Wifi not showing on my laptop

[Mantror]

I have an HP Pavilion Laptop 16. For some time now, the Wi-Fi option has not been showing up. On the rare occasions that a Wi-Fi network does appear, the connection is extremely unstable or it’s impossible to connect.
I have already checked that all drivers are up to date, and the HP Hardware Diagnostics tool does not show any errors.
Does anyone know what might be causing this issue, or what further steps I can try to fix it?

[Samrit26]

Hello,

Thanks — that’s a clear description, and this symptom pattern (Wi-Fi option missing or extremely intermittent on an HP Pavilion 16) is one I’ve seen quite a few times.
It typically points to a hardware-layer issue with the wireless adapter — most often a Realtek or Intel M.2 WLAN module that’s either partially failing electrically or losing PCIe enumeration intermittently. Let’s walk through a systematic way to confirm that before we conclude hardware replacement.

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🔍 Step 1 — Confirm if Windows still “sees” the adapter

1. Press Win + X → Device Manager → Network adapters.

2. Do you see your Wi-Fi adapter listed (e.g. Realtek RTL8852BE, Intel AX201, etc.)?

   • If missing completely, expand View → Show hidden devices.

     • If it appears greyed out → Windows isn’t detecting it consistently → strong hardware or firmware symptom.

   • If it’s present but has a yellow triangle → driver/firmware failure.

   • If it’s present and “working properly” → we’ll check power and firmware next.

Let me know which applies before you move forward — it determines the exact path.

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⚙️ Step 2 — Check BIOS / UEFI layer detection

Reboot the laptop → immediately press F10 to enter BIOS setup.

• Under Advanced → Built-In Device Options, confirm that Internal WLAN is Enabled.

• If it is, also check the BIOS version on the Main page and note it here (e.g., F.25).
  If BIOS can’t see a WLAN module at all, Windows won’t either — that confirms a failing or loose M.2 WLAN card.

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🧠 Step 3 — Power and driver re-initialization test

If the adapter shows up intermittently:

1. In Device Manager → Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi device → Uninstall device → check “Delete the driver software for this device”.

2. Shut down the laptop fully (not restart).

3. Disconnect AC and hold the power button for 20 seconds to drain embedded power.

4. Boot back up and let Windows reinstall the driver automatically.

If it still disappears randomly, that confirms an electrical contact or module fault.

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🧩 Step 4 — Hardware diagnostics beyond HP tool

Even though HP Hardware Diagnostics reports “Pass”, that only checks controller communication at the moment of testing. These Wi-Fi faults are often thermal-intermittent or RF-front-end failures that pass static tests but fail under real use.

Typical telltales:

Symptom	Likely Cause
Wi-Fi option completely missing after sleep	Adapter not re-enumerating on resume
Works for few minutes then drops	RF IC overheating or low 3.3 V rail
Detects SSID but won’t connect	Antenna detachment or Tx path fault

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🔧 Step 5 — Recommended next actions

1. Update BIOS from HP Support site (for your Pavilion 16 model number) — newer BIOS builds often include WLAN module firmware updates.

2. Re-seat or replace the WLAN module:

   • Power off, remove bottom cover (if serviceable).

   • Locate the M.2 Wi-Fi card (usually Realtek 8852BE or Intel AX200).

   • Disconnect antennas, remove the securing screw, re-insert firmly, reconnect antennas.

   • If still intermittent → replace the card; they’re inexpensive and user-replaceable.

⚠️ If your Pavilion 16 is under warranty, this step should be performed by HP depot — do not attempt internal service yourself unless you’re out of warranty.

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🧰 Final resort

If the module is confirmed dead or not visible in BIOS even after reseating, this is a hardware fault requiring HP depot repair (ship-to-repair center). The repair center will replace the WLAN module or system board depending on design.

[Wouter72]

Thank you for the answer. The laptop is still under warranty. Where can I go in Belgium to have it repaired? The companies listed on the HP support website in Belgium are unwilling to do this. Very strange.