(Fixed) Windows 10 Wi-Fi disconnects frequently

Despite being one of the most reliable operating systems, some Windows 10 users have reported online that they have encountered issues including frequent Wi-Fi disconnects on Windows. Others complain that the Wi-Fi adapter is automatically disabled and can’t be enabled until a restart is performed.

Windows 10 Wi-Fi disconnects frequently because the Wi-Fi driver installed is old/incompatible or the Windows is turning off the network driver. To fix this, troubleshoot the network, uninstall & reinstall the Wi-Fi adapter driver, or change the power management settings.  

Run the Network Troubleshooter

Running Windows automated troubleshooter can find and fix the network related issues automatically. Open Settings on your PC by press the Windows + I key and then selecting ‘Network & Internet’. A new window that performs a diagnosis and fixes the network issues opens. Search for ‘Troubleshoot settings’ and select the network adapter tile then click the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button that appears. This diagnoses any network/Wi-Fi adapter related issues. Once the diagnosis is complete, restart the PC and check if the issue has been resolved.

Update Wi-Fi network driver

Your PC’s Wi-Fi connection disconnecting frequently due to an old or incompatible Wi-Fi driver can be resolved by updating the driver. Press the Windows key + X and select ‘Device Manager’ from the settings list. In the Device Manager window, locate and click on ‘Network Adapters’ and expand the section to view all adapter. Select your current Wi-Fi driver from the drop-down list, right-click on it and then select ‘Update driver’. On the next screen, select ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ and wait for Windows to finish searching for the compatible driver, download, and finally install it. Restart your PC and then connect it to your Wi-Fi and check if the issue has been resolved.

Uninstall & Reinstall the Wi-Fi adapter driver

Another solution is to uninstall the Network Card and then reinstall the latest driver version. To do so, press the Windows + X key and select ‘Device Manager’ from the list. Select and expand the list of network adapters, then right-click on the ‘installed Wi-Fi Adapter’ driver and select ‘Uninstall’. To confirm and proceed with the driver uninstallation, press OK and restart your PC to complete the uninstallation process. Once the restart is complete, Windows automatically installs a basic driver on your PC. If it isn’t installed already, then open the device manager, click action and then search for hardware changes. You can also update the network adapter driver manually by visiting your PC manufacturer’s website and then downloading the most recent drivers.

Keep Wi-Fi Driver on

Sometimes, when Windows goes into sleeping mode, it automatically turns off the Wi-Fi driver to save on power which may lead to this issue. To keep the Wi-Fi driver on, press Windows + S key and type ‘Network Connections’ in the search box, and then click on ‘Network Connections’ from the results. On the next screen, right-click on your Wi-Fi name and select ‘Properties’. In the properties window, click on ‘Configure ‘and go to the ‘Power Management’ tab. Ensure to uncheck the ‘All the computer to turn off this device to save power’ checkbox and click OK. Close the control panel screen and restart your PC. Check if the issue has cleared.

Perform a network Reset

If you’re still experiencing this issue, try resetting your network to undo any changes and take the network configuration settings back to the default settings. Press the Windows key + I and open Settings. Click on ‘Network & Internet’ and then select Network Reset. Click on ‘Reset Now’ and then click on Again when asked for confirmation. Once the reset is done and the system has restarted, manually connect to the Wi-Fi network by typing in its password.

Issue
Causes
How to Fix
Windows 10 Wi-Fi disconnecting frequently
Wi-Fi driver is old or incompatible with the installed Wi-Fi adapter

 

Run the network troubleshooter

Update the Wi-Fi network adapter

Uninstall & reinstall the Wi-Fi adapter driver

Perform a network reset

Windows 10 automatically turning off the network driver
Change the power management settings and keep the Wi-Fi driver on

FAQs

How do I reset the network on Windows 10?

Go to Settings and click on ‘Network & Internet’ then select Network Reset. From there, click on ‘Reset Now’ and connect your PC to the Wi-Fi.

What causes Wi-Fi option to disappear on my Windows 10 settings?

The main cause for this is that Windows 10 is unable to detect Wi-Fi due to Wi-Fi drivers and in case required services are stopped. You can fix this by ensuring the Wi-Fi card is properly installed, or turning on the required services, reinstall or update the Wi-Fi adapter driver.

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