I use wired ethernet to my HP Elitebook most of the time. Every now and then I will need to go on WiFi and I will notice that my WiFi adapter is just missing completely. This is related to Windows updates and nothing to do with Cox internet.
Make sure your WiFi adapter is ON. Some computers have a wifi ON/OFF switch, There is a function key also, but it just turns wifi on/off) the switch however will turn off the wifi adapter, and when it's OFF, then it won't show in device manager.
Good idea. I was thinking of mentioning that too but then they said other things like printer drivers were also disappearing. OP might want to try sfc /scannow from command prompt. Hopefully they found help elsewhere.
