Title: Troubleshooting Unreliable Wi-Fi Connectivity on Your PC: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you experiencing inconsistent Wi-Fi connectivity issues on your Windows PC, where your device randomly disconnects or cannot access the internet despite other devices functioning normally? You’re not alone, and fortunately, there are several effective troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve these problems. This article outlines common causes and solutions for Wi-Fi connection issues, including error messages like “Can’t reach DNS server” and “No internet, secured.”
Understanding the Issue
Many users face intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity that manifests as:
- Inability to connect to Wi-Fi at startup or after periods of disconnection.
- Recurring error messages such as “Can’t reach DNS server” or “No internet, secured.”
- Fluctuating connection stability, with some moments working flawlessly and others failing to connect.
It’s important to note that if other devices like smartphones or tablets connect without issues, the problem likely resides with the PC, not the network itself.
Common Causes
- Corrupted network configuration or DNS cache.
- Outdated or faulty network adapter drivers.
- Power management settings turning off network adapters to save energy.
- Hardware issues like a faulty Wi-Fi antenna.
- Software conflicts or misconfigurations.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
- Verify Your Internet Connection
Before diving into PC-specific fixes, confirm your internet service is active and other devices connect properly. Since your phone and other devices are working fine, the problem is isolated to your PC.
- Reset Network Settings
Resetting network settings can resolve many conflicts:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Execute the following commands one by one:
bash
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
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After running these, restart your PC.
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Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause connectivity issues:
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate your network adapters under “Network Adapters.”
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update driver.”
- Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
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If no updates are found, visit your PC or adapter manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver files and install manually.
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Disable Power Saving Features
Power management settings may disable your Wi-Fi adapter:
- In Device Manager, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, select “Properties.”
- Navigate to the “Power Management” tab.
- Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn
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