Solved Wi-Fi connection keeps dropping

pikabun91 · Feb 13, 2024

My PC is repeatedly going offline. Each time I open the list of wi-fi networks, I check the "Connect Automatically" box for my network and it connects instantly. Then just a couple of minutes later - sometimes a soon as every few seconds - I'm disconnected again. Every time I reconnect the "Connect Automatically" box is unchecked.

This started last week after I got a new network provider - but no other device in the house has any problem staying connected. It's just the PC. I've reset the network adapter, made sure the driver is up to date, and done a deep virus scan with two different programs. It isn't connected to any recent Windows update. And it isn't constant - the computer will randomly act normal for a few hours and then start acting up again. There is no connection to the time of day so it's not a traffic problem. There are no problems with the router either. Any ideas?

(it happened three times just during the typing of this post.)

Win 11, version 22H2

Wynona · Feb 13, 2024

It would help the gurus to help you if you completely fill out the specs in MyComputer.

Also, it would help if you update to 23H2 version 22631.3155, which is the latest version of Windows 11.

glasskuter · Feb 13, 2024

1. Run network troubleshooter. Settings>System>troubleshoot>other troubleshooters>Network & Internet>-RUN

3. Reset network adapters Reset Network Adapters in Windows 11 Tutorial

4. Attached is @FreeBooter .bat file which resets network components. RIGHT click on the .bat file and select run as administrator.

5. Check for file system corruption. Open a command prompt as administrator and type
sfc /scannow
After system file checker completes, make note of whether it found and corrected any problems. If found and corrected, restart
If it found problems it could not correct, in command window type
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Restart

6. Change power settings for wireless adapter in Power Options. Control Panel-power options-Balanced should be checked
Next to balanced, click change plan settings
Click Change Advanced Power Settings
Expand Wireless Adapter Settings
Expand Power Saving Mode
Under Setting change it to Maximum Performance

7. Open Control Panel-device manager
Expand Network Adapters
Right click on your wireless adapter and select properties
In Power Management tab- Uncheck 'allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'
Note: Changing these power settings uses more power, thereby affecting your battery if you use the device on battery power.

8. Repair Install Windows 11, Doing this will upgrade your to 23h2 Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade Tutorial

If none of that works, one has to assume the wireless adapter is faulty. USB wireless adapters are cheap where I live. I keep one around to test with in just such cases. Hope one of these suggestions help

idgat · Feb 13, 2024

Get a USB wifi dongle and compare/test ... might tell you if it's the adapter

Also, maybe boot from a Linux distro and test the stability.

kelper · Feb 14, 2024

If you have a cordless phone, try moving the base station to another room away from your computer

antspants · Feb 14, 2024

If the above replies don’t help, do you run a 3rd party firewall/Antivus software? If so, disable it and see if it persists.

pikabun91 · Feb 14, 2024

Wynona said:
It would help the gurus to help you if you completely fill out the specs in MyComputer.

Also, it would help if you update to 23H2 version 22631.3155, which is the latest version of Windows 11.

I've added as much info as I can to the specs. I have the correct version but it's still 22H2 - where can I find 23H2? It's not an option in Windows Update for me.

pikabun91 · Feb 14, 2024

antspants said:
If the above replies don’t help, do you run a 3rd party firewall/Antivus software? If so, disable it and see if it persists.

I only use Windows Defender.

pikabun91 · Feb 14, 2024

kelper said:
If you have a cordless phone, try moving the base station to another room away from your computer

I don't, and there's nothing else near the computer that could be interfering.

pikabun91 · Feb 14, 2024

glasskuter said:
If none of that works, one has to assume the wireless adapter is faulty.

I tried every step and nothing works. Guess I'll have to get a new adapter. At least it's a cheap fix!

antspants · Feb 14, 2024

pikabun91 said:
I have the correct version but it's still 22H2 - where can I find 23H2? It's not an option in Windows Update for me.

try this:

KB5027397 Enablement Package for Windows 11 version 23H2 Feature Update

Microsoft Support: Summary Windows 11, versions 22H2 and 23H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 11, version 23H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 11, version 22H2 but are in an inactive...

www.elevenforum.com

glasskuter · Feb 14, 2024

pikabun91 said:
where can I find 23H2?

Use the tutorial I gave. Instructions are in there. When you use the media creation tool, it gives you the latest version, 23h2.

pikabun91 · Feb 14, 2024

glasskuter said:
Use the tutorial I gave. Instructions are in there. When you use the media creation tool, it gives you the latest version, 23h2.

Of course, thanks :)

pikabun91 · Feb 14, 2024

I just remembered that I had a new wi-fi adapter plugged into my ancient abandoned desktop - the fact that the computer wouldn't recognize the adapter was the last straw that made me replace it. Plugged that adapter into the new PC and it works perfectly!

Sometimes the solution is so simple that you end up feeling a little stupid...