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 .

Lorian

Is it failing to restart after the laptop goes to sleep?

kassy64

Have you tried uninstalling the wireless card in device manager and rebooting?

Frozen_up_north

As a guess, the WiFi adapter is going to sleep. The same can happen with USB ports, they can turn off to save your battery power.

Is this an issue when running on battery, or both mains and battery? Check your "sleep" and power management settings.

newatc

Thanks for ideas to check. It is on mains a lot so don't think it is a battery only but will keep an eye on it.

Again don't think it is a sleep problem as usually I'm working on internet when it goes.

Cisco001

You can disable the internal wifi at Network and Internet settings.

newatc

Still experiencing intermittent issues and all various settings/situations having been checked, I have ordered USB Wifi adapter.

mta999

When it fails, rather than rebooting the laptop could you go to device manager and disable the Wi-Fi adapter and then re-enable it again and see if that fixes the problem

Also when the Wi-Fi fails do you still see the Wi-Fi adapter in device manager but it just isn't working or does the Wi-Fi adapter completely disappear from device manager or have a yellow triangle?