power control features that may be missing or hidden.

Check Reliability Monitor for Clues
• Search “Reliability Monitor” → open it.
• Look for entries where the network adapter stops or uninstalls itself.
Share any error messages you see, it helps pinpoint the root cause.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,