WiFi dropping connection on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you rely on a stable internet for work or entertainment.
There are several common reasons why your WiFi might disconnect frequently, ranging from simple settings to deeper system issues.
This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to fix WiFi connection problems on Windows 11.
By the end, you should have a more reliable internet connection without needing technical expertise.
Quick Note Before You Start
Before diving into troubleshooting, make sure you check the following:
- Your WiFi router is powered on and working properly.
- Your other devices can connect to the same network without issues.
- You have your Windows 11 device within good range of the router (not too far).
- Windows 11 is up to date with the latest updates installed.
These quick checks help narrow down if the problem is with your PC or the network itself.
Step 1: Restart Your PC and Router
Sometimes, temporary glitches cause WiFi to drop. Restarting your PC and router can refresh the network connection.
- Turn off your Windows 11 PC completely.
- Unplug your WiFi router’s power cable and wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and wait for all the lights to stabilize.
- Turn your PC back on and reconnect to the WiFi network.
This simple step often fixes minor connection drops because it clears cached network data and resets devices.
Step 2: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has a built-in tool that automatically detects and fixes common network problems.
- Click the Start button and open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Network Adapter and click Run next to it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.
This tool can identify issues like incorrect settings or hardware problems and attempt to fix them automatically.
Step 3: Update Your WiFi Network Adapter Driver
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause WiFi to disconnect. Updating the driver ensures compatibility and stability.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click your WiFi adapter (it usually contains words like “Wireless” or “WiFi”) and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to find and install any updates.
- Restart your PC after the update completes.
Keeping drivers updated helps your hardware work smoothly with Windows updates and network protocols.
Step 4: Disable Power Saving Mode for WiFi Adapter
Windows may turn off your WiFi adapter to save power, which can cause the connection to drop.
- Open Device Manager again.
- Find your WiFi adapter under Network adapters.
- Right-click the adapter and choose Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
Disabling this setting prevents Windows from accidentally cutting off your WiFi to save battery.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings
If previous steps don’t help, resetting network settings will clear all network configurations and restore defaults.
- Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
- Click Advanced network settings.
- Under More settings, select Network reset.
- Click Reset now and confirm your choice.
- Your PC will restart and network adapters will be reinstalled automatically.
This step is useful when network configurations are corrupted or incorrectly set.
Step 6: Change WiFi Frequency Band
WiFi routers usually broadcast on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Switching between these can improve stability.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > WiFi.
- Click on your connected network and look for the frequency band information.
- If connected to 2.4 GHz, try connecting to the 5 GHz network name (often same name with “5G” suffix) if available.
- If your PC only supports 2.4 GHz, try moving closer to the router to improve signal strength.
The 5 GHz band is faster and less crowded but has shorter range, while 2.4 GHz covers longer distances but can be slower.
FAQs
Why does my WiFi keep disconnecting even though signal looks strong?
Interference from other devices, network congestion, or outdated drivers can cause drops despite good signal strength.
How can I check if my WiFi adapter is working properly?
In Device Manager, if there is a yellow exclamation mark next to the adapter, it indicates a problem.
Should I update my router’s firmware?
Yes, updating your router firmware can improve stability and fix bugs. Check your router manufacturer’s website for instructions.
Can antivirus or firewall cause WiFi drops?
Sometimes security software can interfere with network connections. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause.
Is a WiFi extender or mesh system helpful?
If your WiFi signal is weak in certain areas, using an extender or mesh network can improve coverage and reduce drops.
When Nothing Works
If you have followed all the steps and still experience WiFi dropping issues, consider the following:
- Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if there are network outages or problems on their end.
- Try connecting to a different WiFi network to see if the issue is specific to your home network.
- Use the official Microsoft support page for Windows 11 networking issues: Microsoft Network Troubleshooting.
- Consider using a USB WiFi adapter as a workaround if your internal adapter is faulty.
Conclusion
Fixing WiFi dropping connection on Windows 11 involves starting with simple steps like restarting devices and running the built-in troubleshooter.
Updating drivers, adjusting power settings, and resetting network configurations address more specific causes.
Changing WiFi bands and checking router settings can also improve stability.
By following this step-by-step guide, most users can solve their WiFi problems and enjoy a smoother internet experience.