Why Does Laptop Keep Disconnecting From Wifi? (Solutions: Windows 10 & Mac)

Wifi has revolutionized the usage of the internet ever since its arrival. Earlier, internet connection used to mean that you would have to sit at one spot and keep your computer connected to a cable. But wifi has surely changed things and made the internet comfortable and portable. Yet, we keep facing problems regarding connection from time to time. So why does your laptop keep disconnecting from wifi? And how to fix it?

There are multiple reasons why your laptop can get disconnected from your wifi. Sometimes it is a technical issue, sometimes the internet providers are to be blamed. Your laptop also might have faulty configurations and third-party applications that make your laptop’s connection poor.

Problems with wifi connections in your laptop can surely cause a headache. But if you can identify your problem it doesn’t take much to solve it. You can solve the problem regarding your wifi connection sitting in your home, without costing you a single penny for service charges.

So let me help you by listing some common issues regarding the wifi connection in your laptop and how you can fix it for both Windows 10 and Mac.

Why Does My Laptop Keep Disconnecting From The Wifi? (Windows 10)

Wifi can get disconnected for a whole lot of reasons. The most common reason your wifi can get disconnected is having a poor connection.

If the router you are using or the internet providers are having an issue with their connection, the laptop would likely get disconnected from the wifi. Sometimes the inbuilt wifi adapter inside the laptop can also be faulty making it disconnect from the wifi.

Another reason can be the usage of outdated drivers or a faulty update.

Wifi can also get disconnected because of the power management setting. Laptops tend to save battery power and turns off the wifi automatically. Also, in the power saving mode, wireless adapters settings sometimes provide less power.

Because of this, a slight fluctuation in connection can cause the wifi connection to get disconnected. Sometimes the problem can be due to the TCP/IP configurations.

Wifi can also keep disconnecting if there is an issue with the DNS server. The connection faces problems because of heavy traffic if you live in an apartment with many routers and your channel can’t provide the internet.

Wifi also can get disconnected when you are in a public network rather than a private network. It is really hard to figure out the exact problem that is causing your laptop to lose connection frequently most of the time.

Now that we have discussed wifi disconnection on Windows, it’s time to talk about wifi disconnection on Macs.

Why Does My Laptop Keep Disconnecting From The Wifi? (Mac)

There could be quite a few reasons your Mac computer may cannot connect the internet via wifi. These options can range from the service provider’s network being taken down to hardware/software issues within your Mac.

Let us explore some of the possible reasons that could cause this phenomenon:

Service Provider’s Internet Being Down

The Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the company that provides internet services to all the houses in a particular area or neighborhood. They are in control of what internet speed we receive and how strong our network is.

They can also manage how many people are connected to a particular network at a particular time.

Since your service provider provides your internet, any problem in their network will directly lead to a problem in your network. If their network of services fails, it will not only affect your internet but also cause everyone else’s wifi to act up in your area.

So if there is a common disconnection problem within your neighborhood, it is probably because there is something wrong with your network service provider.

There are several kinds of issues that may cause your internet service provider to fail. The problem could be technical, hardware-based, or even financial. If most people fail to pay their bills, it could cause poor services from the internet provider.

There could be natural or man-made damage to the network infrastructure such as poles breaking down due to a heavy storm or cables getting damaged because of construction work. These could all result in wifi getting disconnected on your mac.

Hardware Issues On Your Mac

Sometimes hardware problems may cause disconnection of the internet on your Mac computers. These can range from severe issues such as a busted modem within your computer to merely dust seeping inside your Mac.

Dust can cause a lot of problems so it is very important to keep your mac clean if you want to avoid such trivial issues. Fine dust particles may get trapped between connection points and it may cause those connection points not working. Therefore you must always keep your computers clean.

Again, other hardware-based issues are beyond our capabilities such as a broken modem or wireless drivers on your computer. Unless you know what you are doing, it is best to leave these kinds of repairs to the professionals.

Because if you try to tinker with your computer yourself, it may cause a breach of your warranty.

Although it is rare for a hardware problem to cause your wifi getting disconnected, it could sure be the problem. If your wifi works on other devices but not on your MAC computer and if your computer allows for cable internet to work but doesn’t cooperate with wifi, then it could be because of a hardware issue on your computer.

Software Issues On Mac

Another group of reasons that may cause wifi getting disconnected automatically is software-related issues. While macOS is one of the best-operating systems for computers, it is not completely free from bugs and glitches.

Wifi can, a lot of times, get disconnected automatically if there is a stronger network that you have previously connected to nearby. There can also sometimes be glitches that don’t let your computer connect to your wifi network.

Again, if your wifi network is weak then it might also prevent your computer from connecting to it.

If you or any of your family members change the password of your wifi network then it will also result in your computer getting automatically disconnected from the internet.

This only happens so that the privacy of your home wifi might be preserved. You can reconnect to the network by entering the new password and if there are no major issues, your computer should connect just fine.

There Is A Problem With Your Router

The router is a key element in connecting to wifi. It is this device that converts your cable into wireless wifi signals. If this device is not working accurately then it may result in an unreliable connection.

If connecting to the internet through an ethernet port works but your laptop cannot keep a stable connection with your wifi router, then there could be a problem with your router. Routers are prone to overheating, hanging under too much pressure, and even dust allocation at times.

You should also check the wall adapter and the wall socket that your router connects to. Again, you should make sure that the cable that connects your router to the internet is not damaged.

A damaged cable will also result in a poor internet connection. This poor connection might result in your wifi getting disconnected automatically at times.

How To Fix The Laptop From Disconnecting From The Wifi? (Windows 10)

As I’ve just discussed, there can be a lot of issues that disconnect the wifi from the laptop. But you don’t have to worry much cause there are as many solutions as there are problems.

If you can’t even figure what is the exact problem with your laptop, you can try each one of the solutions one by one till it fixes your problem. So let me help you with the easy fixes that can solve the wifi disconnection issue.

Restart The Router

It is most probably the most suggested solution to any internet problems regarding the wifi. Even though it seems like a useless lazy effort, there are good reasons it is suggested. So, restart the router manually and then turn it on. Turn on your laptop to see if the issue is fixed or not. If you have a faulty router, it is best to replace it.

Run Network Troubleshooter

Network troubleshooter is an inbuilt option by windows to help you fix any problems with connection in your laptop.

Even though this option has very limited usage and most of the time doesn’t solve the issue, you can still try it once. To run the Network Troubleshooter follow the steps below:

Step 1: On your keyboard press ‘Windows key + I’. It will take you to the setting.

Step 2: Select the “Network & Internet” option. Click on the “Network Troubleshooter” option. This is to start the process and hopefully will fix your problem.

Update Your Wifi Driver

Updating your wifi drivers can easily solve the problem if your wifi driver is backdated. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows Key + R.’ In the Run program, type “devmgmt.msc” and press enter to open device manager.

Step 2: Expand the Network Adapter option and right-click on the Wifi driver and select the option “Update Driver Software”

Step 3: Next choose “Select Automatically For Updated Driver Software”. Complete the process and restart your computer.

Reinstall Your Wifi Driver

Sometimes new updates can be faulty. For that, you have to manually reinstall your Wifi driver. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows Key + R’. In the Run program, type ‘devmgmt.msc’ and press enter to open “Device Manager”.

Step 2: Expand the Network Adapter option and right-click on the Wifi driver and select the option “Uninstall”. Now Restart the laptop and it will install a new version of the driver.

Changing The Power Option

You can fix your problem by changing the power option settings. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the run program by pressing ‘Windows Key + R’. Now type, ‘ncpa.cpl’, and press enter.

Step 2: Now in the Network Connection window, right-click on the Wifi Adapter and select ‘Properties’.

Step 3: From the properties, find the ‘configure’ button and click on it. Then select the “Power Management” option.

Step 4: Uncheck the “ Allow Computer to turn off this device to save power” and save the changes.

Changing Wifi AutoConfig Service

Changing the Wifi AutoConfig Service Startup might solve your wifi problem. To do this, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run program. Type ‘services.msc’ and press enter to open the “Windows Services Console”.

Step 2: Find “WLAN AutoConfig” and right-click on it. Then choose “Properties”.

Step 3: Find the “Startup type” and set it to “Automatic”. Save it and restart your laptop.

Resetting TCP/IP configuration

You can reset your TCP or IP setting to fix your wifi connection problem. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Run program and type “cmd” to open “Command Prompt”.

Step 2: Type the following commands:

“netsh winsock reset”

“Netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt”

Press enter after each command.

Step 3: Restart your laptop.

Use Google DNS

Switching to Google DNS can help your wifi to get more stable and fix the connection issue. Follow the steps below to use the Google DNS:

Step 1: Press the ‘Windows Key + R’ and type “ncpa.cpl” and enter. This will open the “Network Connections”.

Step 2: Right-click on the “Wifi Adapter” and select “Properties”. Then select “Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties”.

Step 3: Now select “Use the following DNS server addresses:”.

Step 4: Set “Preferred DNS server:” to “8.8.8.8” and set “Alternate DNS server” to “8.8.4.4”. Save the changes and restart your laptop.

Switch Network From Public to Private

The public network can be a reason why your laptop might face connection issues. So to switch it from Public to Private follow the instructions below:

Step 1: Click on the Wifi icon from the Taskbar and go to “Properties”.

Step 2: Select the “Private” network profile and exit.

Changing The Power Saving Mode Of Wireless Adapter

Changing the power-saving mode of the wireless adapter is another way to try and fix your problem. The required steps are given below:

Step 1: Open the run program by pressing ‘Windows key + R’. Type “control.exe powercfg.cpl,,3” and press enter.

Step 2: Now select “High Performance” and double click on “Wireless Adapter Settings” to expand.

Step 3: Expand the “Power Saving Mode”. Now select Maximum power in the setting on both battery and plugged in option.

Network Reset

You can totally reset your entire network setting it back to how it was in the beginning and this might be a good solution if the other solutions don’t work. To do this, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Press ‘Windows key + I’ to open settings. Click on the “Network & Internet” option.

Step 2: Click on “Network Reset”. Now click on “Reset Now” and confirm. Restart your laptop.

This will reset your settings and you will have to connect to your wifi again with your password.

Buy A Network Adapter

If none of the solutions worked it might mean that your inbuilt network adapter is faulty. In such cases, you can buy a portable “Wireless Network Adapter”. This will surely solve the problem if the other options didn’t solve it already.

How To Fix Laptop Disconnecting From Wifi? (Mac)

Here are some steps you may take to tackle this situation on your Mac computers:

Check For Software Updates

Apple computers have a history of wifi-related problems that are caused because of software issues. However, they are always quick to patch up any major wifi-related issues on their computer with a software update. Check if you received any such updates and if you do, download it and update your computer. It should fix the problem. And if you somehow cannot connect to wifi, consider cable internet or use the data on your phone.

Consider Apple’s Wifi Recommendations

Your apple computer automatically scans your network for issues when you connect to your wifi. If there are any major problems with your internet, macOS will automatically identify and flag them. Then they will recommend a few solutions for your problem. Do consider them.

Restart Your Router

Sometimes a simple solution is all you need for your wifi-related problems. Wifi routers can get unresponsive and lose the connection sometimes. To restart your wifi, turn off its power source and wait for about 30 seconds before turning it back on. This should fix any trivial issues you may have.

Check-in With Your Broadband Provider

Sometimes the problems may arise on your provider’s end. There is not much you can do during a situation such as this. Wait until your broadband provider fixes the issues. This can be very frustrating and potentially disastrous depending on your needs.

Consider using mobile data until your provider ultimately gets around to fixing the issue. Make sure to file a complaint and consider switching to a different service provider if these problems occur regularly.

Apple Diagnostics

You may choose to run apple diagnostics in order if you still cannot identify the root of your problems. Here is how to do it:

1. Disconnect all external devices.
2. Restart your Mac while holding on to ‘D’ on your keyboard.
3. Choose your preferred language and wait until the diagnosis is finished.
4. If a problem is identified, Apple will suggest recommendations.

Restart Your Device

There could be a temporary bug with your computer. Turning it off and turning it back on is a surprisingly simple but effective solution for a lot of your problems. Although it is unlikely to fix your problem, it doesn’t hurt to try it for once.

Use Apple’s Wireless Diagnostic Test

The Mac operating system offers a built-in wireless network that allows you to scan for and detect any network-related issues you may have. Here is how you turn on the diagnostic tools:

1. Either search ‘Wireless diagnostics’ on spotlight or hold Option/Alt and press the icon indicating wifi. Then open the diagnostic tool.
2. Click on Window>Performance from the menu and click on continue to run a report.

This will generate the transmission rate, signal quality, and signal and noise levels of your network. If you can decipher it, then it should help you diagnose the problems that are occurring with your network.

Forget Network

Try clicking on forget network and then connect back to your wifi by entering your password. Sometimes glitches may cause connection problems and resetting your wifi and reconnecting to the network might be just what you need to fix the issue.

Consider The Location Of Your Router

The location of your router can play a major role in the connectivity of your router. If the router is too far away, then it may cause connection problems. Again, if there are obstacles that block the network, such as a large metal object then it might cause connection problems for you as well.

Conclusion

Whether you choose Windows or Mac ultimately depends on your taste. However, both operating systems have their share of problems with connectivity. While MacOs is more user-friendly, Apple computers could be more expensive to fix.

Therefore I hope this article will help you achieve a better understanding of the issues that may cause your wifi to lose connection and better prepare you to identify and potentially fix them.