A Wi-Fi connection that keeps dropping on Windows 11 is one of the most frustrating daily problems — particularly for anyone on video calls or working from home. The good news is that most Wi-Fi disconnection issues on Windows 11 are caused by a small number of fixable problems. Work through these in order.
1. Update or Reinstall Your Wi-Fi Driver
Outdated or corrupted Wi-Fi drivers are the most common cause of repeated disconnections on Windows 11. Windows Update sometimes installs generic drivers that don’t perform as well as the manufacturer’s drivers.
- Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager
- Expand Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Update driver
- Click Search automatically for drivers
If that finds nothing new, go to your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest Wi-Fi driver directly. This often fixes the problem when Windows Update hasn’t caught up with a newer driver.
2. Disable Wi-Fi Power Management
Windows 11 can switch off your Wi-Fi adapter to save power — which disconnects you from the network. Disabling this is a quick fix that resolves the issue for many users.
- Open Device Manager → Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select Properties
- Click the Power Management tab
- Untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
- Click OK
Also check Windows power settings: go to Settings → System → Power & sleep → Additional power settings and switch to High Performance mode, or customise your plan to never turn off the wireless adapter.
3. Set Your Network to Private
If your network is set to Public, Windows applies stricter settings that can cause instability. Set it to Private for your home or office network:
- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray
- Click the arrow next to your network name
- Click Properties
- Under Network profile type, select Private network
4. Forget and Reconnect to the Network
A corrupted network profile can cause repeated drops. Forgetting the network and reconnecting fresh often resolves it:
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks
- Find your network and click Forget
- Reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password again
5. Run the Network Troubleshooter
- Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
- Click Run next to Internet Connections
Windows will diagnose and automatically fix common network issues where it can.
6. Reset Network Settings
If nothing else works, a network reset clears all adapter settings and reinstalls drivers:
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset
- Click Reset now
Your PC will restart. You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and reconnect to networks. This is a last resort but often fixes persistent connection issues that nothing else resolves.
7. Check Your Router
If other devices on the same Wi-Fi also drop connection, the issue is the router rather than Windows 11. Restart the router (unplug for 30 seconds, plug back in) and check for firmware updates in the router’s admin interface. If the router is more than 5 years old and regularly causes issues, replacement may be the most practical fix.
