Network drivers?

[Hels-Lou230203]

My laptop is currently struggling to connect to many public wifis with various blocking messages coming up. I installed the latest printer drivers on the HP but this has made no difference. I have been advised by my IT support that my network drivers are likely out of date but not necessarily up to date on the HP website (which I have already done) so could still be an issue and they would have to show me how to manually install. It has also started causing printer issues too as I have to turn printer off and on just to print anything. I have exhausted all ways of contacting HP direct as you only seem to be able to do so if you are not in warrantee and mine has not long expired, so this is incredibly frustrating that they offer zero support after this to even ask a question. In order to post this I can to complete the 'Board' whatever that was but none of the options are even closely relevant to so had to just select one and hope people that know can access it.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Hels-Lou230203,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

It sounds like you're dealing with two separate but potentially related issues — network connectivity and printer performance. Let me address both briefly.
 

✅ HP Printers & Public Networks:
HP printers are designed primarily for secure private networks. Most public or guest networks (such as in cafes or hotels) have restrictions that prevent devices from discovering each other, which is why your printer may struggle to connect or require frequent restarts. Unfortunately, this is a common limitation rather than a fault.
 

✅ Network Driver Concerns:
I you want to connect the Printer or PC to a Public or domain network, then your IT has to make changes on the PC, sometimes a manual clean install of the latest drivers from the manufacturer (e.g., Intel or Realtek) can resolve stubborn issues.

Please let me know if you need help with an HP PC or printer do share the model so we can try to get all the help.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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VikramTheGreat

HP Support