How to Fix Wi-Fi Disconnects Randomly in Windows 11

A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for everything from video calls and online classes to gaming and streaming. But one of the most frustrating issues Windows 11 users face is when Wi-Fi randomly disconnects without warning. You might be watching a video, downloading a file, or working remotely, only to have your connection suddenly drop.

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll explore why Wi-Fi disconnects happen on Windows 11, provide step-by-step troubleshooting (with example error codes), and share resources where you can find additional help. By the end, you’ll have multiple strategies to keep your connection stable.

Why Does Wi-Fi Disconnect Randomly in Windows 11?

Random Wi-Fi drops in Windows 11 can happen for several reasons:

Outdated or buggy network drivers – Updates to Windows 11 sometimes conflict with older drivers.
Power-saving settings – By default, Windows may turn off your Wi-Fi adapter to save energy.
Faulty updates – A recent Windows update could introduce network issues.
Router or ISP problems – Sometimes the issue isn’t your PC but the network equipment or provider.
Interference – Too many devices on the same channel can cause instability.
VPNs or firewalls – Security software sometimes interferes with wireless connections.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check the Error Messages

When Wi-Fi disconnects, you might see error codes like:

“Can’t connect to this network”
“The default gateway is not available”
“Network adapter error code 43”

These messages give clues—driver and gateway errors often point to adapter or driver problems.

Step 2: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Press Windows + X > Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, etc.).
Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

If the problem started after a recent update:

Right-click adapter > Properties > Driver tab.
Click Roll Back Driver.

For a clean reinstall:

- Uninstall the adapter driver.
Restart your PC.
Windows will reinstall a fresh copy automatically.

👉 You can also get the latest drivers directly from your manufacturer:

Step 3: Adjust Power Management Settings

Windows 11 may disconnect Wi-Fi to conserve power.

Press Windows + X > Device Manager.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter > Properties.
Go to the Power Management tab.
Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

Additionally:

Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
- Under Wireless Adapter Settings, set both On battery and Plugged in to Maximum Performance.

Step 4: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Run Network Adapter troubleshooter.

This can automatically reset adapters and repair common issues.

Step 5: Reset TCP/IP and Winsock

If disconnects persist, reset networking components.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
Enter these commands one at a time: netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your computer.

Step 6: Check Router and Wi-Fi Channel

Restart your router.
Log into the router settings page (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Change the Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference.
Update router firmware if available.

Step 7: Disable VPN or Third-Party Security Apps

VPN clients or firewalls can cause sudden Wi-Fi drops. Temporarily disable them to test if stability improves.

Step 8: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

If the issue started after an update:

Press Windows + I > Windows Update > Update history.
Select Uninstall updates.
Remove the most recent cumulative update.

Step 9: Perform a Network Reset

Press Windows + I > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
Scroll down and click Network reset.
Restart your PC. This reinstalls all network adapters and restores defaults.

Additional Fixes If Nothing Works

Try a USB Wi-Fi dongle: Sometimes built-in adapters are faulty.
- Switch to 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi-Fi (if supported): These bands are less crowded than 2.4 GHz.
Check for BIOS updates: Rare, but outdated BIOS firmware can cause Wi-Fi instability.
Test another device: If phones or other laptops disconnect too, it’s likely a router/ISP problem.

FAQs About Wi-Fi Disconnecting in Windows 11

1. Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting but other devices are fine?

This usually means the issue is specific to your Windows 11 device—likely a driver, power setting, or software conflict.

2. My laptop disconnects when idle. What should I do?

Disable power-saving features for the Wi-Fi adapter (Step 3 above).

3. Can Windows updates cause Wi-Fi problems?

Yes. It’s not uncommon for updates to introduce driver conflicts. Rolling back the update often helps.

4. Is it better to use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

For maximum stability, yes. But most people prefer wireless for convenience, so fixing Wi-Fi is still worth it.

5. Will upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 or 7 help?

Yes, newer routers and adapters have better stability, speed, and reduced interference.

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts

Random Wi-Fi disconnections in Windows 11 are frustrating, but most problems trace back to driver issues, power settings, or recent updates. By following the troubleshooting steps above—from updating drivers to resetting network settings—you can usually restore stability without too much hassle.

If none of these solutions work, consider community support forums like Reddit’s r/WindowsHelp or Microsoft Answers, where users often share fixes for the latest bugs.

Staying connected in 2025 shouldn’t be a struggle—and with a few adjustments, your Windows 11 PC can stay reliably online.