8 Ways to Fix a Disconnecting Wi-Fi Problem on Windows 10

In today’s work-from-home market, a solid internet connection is as vital as oxygen for breathing. Unfortunately, in spite of a strong internet connection and a dependable provider, it is not uncommon to experience connectivity problems.

An annoying issue is seeing your Wi-Fi disconnect repeatedly without any apparent reason. Most people blame their network providers for such problems, but it could also be a problem with their systems. As such, here are eight fixes that you can implement to resolve any connection issues so you can get back to work.

Before We Jump In, Some Quick Checks…

The tips we’re about to give you involve tinkering with the network settings on your Windows machine. However, before you dive in and needlessly change settings, ensure the following before implementing anything:

1. You’re not in airplane mode.
2. There is no physical damage to your router.
3. Your area is not experiencing a service outage.
4. You’re not too far from the network.
5. The router is properly plugged in.

If none of the above issues exist, restart your router once, as that will often resolve the issue right away. If restarting the router fails to fix the problem, you can begin applying the following fixes.

1. Set Your Network Settings to Private

Due to the numerous risks associated with public Wi-Fi, it’s generally advised to keep your network private. While browsing with a public connection can expose your personal information, hackers can spread malware to your system, you may face cyberattacks, and many other issues can arise.

To minimize the likelihood of interference by outsiders, you may want to set your Wi-Fi connection to private. Here’s how to do so:

1. Click the Wi-Fi Network icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar.
2. Go to the Properties of your network.
3. Change the network profile from Public to Private.

2. Check if Unwanted Devices Are Hogging Your Bandwidth

If you’ve been sharing your password amongst friends and neighbors, you may have a small issue on your hands. First of all, they would eat your bandwidth, slowing your network down, as well as putting a significant strain on it.

Second, if they pass on the password details to someone else, then yo7ur router will quickly fill up with connected devices. Your network cannot handle this much load, resulting in some of your devices disconnecting at times.

As such, you can use your router’s tools to check who’s using your router and change or add a password if you find some unknown devices on your network.

1. Go to your router’s access URL 192.168.1.1 (it can vary depending on what type of router you have)
2. Sign in with your credentials.
3. Most routers have a “connected devices” page that lets you see everything connected to your router. If you see some weird, unknown devices appear, or you just want to stay safe from intruders, continue with the next step.
4. Go to WLAN > WLAN Basic Configuration.
5. Change the WPA PresharedKey.
6. After entering the password, click Apply.

The terms used in the steps might have different names in your router dashboard. In any case, the process will be nearly the same.

3. Update Your Wi-Fi Adapter’s Driver

Another common issue that contributes to connectivity issues is an outdated Wi-Fi adapter driver. Therefore, you should update or reinstall the drivers in your system.

Most drivers are automatically updated through Windows updates, but you can manually update them to ensure they are up to date. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Device Manager.
2. Expand the category of Network Adapters.
3. Right-click on your Wifi-Adapter.
4. Tap on Update driver.

You can also reinstall the driver if the problem persists.

4. Change the Network Adaptor Properties

The power management settings are often to blame for disconnecting the wireless adapter. Ensure that’s not the case here by tweaking Wireless Network Adapter Settings.

Navigate to the Network Adapter category in your Device Manager. Double-tap the adapter name to open its properties. Uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power on the Power Management tab.

If it was already unchecked, move on to forgetting other networks your device was previously connected to.

5. Forget Your Old Networks

Windows tries to connect our device to the fastest internet connection available with which you have connected it at least once. Therefore, when you have more than one network connection, this setting will connect you to the best available options.

However, it can also cause problems when the connection isn’t stable on either of those connections. It might be shifting from one network to another after disconnecting you. The loop of disconnecting might hamper you.

Try forgetting all other networks except the one you intend to use to avoid such a scenario. You can also forget those networks you don’t use in your vicinity anymore since your device still has their information.

6. Reset the Wi-Fi Auto-Config Service

The WLAN Auto-Config service in Windows automatically connects you to your preferred network when it becomes available. If this setting is off, you may need to manually connect your device to the internet even if you already added the password.

Resetting this setting will bring your network back to life with an automatic connection. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Run dialogue box by pressing Win + R.
2. Type “services.msc” and hit OK.
3. Find WLAN AutoConfig in the list of options and double-tap it.
4. Select Automatic from the Startup type dropdown menu.

7. Switch DNS Server

It’s rare, but sometimes you can resolve connectivity issues by changing the DNS server. Follow these steps to switch the DNS server to Google’s DNS to improve internet connectivity.

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Network and Internet.
3. Go to Change adapter options in Advanced network settings.

4. Select your network adapter from the available options.
5. Go to Properties and double-tap on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
6. Check the circle for Use the following DNS server addresses.
7. Set 8 8 8 8 and 8 8 4 4 in Preferred and Alternate DNS server.

8. Run Network Troubleshooter

Try running the Windows network troubleshooter if the problem persists after implementing all fixes in the list. This automated troubleshooting tool diagnoses and resolves the connectivity issue. To run it on Windows, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Update and Security.
3. From the left sidebar, select Troubleshoot.
4. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
5. Click on Internet Connections and then hit Run the troubleshooter.

You can also run the troubleshooter for Incoming Connections and Network Adapter in the Additional troubleshooter’s settings.

Help Your Network Connection Breathe Again

Implement the fixes in the list to get your internet connection back to track. When nothing works, it’s time to pick up your cell phone and call your network provider. There could be a hardware issue preventing the internet from working.

Lastly, you should run an in-depth scan every few weeks to find out whether someone is stealing your Wi-Fi unknowingly.

Source: www.makeuseof.com