A Wi-Fi network is easy to set up and easy to connect to. Mobile devices can connect to WiFi networks out of the box and desktop computers usually only require a driver in most cases. Windows 10 will install generic drivers on your desktop the first time you boot, but proprietary drivers will be installed later or you can install them manually. Fix HP Laptop Not Connecting to Wi-Fi
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HP Laptop Not Connecting to Wi-Fi?
Not all WiFi chipsets and drivers are the same. You will find that some laptops can connect to WiFi networks more easily than others. It comes down to the difference in hardware (the wireless chip used) and hardware configuration.
Basic Verification
If your HP laptop is not connecting to a Wi-Fi network, check the following.
- Check if any other devices within reach can connect to the network.
- Move closer to the router and see if it connects.
- Restart the router and your laptop.
If the laptop does not connect, try the following fixes.
1. Forget and join the network again
Forget the network you’re trying to connect to, then try connecting to it.
- Open the Settings app with the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
- Go to Network and Internet.
- Select the Wi-Fi tab.
- Click Manage Known Networks.
- Select the network and click Forget.
- Restart the system.
- On your desktop, click on the WiFi icon in the system tray.
- Select the network and enter a password.
2. Run the Wireless Network Troubleshooter
Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter that can fix wireless card problems and reset them.
- Open the Settings app with the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click Additional Troubleshooters.
- Run the Internet Connection Troubleshooter and apply all recommended fixes.
- Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter and apply all recommended fixes.
- Restart the system.
3. Update Wireless Drivers
Check if the wireless adapter driver needs to be updated. If it is, then the update should fix the network card problem.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network Adapters.
- Right-click on your wireless card and select Update Drivers.
- Search for drivers online and install them.
- Restart the system.
4. Install Proprietary Drivers
If you have never installed a proprietary driver for a wireless network card, this may be the reason why the laptop will not connect to the WiFi network.
- Visit the official HP Driver website.
- Select the laptop and enter the serial number or service tag.
- Find wireless drivers, and download and install them.
- Restart the system.
5. Install Windows 10 Updates
Install pending Windows 10 updates. Pending updates can interfere with the system, so you should not postpone them.
- Open the Settings app with the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select the Windows Update tab.
- Click on the Check for Updates button.
- Download and install updates.
- Restart the system.
Conclusion
HP laptops usually don’t have problems with their network cards. Some systems may not have as long-range as others, so try to sit closer to the router or use a repeater for the network.