Unable to replace WiFi card (new card not recognized)

Meadras
Member

139

12-30-2021, 05:18 AM

I've been attempting to swap the Wi-Fi card on my HP Omen 16 2021 Advantage edition. I purchased an Intel AX200 chip and installed it, but the laptop still uses the Realtek RTL8852AE card. Even after updating the driver, it doesn't appear in Device Manager and the chipset remains under Realtek GBE Family Controller instead of Intel. Is this a restriction imposed by HP?

Meadras

12-30-2021, 05:18 AM #1

Nashiko57
Senior Member

485

12-31-2021, 11:44 AM

I've come across something comparable a few years back. HP (and Lenovo, probably) secured the BIOS, preventing upgrades to network cards and another part like RAM. It seems this might be the case here.

Nashiko57

12-31-2021, 11:44 AM #2

OnlyGucci
Member

168

12-31-2021, 04:35 PM

HP and Lenovo (based on my personal observations) allow their BIOS to be whitelisted, preventing third-party cards from booting. Lenovo goes further by employing distinct wiring for certain wireless cards.

OnlyGucci

12-31-2021, 04:35 PM #3

derk4321
Senior Member

482

01-06-2022, 08:00 PM

derk4321

01-06-2022, 08:00 PM #4

lukastias
Member

167

01-06-2022, 08:36 PM

This means you can't alter the Wi-Fi card permanently, but you might still be able to use a Realtek card if it's compatible.

lukastias

01-06-2022, 08:36 PM #5

This means you can't alter the Wi-Fi card permanently, but you might still be able to use a Realtek card if it's compatible.

nooneepic27
Member

227

01-06-2022, 09:12 PM

This requires identifying the white list for your device and purchasing it.

nooneepic27

01-06-2022, 09:12 PM #6

This requires identifying the white list for your device and purchasing it.

SourisCraft
Member

01-06-2022, 09:21 PM

It's likely you haven't received any new cards recently, leaving you with only what you currently possess.

SourisCraft

01-06-2022, 09:21 PM #7

It's likely you haven't received any new cards recently, leaving you with only what you currently possess.

Cefreak113
Senior Member

484

01-07-2022, 01:21 AM

The precise model code differs by location. Were you opening Device Manager and selecting 'Uninstall' the Realtek adapter prior to powering off and setting up the AX200?

Cefreak113

01-07-2022, 01:21 AM #8

The precise model code differs by location. Were you opening Device Manager and selecting 'Uninstall' the Realtek adapter prior to powering off and setting up the AX200?