How to Enable Wi-Fi on an HP Laptop 15s: 4 Proven Methods

Laptops HP Laptop 15s — a popular series of budget and mid-range devices that are often used for work, study, and entertainment. However, even with such a simple action as turning on Wi-FiUsers sometimes experience difficulties. The causes can vary: accidental shutdown by a key combination, a glitch in Windows settings, or issues with drivers or a hardware button.

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to enable a wireless network on HP 15s — from basic to advanced. You'll learn how to check the adapter's status, which hotkeys are used for Wi-Fi, how to configure a network using Windows settings, and what to do if your laptop doesn't see available access points. We'll also pay special attention to common mistakes users make when connecting for the first time.

If your HP Laptop 15s Whether you've suddenly lost your internet connection or just purchased a device and don't know how to activate your wireless network, follow our instructions. We'll also show you how to avoid common issues, such as when the Wi-Fi indicator is on but no networks are displayed, or when Windows displays "No available connections."

1. Checking the hardware Wi-Fi on the HP 15s

Before messing around with Windows settings, make sure the wireless module is physically enabled. On laptops HP Laptop 15s This is done either by a separate button or a key combination Fn.

Usually, one of the function keys on the top row is responsible for turning on Wi-Fi - F12 (it has an antenna or network icon on it). To activate the module, press simultaneously Fn + F12On some modifications HP 15s (For example, 15s-eq2xxx or 15s-fq2xxx) another key can be used - F2 or F5. Look for the icon with radiating waves.

• 🔍 Wi-Fi indicatorAfter pressing the combination, check to see if the LED next to the power button or on the front of the laptop lights up. It's usually blue or white.
• 🔄 Double tap: If it doesn't work the first time, try pressing the combination twice with an interval of 2-3 seconds.
• 🛠️ Key lock: Make sure the key Fn not locked (some models have a separate button) Fn Lock).

If the hotkeys don't work, check if the wireless adapter is disabled in the BIOS. To do this, restart the laptop while holding down F10 (or Esc → F10), and find the section in the BIOS menu System Configuration → Built-in Device Options. Parameter Wireless LAN must be able to Enabled.

⚠️ Attention: On some versions HP 15s (especially with processors AMD Ryzen 3000/5000) The hardware Wi-Fi button may be missing. In this case, control is only possible through Windows software settings.

Press Fn + F12 (or another key with the Wi-Fi icon)

Check the wireless network indicator

Make sure Wi-Fi is not disabled in BIOS.

Try restarting your laptop-->

2. Turn on Wi-Fi via Windows 10/11 settings

If hardware activation did not help or on your model HP 15s There's no dedicated Wi-Fi button, so use Windows' built-in tools. The instructions apply to both OS versions, but in Windows 11 The menu design is slightly different.

Open Parameters (keyboard shortcut Win + I) and go to the section Network and InternetIn the left menu, select Wi-FiHere you will see a slider. Wireless network - move it into position OnIf the slider is already active but the networks are not displayed, click Show available networks and update the list.

• 🌐 Windows 10: Path - Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-FiHere you can also enable Airplane mode (if it is activated, Wi-Fi will be disabled).
• 🪟 Windows 11: Design simplified - section Wi-Fi is located directly in the main menu Network and InternetAdditionally, the history of connected networks is displayed here.
• 🔄 Quick menu: Click on the network icon in the bottom right corner of the screen (next to the clock) and select Wi-Fi → Turn on.

If after turning on the slider the networks still don't appear, try forget previously connected access points. To do this, in the same section, click Managing known networks, select your network and click ForgetAfter this, reconnect.

⚠️ Attention: If after turning on Wi-Fi in Windows settings the networks are still not displayed, check if a third-party antivirus is installed on the laptop (for example, Kaspersky or Avast). Such programs sometimes block network connections through the built-in firewall.

3. Check the status of the network adapter in Device Manager

If the previous methods didn't work, the problem may be a disabled or faulty network adapter. To check its status, open device ManagerTo do this, click Win + X and select the appropriate item, or enter it in Windows search devmgmt.msc and run the utility.

In the manager, expand the section Network adapters. An adapter with names like Intel Wi-Fi 6, Realtek RTL8xxx or Qualcomm AtherosIf there is a down arrow (↓) next to the name, right-click on the device and select EngageIf the adapter is missing or marked with an exclamation mark, you will need to reinstall the driver.

• 🔧 Turning on the adapter: Right-click on the device → Engage (if disabled).
• 🔄 Restart: Right click → Disconnect the device → Wait 10 seconds → Engage.
• 📥 Driver update: Right click → Update driver → Automatic search.

If Windows doesn't find the driver automatically, download it manually from the official website. HPTo do this:

1. Go to the support page support.hp.com.
2. Please enter your laptop model (e.g. HP Laptop 15s-eq2040ur).
3. In the section Drivers find Wireless or WLAN and download the latest version.
4. Install the driver and restart the laptop.

⚠️ Attention: On laptops HP 15s with processors AMD Sometimes there is a conflict between the Wi-Fi and chipset drivers. If the adapter stops working after an update, try rolling back the driver to the previous version (in Device Manager: right-click → Properties → Roll back).

What to do if the adapter is missing from the Device Manager?

If the network adapter is not displayed at all, this may mean:

1. Hardware failure (Wi-Fi module burned out).

2. Disabling in BIOS (check the section System Configuration).

3. Conflict with another device (for example, if you recently connected a USB modem).

In such cases, try resetting the BIOS to factory settings (remove the battery for 30 seconds) or contact a service center.

4. Diagnosing network problems in Windows

Windows has a built-in tool for diagnosing network problems. If Wi-Fi is enabled but you can't connect, use this feature:

1. Right-click the network icon in the tray and select Troubleshooting.
2. Follow the wizard's instructions. It will automatically check the adapter's status, the presence of an IP address, and the connection to the router.
3. If problems are found, the system will offer solutions (for example, resetting the TCP/IP stack or updating IP settings).

You can also run diagnostics via the command line. Open Command line as administrator (click Win + X → Terminal (Administrator)) and enter the commands sequentially:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

After executing each command, restart your laptop.

• 🔍 IP check: Enter ipconfig /all and make sure that next to Wireless network adapter the IP address is displayed (for example, 192.168.1.x). If there 169.254.x.x, this means that the router is not giving out an address - check its settings.
• 📡 Router ping: Enter ping 192.168.1.1 (or another IP address of your router). If packets aren't delivered, the problem may be with the router.

If the diagnostics don't help, try connecting to a different network (for example, using a hotspot on your phone). If that doesn't work, the problem is most likely with the laptop hardware.

5. Features of enabling Wi-Fi on HP 15s with different versions of Windows

Depending on the operating system version and laptop modification HP 15s The process for enabling Wi-Fi may vary slightly. Let's look at the key nuances for different configurations.

Windows 10 (versions 1909–22H2)

On most laptops HP 15s with preinstalled Windows 10 Wi-Fi is enabled through the notification center (the network icon in the system tray). However, in some builds (such as for enterprise clients), this section may be blocked by group policy. To unblock it:

1. Click Win + R, enter gpedit.msc and follow the path: User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Network → Network Connections.
2. Find the parameter Deny access to the properties of the Wireless Network component and install it in Disabled.

Windows 11 (21H2–24H2)

IN Windows 11 The interface is simplified, but there are occasional network display issues. If there's no list of access points after enabling Wi-Fi:

• Try turning the adapter off and on again. Settings → Network → Advanced network settings → Configure adapter settings.
• Make sure the service Autoconfiguration WLAN launched. To do this, click Win + R, enter services.msc, find the service and set the startup type Automatically.

Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)

If on yours HP 15s Linux is installed, you can turn on Wi-Fi through the terminal or graphical interface. For Ubuntu:

sudo nmcli radio wifi on # Enable Wi-Fi
sudo nmcli device wifi list # View available networks
sudo nmcli device wifi connect "NetworkName" password "password"

If the adapter is not detected, install proprietary drivers via Additional drivers (Software & Updates → Additional Drivers).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops HP 15s With Windows 10 in S mode (e.g., educational models) manual driver installation is prohibited. In this case, upgrade the system to the full version of Windows 10/11 through the Microsoft Store.

6. Solving Common Wi-Fi Problems on the HP 15s

Even after successfully enabling Wi-Fi, users HP 15s Sometimes we encounter common problems. Let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Problem 1: Wi-Fi is on, but networks are not showing up

Reasons:

• 📵 The adapter does not detect the network: Check if the mode is disabled Airplane Mode (in the tray or settings). Also, try rebooting the router.
• 🔌 Problems with the routerConnect another device (phone, tablet) to the network. If there's no internet there either, reboot the router.
• 🛠️ Incompatibility of standards: If the router is operating in mode 802.11ac (5 GHz), and the laptop adapter only supports 802.11n (2.4 GHz), networks won't be displayed. Go to your router settings and enable support. 2.4 GHz.

Problem 2: There is a connection, but no internet

Actions:

1. Check if the router is issuing an IP address (enter in the command line ipconfig /all). If the address starts with 169.254, reset TCP/IP settings (see section 4).
2. Disable VPN or proxy servers if used.
3. Try connecting to a different network (for example, from your phone).

Problem 3: Constant connection drops

Possible solutions:

• 📶 Weak signal: Move your laptop closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi repeater.
• ⚡ Energy saving: Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → Properties of your adapter → Power Management and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
• 🔄 Interference: If there are many networks nearby on the 2.4 GHz channel, switch the router to a less crowded channel (for example, 1, 6 or 11) through the router's web interface.

Problem 4: The laptop does not remember the network password

This is a common error in Windows 10/11. To fix:

1. Forget the network in Wi-Fi settings.
2. Reconnect by entering the password manually (do not copy it from the clipboard!).
3. If this doesn't help, delete the network profile using the command line:

   netsh wlan delete profile name="Network_Name"

7. Hardware malfunctions: when to contact service

If none of the software methods helped, the problem may lie in hardware failureHere are some signs that indicate you should contact a service center:

• 💥 The adapter is not detected in the device manager even after reinstalling the drivers.
• 🔥 The laptop is overheating in the Wi-Fi module area (usually under the keyboard on the right).
• ⚡ Wi-Fi only works near the router. (possible antenna malfunction).
• 🔌 The Wi-Fi indicator does not light up under no circumstances.

On laptops HP 15s The Wi-Fi module is usually located under the bottom cover and connected via a connector. M.2 2230 (A+E key). If you have experience disassembling equipment, you can try:

1. Disconnect the battery and power adapter.
2. Remove the Wi-Fi module, clean the contacts with alcohol and insert it back.
3. Check the connection of the antenna wires (they must be tightly secured).

The cost of replacing a Wi-Fi module in a service center ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the adapter model). For HP 15s modules are most commonly used Intel AX200 or Realtek RTL8822CEBefore replacing, please check compatibility with your laptop model.

⚠️ AttentionIf your laptop is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself—this will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center. HP.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi on the HP Laptop 15s

🔹 Why doesn't my HP 15s have a Wi-Fi button?

On some modifications HP 15s (especially with processors AMD Ryzen 3/5) There is no hardware button. Wi-Fi control is only possible through Windows software settings or hotkeys (Fn + F12). Also check if the button is hidden under the laptop lid (on some models it is located on the side panel).

🔹 How do I turn on Wi-Fi if my keyboard isn't working?

If the keys Fn or F12 If they don't respond, use one of the following methods:

1. Connect an external keyboard via USB and try the combination Fn + F12.
2. Turn on Wi-Fi through Windows settings (see section 2).
3. Use the on-screen keyboard: Start → Ease of Access → On-Screen Keyboard.

🔹 Is it possible to enable Wi-Fi via BIOS?

In the BIOS of laptops HP 15s you can only turn off or turn on wireless adapter at the hardware level, but not in real time. To check the settings:

1. When booting the laptop, press F10 (or Esc → F10).
2. Go to System Configuration → Built-in Device Options.
3. Make sure the parameter Wireless LAN installed in Enabled.

If the adapter is disabled in BIOS, Wi-Fi will not work either via keys or via Windows.

🔹 Why did Wi-Fi stop working after a Windows update?

This is a typical issue related to driver incompatibility. Solutions:

• Roll back the adapter driver to the previous version (in Device Manager).
• Download the latest driver from the website HP (Do not use drivers from Microsoft via Update Center).
• If the problem appeared after a major update (for example, from Windows 10 to 11), perform a system rollback.

On HP 15s laptops with Realtek adapters, installing driver version 2026.0.1.3 often helps (even if a newer version is available on the website).

🔹 How to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network?

Hidden networks (with SSID broadcast disabled) are connected manually:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Click Manage known networks → Add new network.
3. Enter the network name (SSID), security type (WPA2-Personal) and password.
4. Check the box Connect automatically.

If the network does not connect, make sure that hidden devices are allowed in your router settings.