Wi-Fi option missing + Driver not installing on HP Laptop 15s-eq2144AU

[PrinceNasit]

I am using an HP Laptop 15s-eq2144AU (50M63PA).
Recently, my Wi-Fi option disappeared from Windows — it no longer shows up in Network & Internet settings, and the wireless adapter is missing from Device Manager as well.

To fix this, I tried installing Wi-Fi drivers manually using pnputil, but I kept getting messages like:

netrtwlane.inf: Successfully added oem50.inf and installed on 0 device(s) netrtwlane02.inf: Successfully added oem19.inf and installed on 0 device(s) netrtwlane6.inf: Successfully added oem23.inf and installed on 0 device(s) netrtwlane601.inf: Successfully added oem24.inf and installed on 0 device(s) netrtwlane602.inf: Successfully added oem25.inf and installed on 0 device(s) netrtwlane613.inf: Successfully added oem26.inf and installed on 0 device(s)

This shows the driver packages were added to the driver store, but none of them matched my hardware, so they were not installed on any device.

After checking with this command:

wmic nic get name, manufacturer, netconnectionstatus

I found that my actual Wi-Fi adapter is:

Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe Adapter

Since the Wi-Fi adapter is missing in Device Manager and the driver INF files do not match the device, I am unable to restore Wi-Fi.

I need help with:

• Getting the correct Realtek RTL8821CE driver for this model, and

• Resolving why the Wi-Fi adapter is not appearing in Device Manager at all.

Any guidance or official driver link for the HP 15s-eq2144AU would be greatly appreciated.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @PrinceNasit,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

I understand you have trouble. Here’s the  guidance for your HP Laptop 15s-eq2144AU (50M63PA) with the missing Wi-Fi adapter and Realtek RTL8821CE issue:

Step 1: Confirm Hardware

• Press F2 during boot → Run HP Hardware Diagnostics → Component Test → Wireless Module.
• If the test fails, the card may need replacement.

Step 2: Show Hidden Devices

• Open Device Manager → View → Show hidden devices.
• Expand Network adapters.
• If the adapter appears grayed out, right-click → Enable.
• If not visible, continue to the next steps.

Step 3: Install the Correct Driver

Your adapter is Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11ac PCIe. Download the latest HP-certified driver:

👉 HP Realtek RTL8821CE Wi-Fi Driver (Windows 10/11): HP Laptop 15s-eq2144AU (50M63PA) Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
Version: 2024.10.228.4 (works for RTL8821CE)

Alternate latest build:
👉 HP RTL8821CE Driver (Windows 11)
Version: 2024.10.230.1

How to install:

1. Download the .exe file.
2. Run it to extract files (usually to C:\SWSetup\SPxxxxx).
3. If auto-install fails: 
   • Open Command Prompt (Admin).
   • Navigate to the extracted folder.
   • Run installer.cmd.

Step 4: Scan for Hardware Changes

• In Device Manager → Action → Scan for hardware changes.
• If still missing, try Add legacy hardware: 
  • Action → Add legacy hardware → Network adapters → Realtek → RTL8821CE.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

• Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced → Network Reset.
• Restart your PC.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat