Why Does My Computer Keep Disconnecting from Wi-Fi? 10+ Potential Issues Behind Wi-Fi Connection

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If your WiFi connection is patchy and keeps disconnecting from your computer, it can be a real pain to access the internet. There are a lot of reasons why your WiFi might disconnect randomly, and it could be an issue with your computer, your router, or both. In this article, we’ll walk you through some common reasons why your WiFi connection might be spotty and what you can do to fix them.

1

There are objects between your computer and the router.

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    If your computer is far away from your router, physical objects might be disrupting the wireless connection. Try moving closer to your router or shifting large things out of the way to see if that fixes your WiFi troubles. [1]
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2

Your cables are loose or disconnected.

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    The Ethernet cable is the one that connects the modem and the router, so it could be causing your disconnection issues. Try carefully unplugging the Ethernet cable, then plugging it back in to see if that solves your problem. [3]
    • If your Ethernet cable is damaged, that could also be the issue. Head to a tech supply store to buy a new cable and install it.
3

You need to reset your modem and router.

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    [4] If you can’t figure out what’s going on with your WiFi, try carefully unplugging both your modem and your router, then plug them back in. It might take up to 5 minutes for your devices to reestablish a connection, so just hold tight! [5]
    • This is a good time to double check that your Ethernet cable is connected and secure.
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4

Your computer software is not up to date.

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    Head into your settings and type “software” into the search bar, then check to see if you have any updates available. [6] If you do, try installing them and then restarting your computer. If that was the issue, your WiFi should stop randomly disconnecting once the updates are installed. [7]
5

An antivirus is conflicting with the WiFi software.

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    If you have an antivirus installed on your computer, try uninstalling it briefly to see if that strengthens your connection. If that was the problem, you may need to try a different antivirus program. [9]
    • Make sure your antivirus program is up to date, too. Outdated software could be causing your WiFi to disconnect. [10]
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6

Your power management settings are turning off the WiFi.

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    However, some power management tools will disable the wireless adapter and cause your computer to disconnect from the WiFi. To check, head to Start > Device Manager > Network Adapters. Double click your WiFi’s name, then select the Power Management tab and uncheck the box that says “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” [11]
    • If this box was already unchecked, it means that the power management settings weren’t the problem.
7

The WiFi-Sense setting is causing a disruption.

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    The WiFi-Sense tool constantly scans for new WiFi networks, which can cause your computer to randomly drop the one you’re already connected to. To turn this off, click Start, then head to your Settings. Select Network and Internet, then click Wi-Fi on the left. Click on Manage Wi-Fi Settings, then disable both “Connect to suggested open hotspots” and “Connect to networks shared by my friends.” [12]
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8

Your WiFi driver is not up to date.

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    If the WiFi driver isn’t up to date, your computer won’t know how to interact with the wireless connection. To update your driver, head to Device Manager and then open up the Network Adapter section. Right click on the WiFi Adapter, then select “Update Driver Software.” [13]
    • You may need to restart your computer after installing this update.
9

You need to use a static IP address.

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    [14] By default, your router will assign your device a new IP address every time it interacts with it. To create a static one, log into your router on your computer and tell it to give you the same IP address every time. Every router is different, so you need to consult your user manual to find out how to access your specific device. [15]
    • You can assign an IP address to your device for your router to use. Most routers will give you the first 3 digits, but the rest are up to you.
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10

Your router needs servicing.

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    If there is a red or a flashing light, it could mean that your router is having issues. [16] Check your user manual to see what each specific light means, and call your service provider to come and take a look at it if you need to. [17]
    • If your router is the issue, the WiFi will probably randomly disconnect from all your devices, not just your computer.
11

You have a service outage.

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    Check which internet provider you have, then give them a call and ask if there’s an outage in your area. If there is, you may just have to wait until they fix the outage before your connection is strong again. [18]
    • Network service changes can also be a problem. You can ask your provider if they’ve made any changes recently and how that might have affected your WiFi.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Why does my WiFi adapter keep losing connection?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    There could be some software running in the background. Also, sometimes malware can interfere with your connection, blocking and stopping it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question
    Why does my WiFi router keep disconnecting?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Your router could be in the middle of a firmware update when something happened and stopped it. This is rather common, since routers usually run 24/7. Try unplugging it for 30 seconds. After you plug it back in, let it boot up for about five minutes
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 1
  • Question
    How long do routers last?
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If your router is over three years old and is giving you trouble from time to time, it might be time to get another one.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
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      References

      1. ↑ https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/wifi-keeps-disconnecting-how-to-fix-it/
      2. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202222
      4. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6250834?hl=en#zippy=%2Cstep-restart-your-modem-router-and-points
      6. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202222
      8. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      9. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      1. ↑ https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/wifi-keeps-disconnecting-how-to-fix-it/
      2. ↑ https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/wifi-keeps-disconnecting-how-to-fix-it/
      3. ↑ https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/windows/how-fix-wi-fi-disconnecting-3680378/
      4. ↑ https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/windows/how-fix-wi-fi-disconnecting-3680378/
      5. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/windows/how-fix-wi-fi-disconnecting-3680378/
      7. ↑ Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
      8. ↑ https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/wifi-keeps-disconnecting-how-to-fix-it/
      9. ↑ https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6250834?hl=en#zippy=%2Cstep-restart-your-modem-router-and-points%2Cstep-call-your-internet-service-provider
      10. ↑ https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/windows/how-fix-wi-fi-disconnecting-3680378/

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