Your Wi-Fi works perfectly on every other device but keeps disconnecting on your Windows PC. We'll help you fix this frustrating single-computer network problem.

Why Does Wi-Fi Disconnect on Only One PC?

You've checked every other device in your home - your phone, tablet, even your smart TV - and they're all connected to Wi-Fi just fine. But your Windows PC keeps dropping the connection every few minutes, forcing you to reconnect or restart.

This is one of the most frustrating network issues because it clearly points to a problem with your specific computer rather than your router. The good news is that this pattern makes it easier to diagnose and fix.

Quick Fix: Update Your Network Adapter Driver

The most common cause of single-PC Wi-Fi disconnections is an outdated or corrupted network adapter driver. Here's how to update it:

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager
Expand the "Network adapters" section
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter (usually contains "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" in the name)
Select "Update driver"
Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
Restart your computer after the update completes

If Windows says you already have the best driver installed, visit your laptop manufacturer's website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) and download the latest Wi-Fi driver directly. They often have newer versions than Windows Update.

🔧Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions

Solution 1: Disable Power Management for Wi-Fi Adapter

Windows may be turning off your Wi-Fi adapter to save power, causing disconnections:

Open Device Manager (right-click Start, select Device Manager)
Expand "Network adapters"
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select "Properties"
Click the "Power Management" tab
Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"
Click OK and restart your computer

Solution 2: Reset Your Network Stack

Corrupted network settings can cause persistent disconnection issues:

Click Start and type "cmd"
Right-click "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator"
Type these commands, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your computer

Solution 3: Change Your Network Profile

Sometimes Windows treats your home network as "Public," which can cause connection stability issues:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
Click on your connected network name
Under "Network profile type," select "Private"
Close Settings and test your connection

Solution 4: Adjust Wi-Fi Adapter Settings

Advanced adapter settings can affect connection stability:

Open Device Manager and expand "Network adapters"
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select "Properties"
Click the "Advanced" tab
Look for these settings and adjust them:
- Wireless Mode: Change to "802.11ac" or "802.11ax" (avoid auto)
- Channel Width: Try "Auto" or "20 MHz"
- Roaming Aggressiveness: Set to "Medium" or "Low"
Click OK and test your connection

Solution 5: Forget and Reconnect to Network

A fresh connection can resolve authentication or configuration issues:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
Click "Manage known networks"
Select your network and click "Forget"
Click the Wi-Fi icon in your taskbar
Select your network and enter the password again

If That Didn't Work

If you're still experiencing disconnections after trying these solutions, consider these additional possibilities:

Check for Windows Updates: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates, especially optional driver updates
Disable Third-Party Security Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall to see if it's interfering with your connection
Test with a USB Wi-Fi Adapter: If a USB Wi-Fi dongle works fine, your built-in adapter may have a hardware fault
Check Router Settings: Some routers have device limits or MAC filtering that might affect your PC

📞When to Call a Professional

If you've tried all these solutions and your Wi-Fi still disconnects constantly, it might be time to get professional help. Here's when to call in the experts:

Your Wi-Fi adapter isn't showing up in Device Manager at all
You see error messages about hardware malfunctions
A USB Wi-Fi adapter also experiences the same disconnection issues
You're not comfortable running command-line tools or editing system settings

These symptoms might indicate a deeper hardware issue, motherboard problem, or complex software conflict that requires professional diagnosis.

Need Expert Help?

Our technicians have seen every Wi-Fi problem imaginable and can diagnose your issue in minutes. We'll come to you, fix it right, and make sure it stays fixed.

We serve the greater Louisville area with same-day appointments available.

How to Fix Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting on This PC Only