It can be quite irritating to work when the Wi-Fi connection of your laptop keeps dropping. It disrupts all your online work, for instance, when you are working with online data or are having an online meeting through an app such as Skype, etc. It causes a lot of inconveniences but this problem is not one that cannot be fixed. We have a list of easy fixes and guidelines for you that will help you fix this problem.
Fixes for unstable WiFi Connection
Reset the WiFi AutoConfig Service
The AutoConfig Service is a built-in feature that discovers, configures, connects, and disconnects the wireless adapter from a wireless network. Follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Press the Windows logo key + R to open Run
- Type msc and press Enter
- Locate WLAN AutoConfig and double click on it
- In the pop-up box that opens in the General tab locate Startup Type and change it to Automatic
- Click on Apply and then OK to save the changes
Restart your laptop to see if the WiFi dropping is solved.
Update Network Adapter Driver
Using a corrupted network adapter driver can also cause the WiFi of your home to drop continuously. You must update the network adapter driver to fix the issue. Here is what you can do:
- Type Device Manager in the Search bar
- Device Manager will open in a new window
- Look for Network Adapters and click on the small arrow to expand for options
- Right click on the Network Adapter and from the options click on Update Driver Software
- This will open a dialogue box – you must select Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software
- Follow the step-by-step instructions as prompted by the wizard to complete the update
- Once complete, restart your computer to apply the changes
Now connect and work with your WiFi to check if the problem has been solved.
Modify Power Management
Modifying power management of the laptop also helps in fixing the WiFi dropping issue. Here is what you need to do:
- Locate the WiFi icon on the bottom right-hand side of your laptop
- Right-click on the WiFi icon and click on Open Network and Sharing Center
- Next click on Change Adapter Settings
- Locate your WiFi adapter and right-click and select Properties
- On the Networking tab click on configure
- Then move to Power Management tab and uncheck the Allow the Computer to Turn Off this Device to Save Power
- Next click on OK and exit
This usually fixes the WiFi dropping issue.
Disable the 802.11n Mode
Most WiFi these days supports 802.11n, it is a WiFi standard and also referred to as Wireless N. It uses multiple antennas and signals and improves the network. However, using multiple signals tends to interfere with nearby 802.11b/g based networks and causes the WiFi to drop.
- Open Device Manager
- Locate the Network Adapters and click on it to expand
- Look for the relevant wireless adapter and double click on it to open its Properties
- Go to the Advanced tab and highlight the 802.11n Mode and set it to Disabled
- Look for uAPSD (Unscheduled Automatic Power Save Delivery) also here and set this also to Disabled. This step is only for individuals who have a wireless adapter that supports this feature.
- Click on OK and save the changes
Exit and restart the laptop to see if the changes you made have solved the issue.
Some Additional Things to Keep in Mind
The wireless access point reaches to a certain point only. If you are trying to connect to the WiFi beyond this reach, then it is obvious that your WiFi connection will begin to drop. An easy solution to this would be to move closer to where the router is and lessen the distance. This will definitely fix the WiFi dropping issue.
Several home appliances and electronics tend to cause problems. They interfere with the WiFi network signals. Say, for instance, microwave ovens if located too close to you, then they can take down a WiFi connection when they are powered. Avoid using your laptop when you are in the kitchen, as it will interfere with your WiFi.
Every device has a certain bandwidth, and all the devices in your home are set up to accommodate the WiFi signal. But if there are more than usual devices connected to the network, then the devices will begin lacking the required bandwidth, and the device will begin to disconnect the WiFi.
Connecting to the wrong WiFi network may also cause a problem. If there are two different WiFi networks with the same SSID running in the neighborhood, then your device could connect to the wrong network. This will cause the WiFi to momentarily drop the connection and try to connect to the other WiFi network. Your device will lose internet connection as the other network is turned off because it has been wrongly connected to the other network. Although you will find your WiFi working perfectly fine. Therefore, you must rename your network, secure it, and disconnect and reconnect your device.
These solutions will help you solve the WiFi dropping issue. If the problem still persists, then you can take the help of a professional only.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
