How to Turn On WiFi on HP Laptop Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Struggling to connect your HP laptop to WiFi in Windows 11? You’re not alone. Many users find it confusing to figure out the different ways of turning on WiFi, especially since HP laptops often come with multiple connectivity options, hotkeys, and system settings.

The good news? It’s quick and easy once you know where to look. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through all the different methods to enable WiFi on an HP laptop running Windows 11 — from the basic settings menu to keyboard shortcuts and troubleshooting tips.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Not See WiFi on Your HP Laptop

Before diving into solutions, let’s quickly cover why WiFi might not show up:

Airplane mode is accidentally turned on.
The WiFi adapter is disabled in Windows settings.
Outdated or missing HP network drivers.
Hardware issue with the WiFi card.
Incorrect BIOS or power settings disabling the adapter.

Don’t worry — most of these are software issues and can be fixed easily.

Method 1: Turn On WiFi from the Taskbar Quick Settings

The fastest way to enable WiFi in Windows 11:

Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Click on the network/volume/battery icons (they’re grouped together).
The Quick Settings menu opens.
Click on the Wi-Fi button to turn it On.
Select your WiFi network from the list and enter the password.

🔎 If the WiFi button is missing, move to Method 2 or 5.

Method 2: Enable WiFi via Windows Settings

If Quick Settings doesn’t help:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet.
Click on Wi-Fi.
Toggle the switch to On.

This ensures Windows 11 recognizes your HP’s wireless adapter.

Method 3: Use the HP Function Keys (Keyboard Shortcut)

Most HP laptops have a function key for WiFi.

Look for the F12 key (sometimes F2 or F3 on older models).
It usually has a wireless antenna icon.
Press Fn + F12 (or just F12 if Fn lock is off).
A small LED light near the key may turn blue (on) or orange (off).

Method 4: Turn On WiFi with the Physical Wireless Button

Some older HP laptops include a dedicated WiFi switch on the side or front.

Look for a small slider switch with a wireless icon.
Slide it to the On position.
A light indicator should confirm WiFi is active.

Method 5: Enable WiFi Adapter from Device Manager

Sometimes the adapter is disabled in Windows. To fix this:

Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters.
Look for your Intel, Realtek, or Qualcomm WiFi adapter.
Right-click it and select Enable device.
If already enabled, try selecting Update driver.

How to Connect to a WiFi Network Once It’s On

After enabling WiFi:

Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar.
Select your preferred network.
Enter the password.
Click Connect.
Check for the Connected, secured status.

What to Do If WiFi Is Missing in Windows 11

If WiFi is not showing at all:

Check if Airplane mode is enabled — turn it off.
Run Windows Troubleshooter:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
Restart your HP laptop.

Update HP WiFi Drivers for Better Performance

Outdated drivers are a common culprit. Update them as follows:

Visit HP Support website.
Enter your laptop model (e.g., HP Pavilion, Envy, EliteBook).
Download the latest WiFi driver for Windows 11.
Install and restart.

Alternatively:

Use Device Manager > Update driver.
Or install updates via HP Support Assistant.

Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

If nothing works, reset the whole network stack:

Open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
Scroll to Network reset.
Click Reset now.
Restart your HP laptop.

This reinstalls all adapters and restores defaults.

Difference Between WiFi and Airplane Mode on HP Laptops

WiFi On → You can connect to the internet wirelessly.
Airplane Mode On → Disables all wireless connections (WiFi, Bluetooth, mobile broadband).

Tip: Make sure Airplane mode is off when trying to enable WiFi.

Should You Use Ethernet or WiFi?

Ethernet (wired connection): Faster, more stable, great for gaming.
WiFi: Convenient, portable, but may have signal drops.

If possible, use Ethernet for heavy tasks and WiFi for mobility.

Tips for Stronger WiFi on HP Laptops

Place your router in a central location.
Avoid interference from microwaves or cordless phones.
Use 5 GHz WiFi for faster speeds (if supported).
Keep HP drivers updated.
Restart your router occasionally.

Common Problems and Fixes

Q1: My HP laptop says “No WiFi networks found.” What do I do?
Check if WiFi is enabled in Device Manager and restart your router.

Q2: WiFi keeps disconnecting on Windows 11 — how do I fix it?
Update your drivers and disable power saving for the WiFi adapter.

Q3: Why is my WiFi slower than on other devices?
Your laptop may be on the 2.4 GHz band. Switch to 5 GHz if supported.

Q4: Does HP have its own WiFi management software?
Yes, some models use HP Connection Manager or HP Support Assistant.

Q5: Can I add WiFi if my HP laptop doesn’t have it?
Yes, by using a USB WiFi adapter.

Conclusion

Turning on WiFi on an HP laptop running Windows 11 can be as simple as clicking the taskbar icon — but if that doesn’t work, you now know multiple ways to enable it:

Use the Quick Settings menu
Check Windows Settings
Try the keyboard shortcut or physical switch
Enable the adapter in Device Manager
Update or reinstall HP WiFi drivers

With these methods, you’ll be back online in no time.

✅ Key Takeaways

WiFi can be enabled via Settings, Quick Settings, or function keys.
Outdated drivers are a common reason WiFi disappears.
Device Manager and Network Reset are your go-to troubleshooting steps.
Always keep HP drivers updated for stable performance.