Why Does My WiFi Keep Disconnecting?

You're in the middle of an important video call, and suddenly your WiFi drops. Or you're streaming a show and it keeps buffering because your connection cuts out every few minutes. WiFi that keeps disconnecting is one of the most frustrating tech problems—especially when you're not sure if it's your computer, your router, or your internet provider.

In this guide, we'll help you figure out why your WiFi keeps dropping and show you how to fix it.

Common WiFi Disconnection Symptoms

• Connection drops every few minutes, then reconnects
• WiFi shows as connected but "No internet access"
• Connection gets slower and slower, then disconnects
• Other devices stay connected while your computer drops
• WiFi disconnects when you move to a different room

What Causes WiFi to Keep Disconnecting?

1. Router Issues

What's happening: Your router might be overheating, outdated, or just needs a reset. Routers that run 24/7 can develop glitches that cause dropped connections.

Signs it's the router:

• All devices lose WiFi at the same time
• Router feels hot to the touch
• Lights on the router are blinking abnormally
• Router is more than 5 years old

2. WiFi Driver Problems

What's happening: The WiFi driver (software that lets Windows communicate with your WiFi adapter) might be outdated or corrupted.

Signs it's a driver issue:

• Only your computer loses WiFi (other devices stay connected)
• Problem started after a Windows update
• Device Manager shows a yellow exclamation mark next to WiFi adapter

3. WiFi Interference

What's happening: Other electronic devices (microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors) can interfere with your WiFi signal, especially on the 2.4 GHz band.

Signs of interference:

• Disconnections happen at specific times (when microwave runs, for example)
• 5 GHz WiFi works better than 2.4 GHz
• Disconnections worsen when certain devices are on

4. Distance from Router or Physical Obstructions

What's happening: You're too far from the router, or there are walls, floors, or other obstacles blocking the signal.

Signs:

• WiFi works fine in some rooms but not others
• Signal strength shows as "weak"
• Disconnections increase the further you are from the router

5. ISP (Internet Service Provider) Issues

What's happening: Sometimes the problem isn't your WiFi at all—it's your internet connection from your ISP having issues.

Signs:

• Both WiFi and wired connections have problems
• Modem lights show connection errors
• ISP website shows outages in your area

6. Too Many Connected Devices

What's happening: Your router can only handle a certain number of devices. When too many devices are connected, the router struggles and drops connections.

Signs:

• You have 20+ devices connected to WiFi
• Disconnections happen when everyone is home using devices
• Adding a new device causes existing connections to drop

How to Fix WiFi That Keeps Disconnecting

Fix 1: Restart Your Router and Computer

This fixes a surprising number of WiFi issues:

1. Unplug your router and modem from power
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully start (2-3 minutes)
4. Plug the router back in, wait for it to fully start
5. Restart your computer
6. Test your WiFi connection

Fix 2: Update WiFi Drivers

Outdated drivers are a common cause of disconnections:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select Update driver
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers
5. Restart your computer after updating

Fix 3: Forget and Reconnect to WiFi Network

This resets your WiFi connection settings:

1. Click the WiFi icon in your taskbar
2. Click Network & Internet settings
3. Click WiFi > Manage known networks
4. Select your WiFi network and click Forget
5. Reconnect by selecting the network and entering the password

Fix 4: Change WiFi Channel (Router Settings)

WiFi channels can get crowded. Switching to a less congested channel can help:

1. Open a web browser and type your router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1)
2. Log in (check router label for default password)
3. Find Wireless settings or WiFi settings
4. Change the channel (try channels 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz)
5. For 5 GHz, try channels 36, 40, 44, or 48
6. Save settings and test

Fix 5: Switch Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

If your router supports both bands:

• 2.4 GHz has better range but more interference
• 5 GHz has shorter range but faster, more stable connection

Try switching to see which works better for your situation.

Fix 6: Disable Power Saving for WiFi Adapter

Windows might be turning off your WiFi adapter to save power:

1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X)
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties
4. Go to the Power Management tab
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
6. Click OK

Fix 7: Position Your Router Better

Router placement matters:

• Central location in your home
• Elevated (on a shelf, not on the floor)
• Away from walls and metal objects
• Not near other electronics (especially microwaves and cordless phones)

For Businesses: WiFi Problems Cost Money

If you run a small business in Clearwater, WiFi disconnections aren't just annoying—they cost you money. Every time your connection drops:

• Employees can't work productively
• Customer payments can't process
• Video calls with clients get interrupted
• Cloud-based software becomes unusable

Reliable WiFi is essential for business operations. If you're experiencing frequent disconnections, it's worth having a professional assess your network setup.

When to Call a Professional

Call for expert help if:

• WiFi keeps dropping after trying all these fixes
• You need WiFi coverage in a large home or office
• You're considering upgrading your router but not sure what to get
• Your business depends on reliable WiFi and you can't afford downtime
• You want a professional network assessment

If you're in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, or Dunedin, Geeks in Sneaks can help. We'll come to your location, diagnose the WiFi problem, and fix it on-site. For businesses, we can also assess your network setup and recommend improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I restart my router?

Once a month is good for maintenance. If you're experiencing problems, restart it more frequently. Some people restart their router weekly to keep it running smoothly.

Is the problem my computer or my WiFi?

Easy test: Do other devices stay connected when your computer drops WiFi? If yes, it's your computer (likely a driver issue). If all devices disconnect, it's your router or ISP.

Should I buy a new router?

If your router is more than 5 years old and you're having persistent connection issues, upgrading to a newer model can make a big difference. Newer routers handle more devices and have better range.

How much does WiFi troubleshooting cost?

At Geeks in Sneaks, our rate is $75 per hour (standard) or $125 per hour (after 6 PM or weekends). Most WiFi issues can be diagnosed and fixed within 1-2 hours. We serve Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin.

Can you help with business WiFi setup?

Yes. We provide WiFi troubleshooting and network setup for small businesses. We can assess your current setup, recommend improvements, and ensure your business has reliable connectivity.

Get Your WiFi Working Reliably

WiFi that keeps disconnecting disrupts everything—work, entertainment, video calls, and more. Try the fixes in this guide, starting with restarting your router and updating drivers. Those two steps solve many disconnection issues.

If you've tried troubleshooting and your WiFi still isn't stable, or if you run a business that can't afford unreliable connectivity, professional help can save you time and frustration.

Call Geeks in Sneaks at 727-230-8000 for on-site WiFi troubleshooting in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, or Dunedin.

Standard Rate: $75/hour After-Hours Rate: $125/hour (after 6 PM or weekends) Available: 24 hours

We serve both residential and business customers. Whether you need help with home WiFi or a complete business network assessment, we're here to help.