Freshly wiped HP computer won’t show WiFi or hotspots but shows neighbors networks

Troubleshooting WiFi Connectivity Issues on a Newly Reset HP Computer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing connectivity issues after resetting your computer can be frustrating, especially when your device detects nearby networks but fails to connect to your home WiFi or hotspots. This common scenario often puzzles users who have just performed a factory reset or system reinstallation. In this article, we’ll explore a real-world case and provide professional solutions to resolve such WiFi connectivity challenges on an HP computer running Windows 10.

Case Overview

A user recently wiped their HP all-in-one computer due to a system configuration error. After reinstallation and initial setup, the device only recognizes neighboring networks and a few hidden or unusual networks, but not the home WiFi or known hotspots. Notably, the computer displayed multiple networks with full signal strength, including the neighbor’s WiFi and a “Hidden Network,” while the intended networks remained invisible or inaccessible.

Initial Troubleshooting Attempts

The user attempted several standard troubleshooting steps:

• Connecting to an external WiFi source at a local library to update network drivers.

• Attempting to update Windows OS, which was interrupted at 97% and could not be completed.

• Removing security software (e.g., McAfee) and disabling firewalls.

• Restarting the system multiple times to refresh network settings.

• Checking the Known Networks list for residual entries.

Despite these efforts, the device still failed to locate or connect to the home networks, only showing distant or hidden networks.

Professional Troubleshooting Strategies

When faced with similar issues, consider the following systematic approach:

1. Verify Network Drivers

2. Connect to an alternate network (e.g., library WiFi) and download the latest WiFi drivers compatible with your HP model from the manufacturer’s website.

3. Install and restart your computer, then check if the home networks appear.

4. Reset Network Settings

5. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

6. Execute the following commands to reset network configurations:

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

• Restart the computer and verify network visibility.

• Ensure Network Adapter is Enabled

• Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters.

• Confirm that the WiFi adapter is enabled and not showing any errors.

• If necessary, disable and re-enable the adapter.

• Disable and Reconfigure the Network Profile

• In Settings > Network & Internet