Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting on Windows 11? 9 Fixes

A connection that drops every few minutes is worse than no connection at all: video calls freeze, downloads fail and pages half-load. The cause is usually one of three things: the router, the Wi-Fi adapter’s settings, or its driver. Work through the fixes below in order. Each one takes a few minutes, and the first few need no technical skill.

Why Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on Windows 11: PC or network?

Before changing anything on your PC, check whether other devices drop too.

• Your phone, TV and other computers also lose Wi-Fi: the problem is the router, the modem or your internet provider. Start with Fix 1, then see the router section near the end.
• Only this PC drops: the problem is on the PC. All nine fixes apply.
• It only drops in one room: the signal is probably weak there. Move closer to the router to test, or try Fix 4.

Also look at the network icon on the taskbar. Microsoft explains that a plain Wi-Fi icon means you’re connected with internet access, a small shield means you’re on a VPN, and a “no internet” icon means Wi-Fi is connected but the internet isn’t reaching your PC.

Fix 1: Restart your modem and router

1. Unplug the power cable from your router and your modem. If they’re one box, unplug that.
2. Wait at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug the modem back in first. Wait until its lights stop blinking.
4. Plug the router back in and wait a minute or two, then reconnect your PC.

This clears a router that has been running for weeks, which is a common cause of random drops on every device.

Fix 2: Forget the network and reconnect

A saved network profile can get stuck with old settings. Removing it and joining again gives Windows a fresh start.

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
2. Select your network, then select Forget.
3. Select the network icon on the taskbar, choose your network, and enter the Wi-Fi password again.

Fix 3: Run the Network and Internet troubleshooter

Windows 11 has an automated troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It runs checks and fixes common problems on its own.

1. Select Start, type Get Help, and open the app.
2. Search for Network and Internet troubleshooter and run it.
3. Follow the steps it suggests, then use the PC normally for a while to see if the drops stop.

Fix 4: Check airplane mode and try the other Wi-Fi band

Go to Settings → Network & internet → Airplane mode and make sure it’s off. A stuck airplane mode key on some laptops can switch Wi-Fi off and on.

Many routers broadcast two bands, often shown as two network names, one with “5G” or “5GHz” in it. Microsoft suggests connecting to the other band to test. In general, 2.4 GHz reaches farther through walls, while 5 GHz is faster but has a shorter range. If you’re far from the router, 2.4 GHz is often more stable.

Fix 5: Stop Windows from turning off your Wi-Fi adapter

To save battery, Windows can switch off the Wi-Fi adapter when it thinks it isn’t needed. On some laptops this shows up as Wi-Fi dropping after a few minutes or after waking from sleep.

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters. Your Wi-Fi adapter usually has “Wi-Fi”, “Wireless” or “802.11” in its name.
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Open the Power Management tab and clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
5. Select OK and restart your PC.

Fix 6: Install Windows updates

Updates can include fixes for networking and drivers. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, install what’s offered, and restart. If you’re behind on updates, do this even if Wi-Fi is your only problem. Our list of Windows 11 settings worth changing covers other settings to check while you’re there.

Fix 7: Reinstall the Wi-Fi driver

A damaged driver is a common reason Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on Windows 11 even when the network is fine. Removing it lets Windows install a fresh copy.

1. Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Uninstall device.
3. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
4. Select Start → Power → Restart. Windows looks for the adapter and installs a driver when it starts up.

Fix 8: Reset the network settings with commands

These commands reset Windows networking components and get a new address from your router. They’re safe, and they don’t delete files.

1. Select Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
3. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
4. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
5. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
6. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
7. Restart your PC.

Fix 9: Use Network reset as a last resort

Network reset removes every network adapter and its settings, then reinstalls them with default settings after a restart. Use it when nothing else has worked.

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.
2. Select Reset now, then Yes.
3. Your PC restarts. Reconnect to Wi-Fi with your password.

Microsoft notes you may need to reinstall and set up other networking software afterward, such as a VPN app. Your personal files aren’t affected.

Still disconnecting? Check the router connection

Microsoft suggests a simple test to see whether your PC can reach the router at all:

1. Open Command Prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.
2. Find the Default Gateway address under your Wi-Fi adapter. That’s your router.
3. Type ping followed by that address, for example ping 192.168.1.1, and press Enter.

If the replies come back while websites still fail, the problem is likely between your router and your internet provider, so contact the provider. If the ping fails or times out when the Wi-Fi drops, the problem is the link between your PC and the router: move closer, or ask your provider about a router check or replacement. Our guide to finding your IP address on Windows 11 explains what these numbers mean, and our what is my IP tool shows your public address.

Add as a preferred source on Google (opens in new tab)

More fixes for your PC are in our Windows section.

FAQ

Sources

• Microsoft Support: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
• Microsoft Support: Fix Ethernet connection problems in Windows (network reset and adapter reinstall)
• Microsoft Support: Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows