Laptop Wifi Issue

newatc

My Windows 11 laptop intermittently losing the internal wifi (the wifi adapter doesn't show under Device Manager when this happens. Probably happens 3 or 4 times a week and I need to restart the laptop (sometimes more than once) to fix.

There are times when this is extemely inconvenient . I have checked that I have the latest driver. So my plan is to purchase a USB wifi adapter but my question is if I do this will it co-exist with the internal wifi or will I need to disable the internal wifi.

Any answers/comments appreciated.

victor2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6685410/laptop-wifi-issue

Is there a switch on the laptop for the WiFi? If so, could that be where the problem lies? Possibly not if the Device Manager doesn't even show it.

I'd disable that WiFi (when it is showing) before trying to use an alternative.

Neil_Jones

Like most things in Windows you can have as many peripherals as you like of most types and that includes wireless cards.

You'll probably only be able to use one wifi connection at a time though.

newatc

Victor - There is no switch, there is a function key but there is no way I would accidentally do that so many times.

Seems, if I read Neil correctly, I can install the USB Wifi along side the internal one though perhaps have only one enabled at the same time .