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HP PCs - Troubleshooting wired home networks in Windows 10

When you are troubleshooting wired home network issues in Windows 10, test the network connection after performing each troubleshooting step.

Completing the network connection checklist

Use this checklist to solve many problems with home networks in Windows 10.

  • Check all the network cables and wires. A loose or disconnected cable or wire prevents a network connection and Internet access. Check the following connections:

    • Network cable from the modem to the network hub (or router)

    • Network cable from the network hub to the RJ-45 network port on the computer Identifying the RJ-45 connector

    • Network cable between two computers

  • Check the lights on the network hub. The lights can often show the location of a connection problem.

  • If you are trying to connect to another computer on the network, make sure that computer is turned on.

  • Check the firewall settings on all the computers on the network. The firewall settings might prevent network access.

After performing the items in the checklist, try to connect to the network.

  • If you do not experience further problems with the network, troubleshooting is complete.

  • If you are still experiencing problems with the network, see Check the network status.

Checking the network status in the Network and Sharing Center

  1. Type view network status in the search box on the taskbar, then select View network status and tasks from the search results.

    Search results for view network status

  2. Check the View your active networks section at the top of the page. If the computer is not connected to a network, a You are currently not connected to any networks message displays.

    View your active networks section

  3. If you are not connected to a network, perform the steps in the network connection checklist to check the cables and hardware.

  4. If still not connected to a network, select Set up a new connection or network > Connect to the Internet.

    Connecting to the Internet

  5. Select Broadband (PPPoE).

    Connect to the Internet window

  6. Enter the user name and password for the network connection, give the connection a name, and then select Connect.

If you do not experience further problems with the network, troubleshooting is complete.

If you are still experiencing problems with the network, see Setting advanced sharing options to resolve wired home network issues.

Setting advanced sharing options to resolve wired home network issues

  1. Type view network status in the search box on the taskbar, then select View network status and tasks from the search results.

    Search results for view network status

  2. Select Change advanced sharing settings.

  3. Select Turn on network discovery > Turn on file and printer sharing.

    Advanced sharing settings window

  4. Select Save changes.

    If you do not experience further problems with the network, troubleshooting is complete.

Using Windows 10 diagnostic and troubleshooting tools to resolve wired home network issues

Windows 10 includes a network diagnostic tool and a network troubleshooter. Both tools help to identify network problems and provide possible solutions.

Running Windows Network Diagnostics to resolve wired home network issues

Windows 10 monitors the network and Internet connections. If it detects a problem, Windows displays a message, and prompts you for permission to diagnose the problem.

To run the diagnostic tool manually, use one of the following options:

  • No error message is displayed, but there is no Internet or network connection:

    Right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, and then select Troubleshoot problems. Windows Network Diagnostics checks for problems.

    Image of notification area

  • The Network Connection icon is missing in the notification area:

    From the search box on the taskbar, type repair network, then select Identify and repair network problems from the search results.

    Search results for repair network

Using the Windows 10 Network and Internet Troubleshooter

  1. Type view network status in the search box on the taskbar, then select View network status and tasks from the search results.

    Search results for view network status

  2. Select Troubleshoot problems.

    Selecting 'Troubleshoot problems' in the Network and Sharing Center window

  3. Select the item that matches the problem you are experiencing.

    Network and Internet Troubleshooter

  4. Click Next, and then follow the instructions to check for problems.

  • If you do not experience further problems with the network after running the network diagnostic tool and the network troubleshooter, troubleshooting is complete.

  • If you are still experiencing problems with the network, see Reinstall the network adapter software.

Reinstalling the network adapter software in Device Manager

An issue with the network adapter might cause network problems. Use these steps to reinstall the network adapter in Windows 10 Device Manager.

  1. Type device manager in the search box on the taskbar, then select Device Manager from the search results.

    Search results for device manager

  2. Expand the Network adapters category.

    Device Manager window showing Network adapters expanded

  3. Select the name of the network adapter, and then select Uninstall.

  4. On the Confirm Device Uninstall window, select OK.

  5. When the network adapter software had been uninstalled, restart the computer. The computer reinstalls the device driver software.

  6. After the computer restarts and completes the installation of the device driver software, try connecting to the Internet.

    If you do not experience further problems with the network, troubleshooting is complete.

    If you are still experiencing problems with the network, see Find driver updates on the HP website.

Find driver updates on the HP website

Learn how to find driver updates on the HP website.

HP provides many free software and driver downloads.

Note:

For devices with Windows 10 in S mode, you can only get drivers through Windows Update. Go to HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions about Windows in S Mode (Windows 11, Windows 10) for more information.

  1. Go to the HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads page.

  2. If a Let's identify your product to get started page opens, click Laptop or Desktop.

  3. Type the model name for your computer in the Or, enter your serial number field, and then click Submit. For example, type Pavilion HPE h8-1360t Desktop, and then click Submit.

    Type the model name for your HP or Compaq computer in the search field

  4. If a Matching products webpage opens, select your model number from the list.

  5. The software results page for your computer displays with the default operating system selected. If you need to change the operating system, click Change, select your version, and then click Change.

    Note:

    If the operating system you want is not on the list, HP does not have drivers for that operating system. Use a different method to download software and drivers.

    Change your computer operating system

  6. From the list of available software and driver categories, click the category name, and then click Download.

    CAUTION:

    Sometimes there is more than one download available for a component, such as several DVD firmware updates. If this happens, identify the component installed in your computer, and then download the appropriate file. To find the name of a component, search for and open Device Manager. Find the component, and then expand the category (for example, DVD/CD ROM drives). The category lists the component’s original manufacturer name.

    Select a download

  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software or driver.

Using Microsoft System Restore to troubleshoot your internet connection

Microsoft System Restore uses automatically-saved information to restore your computer to a certain point in time. Using Microsoft System Restore can restore your computer to a time when the internet connection was working properly.

For more information, see HP PCs - Using Microsoft System Restore.

When you have restored your computer, try connecting to the internet again. If you do not experience further problems with the network, you are done.

If you are still experiencing problems with the network, use HP System Recovery.

Perform a Windows system reset

If the issue persists, recover the computer back to its original configuration.

Microsoft provides a reset feature that repairs your computer by reinstalling the operating system. Before using this option, make sure you back up all your important files.

Go to HP PCs - Reset the computer for more information.

Additional support options

Try one of our automated tools or diagnostics
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