Keep Losing Wifi Network Connection (Windows 10)

[Prudence]

Recently, this keeps happening. I restart the laptop and get reconnected but only temporarily. There seems to be an issue with the network adaptor. So, I went into Settings and reset the network adaptor. The PC restarted, I selected my wifi network and entered my network password key. Again, this fix only lasted temporarily. My PC does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11, but I think this is not relevant. We use Comcast Infinity for our internet service. When I am connected to the internet, the signal or connection appears to be weak. I considered going into Settings and resetting Windows 10 (basically uninstalling and reinstalling Windows 10) but I stopped when I was informed that apps that I had installed (including 1password) would be removed and I would need to reinstall them after Windows 10 was reset. If I reinstall 1Password, will I need to reset my passwords on various banks, brokerage firms etc.? Microsoft Support does not provide any other solutions (except the network adaptor reset or Windows 10 reset). I would rather not incur the expense of replacing my laptop unless there is no other alternative. Should I try to fix this by resetting Windows 10? Let me know what else I can do to fix this.

[mrmass]

Have you checked to see if there are any driver updates for the network adapter. I know it's different, but have you tried hardwiring to help isolate the issue?

Also try forgetting the wifi network then reconnect entering the key

[TomatoTomahto]

Maybe I’m lazy, but I’d first try to install a network adapter dongle available from $10-$40 at Amazon. If the problem goes away, great. If not, I personally would return it, but your ethics might be a higher standard.

[jebmke]

Also try forgetting the wifi network then reconnect entering the key

Do this first

PC Settings > Network Settings > Wifi > Manage Known networks.

While there, forget all networks you think you will not need routinely going forward.

[Dottie57]

You could purchase a USB-c wifi dongle and see if that works.

Are you sure the problem is not your xfinity modem/router.

I had a problem where my printer kept losing connection. I thought it was sporadic. It wasn’t, the router had a selected “lease” time for connections. The connection would terminate when the lease terminated. The “problem” seemed sporadic because I don’t print every day.

Or it could be a physical problem with Xfinity equipment.

[mrmass]

If nothing posted here works reboot your wireless router.

[Prudence]

Also try forgetting the wifi network then reconnect entering the key

Do this first

PC Settings > Network Settings > Wifi > Manage Known networks.

While there, forget all networks you think you will not need routinely going forward.

Yes, I tried this, and it didn't fix the issue. (P.S. I am able to reconnect which gives the illusion of being resolved, but then I keep losing the connection, so I am being kicked off).

[Prudence]

Have you checked to see if there are any driver updates for the network adapter. I know it's different, but have you tried hardwiring to help isolate the issue?

Also try forgetting the wifi network then reconnect entering the key

I connected an ethernet cable to the laptop (to bypass the wireless), but the system just ignored it.

[BogleTaxPro]

Have you checked to see if there are any driver updates for the network adapter. I know it's different, but have you tried hardwiring to help isolate the issue?

Also try forgetting the wifi network then reconnect entering the key

I connected an ethernet cable to the laptop (to bypass the wireless), but the system just ignored it.

Try going into your network settings and disable wi-fi so it's forced to use the cable.

[tibbitts]

Recently, this keeps happening...

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

[Prudence]

Recently, this keeps happening...

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

Can you name a couple of examples?

[jebmke]

Recently, this keeps happening...

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

Can you name a couple of examples?

like a public library, for example.

[snic]

Recently, this keeps happening...

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

Can you name a couple of examples?

like a public library, for example.

That's a good idea. Impossible to tell if it's the laptop of the wifi router - but if the problem persists on a different wifi network, clearly it's the laptop.

Getting a cheap USB wifi dongle is another good option. It would provide a similar test, and if it works, it also solves the problem.

[Prudence]

Recently, this keeps happening...

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

Can you name a couple of examples?

like a public library, for example.

That's a good idea. Impossible to tell if it's the laptop of the wifi router - but if the problem persists on a different wifi network, clearly it's the laptop.

Getting a cheap USB wifi dongle is another good option. It would provide a similar test, and if it works, it also solves the problem.

You mean use the dongle permanently, if it resolves the problem?

[edgeagg]

It might not be the network adapter, but could be your router. In this case, very likely others on your wifi network will see connection drops. If this is not the case, then it is likely not the router.

I had this issue with the netgear r7000 and I solved it by getting rid of Netgear firmware and reflashing with dd-wrt. But if you are not tech savvy, you should NOT do this.

[telemark]

You should be able to transfer your existing passwords to what will be, from the viewpoint of 1Password, a new device. If you are only storing them locally (not letting 1Password back them up in the cloud) then you will need to make a backup first, perhaps to a flash drive. (Disclaimer: I haven't used 1Password).

https://support.1password.com/backups/

[tibbitts]

Recently, this keeps happening...

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

Can you name a couple of examples?

Usually wherever you're shopping or eating has wifi. I just got back from Kohl's and I think they had it.

[Target2019]

Find a software app that will measure the signal on various WiFi channels.

Set the router to use the strongest channel. No auto switching.

Also try 2 GHz instead of 5 if there is significant distance between computer and WiFi source.

[tibbitts]

It might not be the network adapter, but could be your router. In this case, very likely others on your wifi network will see connection drops. If this is not the case, then it is likely not the router.

I had this issue with the netgear r7000 and I solved it by getting rid of Netgear firmware and reflashing with dd-wrt. But if you are not tech savvy, you should NOT do this.

In my case when this exact symptom happened the problem was the router; replacing it solved the problem. However the old router still worked okay with some other devices. Luckily this is a situation where everything is inexpensive enough that you can just throw hardware at the problem and go with what works.

[Prudence]

You should be able to transfer your existing passwords to what will be, from the viewpoint of 1Password, a new device. If you are only storing them locally (not letting 1Password back them up in the cloud) then you will need to make a backup first, perhaps to a flash drive. (Disclaimer: I haven't used 1Password).

https://support.1password.com/backups/

Ok. BTW, do you think resetting Windows 10 might actually resolve the issue?

[telemark]

Ok. BTW, do you think resetting Windows 10 might actually resolve the issue?

I have no idea, but would probably leave trying that until last, just because it's the most difficult. Reboot the router first.

[jebmke]

Ok. BTW, do you think resetting Windows 10 might actually resolve the issue?

I have no idea, but would probably leave trying that until last, just because it's the most difficult. Reboot the router first.

agree; if it is router or adapter, reinstalling Win will do nothing.

[tibbitts]

You should be able to transfer your existing passwords to what will be, from the viewpoint of 1Password, a new device. If you are only storing them locally (not letting 1Password back them up in the cloud) then you will need to make a backup first, perhaps to a flash drive. (Disclaimer: I haven't used 1Password).

https://support.1password.com/backups/

Ok. BTW, do you think resetting Windows 10 might actually resolve the issue?

The odds of reinstalling win10 fixing the problem if your wifi works properly with other routers... probably not very good. Why try the most annoying step first?

[K72]

I had a similar situation with a laptop that wasn't compatible with Windows 11 (meaning old). Its network adapter was 2.4G only. My internet signal would drop several times a day for seconds or minutes (router was 15 feet away). I was overdue for a new PC anyway, so I got a new laptop and all my network problems went away. I never bothered to figure out the real issue but I speculate that either (1) the laptop network adapter had become wonky (probably the case), or (2) the 2.4G signal of my new router was unstable.

[Dottie57]

Find a software app that will measure the signal on various WiFi channels.

Set the router to use the strongest channel. No auto switching.

Also try 2 GHz instead of 5 if there is significant distance between computer and WiFi source.

This.

[Sprucebark]

I had this exact same issue with my work laptop. It went on for years. Eventually I just plugged into an Ethernet port and went hard wire.

One day the tech guy came in and knew exactly what it was. I can’t remember what it is called, but the tech guy pulled up a white screen that looks kind of like “old” programming and there is a list of everything in black text. I think it is called the “device manager” screen. He went to the wifi / network adapter area and updated the driver and it was fixed and I never had a problem again. I can’t remember if he downloaded the driver beforehand or just clicked on it on that screen and updated it. Years of suffering and it was fixed in 30 seconds by someone who knew exactly what it was and had seen it before.

[jebmke]

Find a software app that will measure the signal on various WiFi channels.

Set the router to use the strongest channel. No auto switching.

Also try 2 GHz instead of 5 if there is significant distance between computer and WiFi source.

This.

yes; can definitely cause an issue. Our router uses the same SSID. In fact, if Wifi is on at the gateway and the attached mesh it causes all kinds of problem. When the ISP pushes an update to the system, they always turn the gateway wifi back on and i have to go in and shut it off again.

[dcare]

Lots of good ideas here, I think you should try and isolate the problem.
Do you have a mobile device, or tv, or neighbor/friend that can try connecting to the network successfully for a period of time?
If yes, probably a laptop or network adapter or driver issue. No, probably a network or router/modem issue.
Have you tried connecting successfully to another network outside of your home?

[Beensabu]

When this happened to me, it turned out to be my router.

How old is your router? If over two years, then call your internet provider, go through the whole rigamarole of unplug, replug, wait, reset, wait, still not connecting, blah blah blah, and then they'll send you a new one.

[snic]

What happens when you connect to various other wifi networks - like the usual public ones?

Can you name a couple of examples?

like a public library, for example.

That's a good idea. Impossible to tell if it's the laptop of the wifi router - but if the problem persists on a different wifi network, clearly it's the laptop.

Getting a cheap USB wifi dongle is another good option. It would provide a similar test, and if it works, it also solves the problem.

You mean use the dongle permanently, if it resolves the problem?

Yes.

And if not, you might even be able to return the dongle.

[Silk McCue]

Have you tried connecting to your cellphone hotspot to see if that works?

Cheers

[Prudence]

Have you tried connecting to your cellphone hotspot to see if that works?

Cheers

Yes, it works. Also, I should have mentioned previously that there is another Acer laptop connected to our wifi network (in our apartment) and the network connection is working fine.

[Prudence]

To all: I will try to manually update the network adapter. If that does not work, will there be a problem if I uninstall and install the network adapter?

[Prudence]

UPDATE: I connected the ethernet cable to the router and now I am connected to the internet. I guess this means that my network adapter is/was the problem with my wifi. Is there a problem if I just carry on with the ethernet cable?

[AllMostThere]

My Son's laptop was doing the same thing with disconnects and slow speeds. Ultimately, we replaced the original Wifi Card (RealTek Adapter) with new Intel AX200 Wifi 6 Adapter card. I installed the required drivers, per the instructions, removed the laptop back and swapped out the old for new card. Took me maybe 15 minutes and laptop is running better than ever. Cost for card from Amazon was under $25. I would try replacing the wifi card to allow movement of laptop around your household rather than tethered to an ethernet cable.

[Prudence]

My Son's laptop was doing the same thing with disconnects and slow speeds. Ultimately, we replaced the original Wifi Card (RealTek Adapter) with new Intel AX200 Wifi 6 Adapter card. I installed the required drivers, per the instructions, removed the laptop back and swapped out the old for new card. Took me maybe 15 minutes and laptop is running better than ever. Cost for card from Amazon was under $25. I would try replacing the wifi card to allow movement of laptop around your household rather than tethered to an ethernet cable.

So, this should work with my old Windows 10 laptop. (Currently, it has the Intel (R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160).

[AllMostThere]

So, this should work with my old Windows 10 laptop. (Currently, it has the Intel (R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160).

Correct, my son's laptop was also running Windows 10. His computer was a 2020 Xmas gift, so approaching 4 years old and running Windows 10. The Intel AX200 Wifi card is older tech, but perfect for his older laptop and probably good for your older win10 laptop also. Price point makes it a worthy shot. Just be sure to download all drivers first, including the Bluetooth drivers as this card also provides Bluetooth. Very easy install. There are many YouTube videos on Wi-Fi card installation, so no worries.

Edit - This recommendation assumes this older laptop uses the M.2 2230 form factor for Wifi Card. It should as this form factor is very common.

[Ldnr]

I had a similar issue when I set my router wifi to use wpa3 instead of wpa2 encryption. One of my old Acer laptops now requires rebooting regularly to reconnect to wifi.

[Prudence]

So, this should work with my old Windows 10 laptop. (Currently, it has the Intel (R) Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160).

Correct, my son's laptop was also running Windows 10. His computer was a 2020 Xmas gift, so approaching 4 years old and running Windows 10. The Intel AX200 Wifi card is older tech, but perfect for his older laptop and probably good for your older win10 laptop also. Price point makes it a worthy shot. Just be sure to download all drivers first, including the Bluetooth drivers as this card also provides Bluetooth. Very easy install. There are many YouTube videos on Wi-Fi card installation, so no worries.

Edit - This recommendation assumes this older laptop uses the M.2 2230 form factor for Wifi Card. It should as this form factor is very common.

I will watch the videos. Meanwhile, if I do replace the card, will I continue to use the existing network adapter?

[tibbitts]

I wouldn't do too much work for the sake of squeezing out the relatively few months of life remaining in Win10.

[AspirationalBH]

Before you go out and buy new hardware and introduce more variables, I also recommend the strategy to spilt your Wi-Fi into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks each with a different SSID. I suspect the network drops when your computer is trying to switch bands.

* 2.4 GHz has better range but possibly less through put.
* 5 GHz might be faster, but less range.

If It were my home network, I'd configure a 5 GHz network with WPA3 and a 2.4 GHz network with WPA2 just in case some of my devices can't use WPA3. If you continue to get drops on the 2.4 GHz network, I'd dive a bit deeper into the admin interface and and change the SSID channel.

Using Ethernet is a fine choice (in fact I prefer it).

HTH.

[AllMostThere]

I will watch the videos. Meanwhile, if I do replace the card, will I continue to use the existing network adapter?

The removed card is the Wi-Fi network adapter, so NO. You will connect to the internet using newly installed Wi-Fi card/adapter to your existing Wi-Fi Router.

[MathWizard]

UPDATE: I connected the ethernet cable to the router and now I am connected to the internet. I guess this means that my network adapter is/was the problem with my wifi. Is there a problem if I just carry on with the ethernet cable?

If the lack of portability is not an issue, hardwired is superior.

[Prudence]

Thank you all for your much needed and appreciated help.