How to Fix Wi-Fi Keeps Dropping on Windows

What Causes This?

Wi-Fi that keeps dropping on Windows is usually caused by one of three things: a bad adapter driver, power-saving settings that turn the wireless card off, or network stack problems inside Windows. It can also happen because of router interference, old saved network settings, or background system clutter that affects network services. In some cases, Windows updates or VPN/security software can also break a previously stable connection.

Common Symptoms

• Wi-Fi disconnects randomly and reconnects a few seconds later
• Video calls, streaming, or online games keep freezing or lagging
• Windows shows No Internet, even though the router is working
• The Wi-Fi icon disappears briefly or switches to a globe symbol
• The problem happens more often after sleep, restart, or Windows updates

How to Fix It Manually

1. Restart your PC and router

   • Restart your computer normally.
   • Unplug your router and modem from power for 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
   • Wait 2-3 minutes and test the connection again.
   • If only your PC has the issue and other devices stay connected, continue with the steps below.

2. Run the Windows network troubleshooter

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Network and Internet and click Run.
   • Apply any fixes Windows suggests, then reconnect to Wi-Fi.

3. Turn off Wi-Fi power saving

   • Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
   • Expand Network adapters.
   • Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Properties.
   • Open the Power Management tab.
   • Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
   • Click OK.
   • Then go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
   • Expand Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode and set it to Maximum Performance.

4. Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi driver

   • Open Device Manager again.
   • Expand Network adapters and right-click your wireless adapter.
   • Click Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
   • If Windows says the best driver is already installed, right-click the adapter again and choose Uninstall device.
   • Restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
   • If the problem started after a recent driver update, use Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver if available.

5. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network

   • Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
   • Select your Wi-Fi network and click Forget.
   • Reconnect by choosing the network again and entering the password.
   • This clears corrupted saved settings that can cause repeated disconnects.

6. Reset the Windows network stack

   • Press Windows, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Run these commands one at a time:
     1. netsh winsock reset
     2. netsh int ip reset
     3. ipconfig /flushdns
     4. ipconfig /release
     5. ipconfig /renew
   • Restart your PC after the commands finish.

7. Perform a full network reset if drops continue

   • Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
   • Click Network reset.
   • Select Reset now and restart your PC.
   • This removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets networking components to default settings.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting because of broken network settings, outdated system junk, or background issues affecting stability, Kudu can help fix it automatically. It scans for common Windows problems, clears clutter that can interfere with networking, and helps restore a cleaner, more stable system without digging through multiple menus.

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