If your WiFi connection is patchy and keeps disconnecting from your computer, it can be a real pain to access the internet. There are a lot of reasons why your WiFi might disconnect randomly, and it could be an issue with your computer, your router, or both. In this article, we’ll walk you through some common reasons why your WiFi connection might be spotty and what you can do to fix them.

1

There are objects between your computer and the router.

4

Your computer software is not up to date.

  1. A pending software update could be disrupting your WiFi connection. Head into your settings and type “software” into the search bar, then check to see if you have any updates available.[6] If you do, try installing them and then restarting your computer. If that was the issue, your WiFi should stop randomly disconnecting once the updates are installed.[7]
6

Your power management settings are turning off the WiFi.

9

You need to use a static IP address.

  1. Some computers don’t like interacting with multiple IP addresses.[14] By default, your router will assign your device a new IP address every time it interacts with it. To create a static one, log into your router on your computer and tell it to give you the same IP address every time. Every router is different, so you need to consult your user manual to find out how to access your specific device.[15]
    • You can assign an IP address to your device for your router to use. Most routers will give you the first 3 digits, but the rest are up to you.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    Why does my WiFi adapter keep losing connection?
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    There could be some software running in the background. Also, sometimes malware can interfere with your connection, blocking and stopping it.
  • Question
    Why does my WiFi router keep disconnecting?
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Your router could be in the middle of a firmware update when something happened and stopped it. This is rather common, since routers usually run 24/7. Try unplugging it for 30 seconds. After you plug it back in, let it boot up for about five minutes
  • Question
    How long do routers last?
    Luigi Oppido
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
    Luigi Oppido
    Computer & Tech Specialist
    Expert Answer
    If your router is over three years old and is giving you trouble from time to time, it might be time to get another one.
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References

  1. https://helpdeskgeek.com/help-desk/wifi-keeps-disconnecting-how-to-fix-it/
  2. Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
  3. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202222
  4. Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
  5. https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6250834?hl=en#zippy=%2Cstep-restart-your-modem-router-and-points
  6. Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
  7. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202222
  8. Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.
  9. Luigi Oppido. Computer & Tech Specialist. Expert Interview. 30 September 2021.

About This Article

Luigi Oppido
Co-authored by:
Computer & Tech Specialist
This article was co-authored by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been viewed 11,438 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: October 6, 2021
Views: 11,438
Categories: Internet Access
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