How to Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop

This wikiHow teaches you how to turn on the wireless function on your Hewlett-Packard (HP) laptop.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Enabling Wireless in Windows 8

  1. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 4
    1
    Press the Windows key. This takes you to the start screen
  2. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 5
    2
    Type “wireless”. When you start typing, a search bar will open in the upper-right corner of the screen.
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  3. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 6
    3
    Click on Change Wi-Fi Settings. It will appear in the search results.[1]
  4. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 7
    4
    Click on Turn wireless devices on or off.
  5. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 8
    5
    Slide the button next to “WiFi” to the "On" position. Your HP laptop can now connect to wireless networks.[2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Pressing the Wireless Key or Switch

  1. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 1
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    Power on your HP laptop.
  2. Image titled Switch on Wireless on an HP Laptop Step 2
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    Locate the external switch for the wireless function. Most HP laptop models are fitted with a switch on the side or front of the computer than can be used to turn on the wireless functions. If not on the side or front, the switch may be above the keyboard or on one of the function keys at the top of the keyboard.[3]
    • The switch is indicated by an icon that looks like a wireless tower emitting signals.
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    3
    Slide or press the switch into the on position. The indicator light on the key will turn from amber to blue when wireless is enabled.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Enabling Wireless in Windows 7 / Vista

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    Click on Start. It's in the lower-left corner of the screen.
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    Click on Control Panel.
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    Click on Network and Internet.
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    Click on Network and Sharing Center.
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    Click on Change adapter settings. It's in the left pane of Control Panel.
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    Right-click on Wireless Connection.
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    Click on Enable. Your HP laptop is now ready to connect to a wireless network.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    What does the Wi-Fi indicator look like?
    Mitch Harris
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.
    Mitch Harris
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Expert Answer
    The Wi-Fi indicator looks like a little pie slice with stripes, or it might look like a globe symbol. If you're not connected to any network, the globe symbol might have an "X" on it.
  • Question
    Where is the Wi-Fi indicator?
    Mitch Harris
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.
    Mitch Harris
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Expert Answer
    You can find it attached to the taskbar on the lower-right corner of your computer screen.
  • Question
    How do I reset my Wi-Fi adapter?
    Mitch Harris
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University.
    Mitch Harris
    Mitch Harris
    Consumer Technology Expert
    Expert Answer
    Go to "Settings" and click on "Network Settings." then, enable your Wi-Fi adapter there so you can connect to a network.
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References

  1. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
  2. ↑ Mitch Harris. Consumer Technology Expert. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
  3. ↑ http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c01914315#N1004B

About This Article

Mitch Harris
Co-authored by:
Mitch Harris
Consumer Technology Expert
This article was co-authored by Mitch Harris. Mitch Harris is a Consumer Technology Expert based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mitch runs his own IT Consulting company called Mitch the Geek, helping individuals and businesses with home office technology, data security, remote support, and cybersecurity compliance. Mitch earned a BS in Psychology, English, and Physics and graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University. This article has been viewed 1,309,259 times.
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Co-authors: 10
Updated: January 13, 2023
Views: 1,309,259
Categories: Wi Fi
Article SummaryX

1. Power on your HP laptop.
2. Locate the external switch for the wireless function.
3. Slide or press the switch into the "On" position.

Did this summary help you?
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