Wi-Fi keeps dropping in Windows 10, interrupting your downloads, calls, and browsing. Start with reception and your saved connection, then work through the driver and network fixes below. First, check whether Windows disconnects from Wi-Fi or stays connected without internet access, because those problems need different repairs.
Start with reception and a fresh connection
Weak reception and nearby interference are common causes of Wi-Fi disconnections. Move your computer closer to the router to compare connection stability. Place the router centrally, elevated, and away from obstructions and interference-producing appliances.
Try your network's 2.4 GHz connection for greater reach, or its 5 GHz connection where that signal is strong. Your computer and router must support the band you choose.
Test another device on the same Wi-Fi. Then try your Windows computer on another network. These comparisons help narrow the problem to your computer or home network.
If other devices also lose their connection, disconnect the modem and router from power for at least 30 seconds. A combined modem and router needs only one restart; follow its instructions for any backup battery.
Reconnect the modem's power first. Once the modem stabilizes, reconnect the router's power. Restart Windows through Start > Power > Restart.
If Wi-Fi does not reconnect, turn it on through Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi. Set Airplane mode to Off under Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode. On a computer with a physical wireless switch, move that switch to its enabled position.
Rebuild your saved Wi-Fi connection
Have your network password ready before removing the saved connection.
- 1.Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- 2.Select Manage known networks.
- 3.Select your network, then choose Forget.
- 4.Select the taskbar Network icon and choose your Wi-Fi network.
- 5.Click Connect, enter the password, and select Next.
Give the wireless driver an update
Select Check for updates under Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Install the available updates. Standard Windows 10 Home and Pro support ended on October 14, 2025, so update availability depends on your computer's servicing eligibility. Restart when Windows requests it.
If Windows Update offers View optional updates, open View optional updates > Driver updates. Select the applicable wireless driver. Choose Download and install.
If no wireless update is offered, check your computer or adapter manufacturer's support site for a compatible driver. To reinstall a driver that is already on your PC, open Device Manager by right-clicking Start.
Expand Network adapters. Right-click your wireless adapter to select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers. In Windows 10 22H2, this search checks only drivers already on your PC, so it will not download the newest manufacturer driver.
For an officially downloaded driver, choose Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers instead. Use Browse to select the extracted driver folder. Select Next.
Tip: Match the driver to your exact computer, adapter, Windows version, and architecture, and prefer your computer manufacturer's customized driver where available.
Match power settings to your adapter
The right power setting depends on the adapter manufacturer. For a TP-Link wireless adapter, open its Properties by right-clicking it under Device Manager > Network adapters.
On the Power Management tab, clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power if the control is present. Select OK. Restart through Start > Power > Restart.
Intel recommends leaving that checkbox selected because it governs suspend and hibernation behavior, rather than ordinary wireless power saving. For a separate wireless power-saving test, search for and open Power & sleep settings, then select Additional power settings > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings. Select Maximum Performance under Wireless Adapter Settings > Power Saving Mode; increased battery use is a potential tradeoff.
Recent Windows 10 builds, as well as some models and drivers, hide these power controls, so skip controls your system does not expose. Keep Intel's recommended defaults unless you are testing a specific problem.
Roll back a driver after a bad update
If the disconnections began after a wireless driver update, try the previous driver. Rollback requires administrator access and an available previous version.
Open the wireless adapter's Properties by right-clicking it under Device Manager > Network adapters. Select Driver > Roll Back Driver. Follow the rollback prompts. Restart through Start > Power > Restart.
If rollback is unavailable or does not help, download the correct driver for your exact computer or adapter model from its manufacturer's support site before removing the adapter. For supported Intel adapters, use Intel's current Wi-Fi driver package; the AX200, AC-8260/8265, and AC-7265 (Rev. D)/3168/3165 need the separate packages linked from that page. Keep that download available for reinstallation.
Right-click the adapter under Device Manager > Network adapters and select Uninstall device. Restart through Start > Power > Restart. Windows will attempt to reinstall the adapter.
If Windows does not reinstall it, install your downloaded driver using the manual installation steps above. If the connection still drops, check the Windows wireless service next.
Restore the Windows wireless service
Press Windows + R to open Run. Enter services.msc. Press Enter.
Right-click WLAN AutoConfig and select Restart. Use an administrator account if Windows requires administrative access.
Open WLAN AutoConfig > Properties > General. Set Startup type to Automatic. Select Apply. Select OK.
Tip: If the wireless adapter is disabled, right-click it under Device Manager > Network adapters and select Enable device.
Use Network reset after the smaller fixes
Network reset removes network configuration; depending on your setup, VPN clients and virtual switches will need reinstallation afterward.
- 1.Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
- 2.Select Network reset.
- 3.Choose Reset now, then confirm with Yes.
- 4.Allow Windows to restart.
- 5.Select your Wi-Fi network through the taskbar Network menu, choose Connect, enter its password, and select Next.
Find the reason for persistent disconnections
A wireless report identifies recent disconnection reasons so you can target the next repair.
Search for Command Prompt from Start. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Run netsh wlan show wlanreport. Open the generated HTML file in a browser.
Examine Disconnect Reasons. Review the affected Wireless Sessions. Compare the report with your earlier tests on another device and another network. Failure across networks calls for further computer adapter or software diagnosis; failures affecting several devices at home point toward the router or internet connection.
On a supported ASUS computer with System Diagnosis available, open MyASUS > System Diagnosis > Diagnosis Tool > Wireless connectivity problems. Select Checkup. Review Results, then follow the applicable diagnostic recommendations. Arrange hardware replacement or professional repair if diagnostics establish a failed adapter, antenna, router, or modem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows say connected but no internet instead of disconnecting?
Wi-Fi association and internet access are separate. DNS, DHCP, proxy settings, and account-level pauses affect internet access while Wi-Fi remains connected. Flushing DNS addresses name-resolution failures; it does not repair wireless radio disconnections.
What if Wi-Fi disconnects when I plug in Ethernet on a work computer?
Ask your IT administrator to review Windows Connection Manager policies. Managed Windows 10 devices support a policy that prevents Wi-Fi connections while Ethernet is connected.
Where is the Wi-Fi Sense suggested-hotspot toggle?
Microsoft removed Connect to suggested open hotspots in Windows 10 version 1803. That toggle does not exist in Windows 10 22H2, so instructions to disable it no longer apply.
Will a newer Intel driver enable 6 GHz Wi-Fi on Windows 10?
No. Windows 10 does not support 6 GHz or Wi-Fi 7 operation. Installing a newer Intel driver does not add those capabilities.