I have an HP laptop provided by my employer, and I'm struggling with a weak WiFi signal. The connection frequently drops, although the speed is fine. I used to rely on a plugged-in WiFi adapter, but due to a new security policy, I'm no longer allowed to use any external devices. I'm looking for recommendations on how to improve my WiFi situation. Would power line adapters work? Or should I consider setting up a separate hub partway to the router? Any suggestions would really help!
4 Answers
Don't forget to check for any firmware updates for both your laptop and WiFi adapter. Opening a support ticket with your help desk could get you sorted. I've had similar issues, but after an update, my company laptop works flawlessly at home and in the office.
Are you working from home? If this is a company laptop, maybe check if your drivers can be updated? I used to have similar issues with HP laptops. It's honestly one of the reasons I don’t buy them for work anymore; they seem to have a reputation for this kind of WiFi problem. Just something to think about!
Since this is a work device and they’re blocking your best workaround, you really should raise this with your employer. They ought to provide you with a functioning machine that meets your needs. There’s a chance they can swap out the WiFi card or fix any antenna issues. And if there's an Ethernet port, using a wired connection would be the best solution! Normally, I'd suggest a dock or USB Ethernet, but with the restrictions in place, that might not fly.
Make sure the WiFi antenna is properly connected to your laptop. Sometimes these connections get loose, and that could be your problem. It’s a simple check that might make a big difference.
I'm in a high-security industry, so unfortunately, I can't mess with the laptop settings or driver updates. I'm on a strict VPN too, so it's really limited.