PC loses connection to Wi-Fi unexpectedly.
PC loses connection to Wi-Fi unexpectedly.
PC Specifications: ROG STRIX B560-I gaming rig with Intel i5 11400F, Nvidia RTX 2060, cooler master V650, SFX PSU, 2x8 GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM.
Internet Connectivity Issues: PC frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi despite working properly. Online gaming or downloading causes disconnections, while browsing YouTube, making calls on Discord, etc., remains stable. This began around May 11, about a week after setup.
Recommendation Note: Using a LAN cable isn't an option for you.
Ensure the latest Intel Wi-Fi driver is installed, currently version 22.130.0.5. Previous versions sometimes struggle with connection drops. Weak signals can cause drops during heavy usage, which is typical for Wi-Fi. If the update doesn’t resolve this, consider evaluating your actual signal strength.
The current driver provides a solid foundation. Full bars indicate minimal signal strength rather than connection quality. Launch the Windows Settings application. Navigate to Network & Internet, then select Properties for your Wi-Fi network. Verify the link speed and ensure it matches closely with your router settings. For 5GHz networks, the theoretical maximum is around 866Mbit. I’m not certain about AX specifications, but this should guide your bar readings. Remember, these bars don’t reflect true signal quality; they merely show transmission power. If the transmit power is low compared to receive power, it can mislead you and mask problems. Since your router emits more strength than your device, a weak transmit signal may appear strong on the display even with high bars. Next, perform basic ping tests using PowerShell or Command Prompt. Enter `ipconfig` and note the Default Gateway IP address. A common home network default is 192.168.0.1, though this may vary. You’ll also see IPv6 addresses starting with fe80. Use `ping -t <default gateway ip>`. Replace the placeholder with your actual IP. This command continuously tests connectivity and will run for several minutes. Observe packet statistics—aim for thousands of packets with minimal loss. After sufficient time, end the test by pressing Ctrl+C. The results should show low packet loss (ideally under 1%) and acceptable latency. If you’d like, share your findings and I’ll review them. I’m not always present here, so good luck!