Having Wi-Fi connectivity issues can disrupt your workflow, entertainment, or essential tasks. If your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on Windows 11, follow this comprehensive, step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue effectively.
Step 1: Restart Your Devices
Starting with a simple restart can fix minor glitches.
How to Restart:
-
On your PC:
- Click on the Windows icon on the taskbar.
- Click the Power icon.
- Choose Restart
- Wi-Fi Router/Modem:
- Power off your router or modem by unplugging the power cord or pressing the power button.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in or press the power button.
- Allow 2-3 minutes for full reconnection.
Step 2: Change Your Wi-Fi Connection Setting to Private Network
Incorrect network settings might cause frequent disconnections.
How to Adjust the Network Profile Type:
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.
- Click "Wi-Fi Settings."
- Select your Wi-Fi network and click on it.
- Under the network type setting, choose "Private."
Step 3: Use the Built-in Network Troubleshooter
Windows 11 has troubleshooting tools designed to find and fix network problems.
How to Use the Troubleshooter:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Click on "System".
- Click "Troubleshoot" > "Other trouble-shooters."
- Locate "Internet Connections" and "Network Adapter".
- Click "Run" and follow the on-screen prompts to identify and fix problems.
Step 4: Adjust Power Management Settings
Windows might turn off your Wi-Fi adapter to save power.
How to Change Power Management Settings:
- Press
Win + Xand select "Device Manager". - Expand "Network adapters".
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and click "Properties".
- Click on the "Power Management" tab.
- Uncheck the option "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".
- Click "OK".
Step 5: Update Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or incompatible Wi-Fi drivers commonly cause connection problems.
How to Update Wi-Fi Drivers:
- Press
Win + Xand select "Device Manager". - Expand "Network adapters".
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and click "Update driver".
- Select "Search automatically for drivers."
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete any updates.
If Windows doesn’t find any updates, visit your device manufacturer’s official website and download/install the latest network adapter drivers manually.
Step 6: Change DNS Server Settings
Switching to a more reliable DNS server (Google or Cloudflare) can resolve intermittent connectivity issues.
How to Change DNS in Windows 11:
- Press
Win + I, click "Network & internet". - Click "Wi-Fi," then "Hardware properties."
- Click "Edit" next to "DNS server assignment".
- Change to "Manual".
- Toggle "IPv4" ON:
- Enter "8.8.8.8" and "8.8.4.4" for Google DNS.
- OR enter "1.1.1.1" and "1.0.0.1" for Cloudflare DNS.
- Click "Save."
Restart your PC after making this change.
Step 7: Reset Network Settings
Resetting the network completely renews Wi-Fi configurations, often resolving persistent problems.
How to Perform a Network Reset:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings. - Click "Network & internet".
- Scroll down and select "Advanced network settings".
- Select "Network reset", then click "Reset now".
- Confirm and restart your PC.
Note: This will remove all Wi-Fi networks and passwords remembered. You will have to reconnect manually afterward.
Step 8: Disable Wi-Fi Sense Feature
Wi-Fi Sense aims to connect you automatically, but sometimes causes disconnections.
How to Disable Wi-Fi Sense:
- Press
Win + I. - Click "Network & internet".
- Click "Wi-Fi" > "Manage Wi-Fi settings".
- Turn off the toggle for "Connect to suggested open hotspots" and "Connect to networks shared by my contacts."
Step 9: Check for Windows Updates
Network issues can arise from bugs fixed via Windows update.
How to Update Your Windows 11:
- Press
Win + I. - Select "Windows Update".
- Click "Check for updates" and install available ones.
- Restart your PC afterward.
Step 10: Modify Router Wi-Fi Channel (Optional but Recommended)
Changing your Wi-Fi channel or frequency can drastically improve connection stability.
How to Access Your Router Settings:
- Find your router IP address: Usually, "192.168.1.1" or "192.168.0.1."
- Open browser and enter IP address.
- Log in with your admin credentials. (Default often admin/admin)
- Locate Wi-Fi settings.
- Select a different wireless channel or band (preferably 5 GHz band over 2.4 GHz if available).
- Apply settings and reboot the router.
Tip: Use apps like WiFi Analyzer to discover the least noisy channels.
Additional Helpful Tips:
- Ensure you’re close enough to the router, with minimal physical obstructions.
- Check your Wi-Fi antenna or adapter hardware for any physical damages.
- Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall software to test for interference.
- Ensure no bandwidth-heavy apps or background downloads interfere with your stability.
Final Thoughts
By methodically following these steps, the likelihood of solving your Wi-Fi disconnection issues in Windows 11 is very high. If your connection issues still persist at this point, consider seeking professional help or exploring possible hardware replacements.
You can also reach out to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to ensure no recurring outage or service issue exists in your area.
