Windows 8 reset not connecting

[Curmudgeon65]

I was given an HP pavilion that had windows 11 on it; worked fine for a couple of years but it got suuuper slow so I reset to factory, which means it’s now windows 8.

It’s retained it’s full functionality & speed etc. but will not connect to the internet, even though it says “connected”.

I’ve tried to do the basic stuff found on google for fixes but I’m at a loss.

Any ideas? 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Curmudgeon65,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your PC!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

If your laptop originally ran Windows 11, the network drivers might be missing or outdated after moving to Windows 8. 

To fix this, you can use another device to download the latest network drivers for your HP Pavilion directly from the HP Support website. Once downloaded, transfer the files via a USB drive and install them on your laptop. Restart the device afterward and check if your internet starts working.

Sometimes, even if the laptop shows as "Connected," it might not properly receive an IP address. In such cases, you can reset network settings via the Command Prompt (opened as Administrator). Use the following commands in sequence: netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, and ipconfig /flushdns. After running these commands, restart the laptop and check if the issue resolves.

It's also important to note that Windows 8 may lack compatibility with modern network features like WPA3 or 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. You could try adjusting your Wi-Fi router settings to use WPA2 encryption or switching the Wi-Fi band to 2.4GHz if your laptop doesn’t support 5GHz networks.

Moreover, being an older operating system, Windows 8 might miss out on modern network optimizations. Upgrading back to Windows 10 or 11 can often help, as long as your laptop supports it. If an upgrade isn’t feasible, you can manually update Windows 8 by going to the Control Panel and selecting Windows Update. Ensure you install any network-related updates available.

Should all else fail, an external USB Wi-Fi adapter compatible with Windows 8 could bypass these challenges. They’re a cost-effective solution that often resolves driver compatibility issues efficiently.

Let me know if any of these steps work for you or if you need further guidance!

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,