WiFi disconnects only when gaming (Code 45) – any fixes left to try?

Understanding and Resolving WiFi Disconnection Issues During Gaming on Windows Devices

Experiencing WiFi disconnects exclusively while gaming can be a frustrating issue, especially when other online activities like browsing or streaming function seamlessly. If you’ve encountered a similar problem, such as your network disconnecting after a few minutes of gaming with Devise Manager showing a Code 45 error, this guide aims to help you identify potential causes and explore effective solutions.

Overview of the Issue

Many users report that their WiFi connection remains stable during general usage but drops intermittently or altogether when engaging in gaming sessions. The specific symptom involves the WiFi network disconnecting after approximately three minutes of gameplay, with Windows Device Manager displaying a “Code 45” status, indicating the device is not connected or improperly recognized.

Common Troubleshooting Steps Already Tried

Before seeking advanced solutions, consider whether you’ve already attempted some typical fixes:

• Reinstalling network drivers: Both Intel and Qualcomm Atheros drivers have been reinstalled with no success.
• Updating Windows OS: Performing a complete Windows reinstallation.
• Updating BIOS firmware: Ensuring the system firmware is current.
• Power management adjustments: Unchecking “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
• Optimizing power modes: Setting the device to “Best Performance.”
• Testing storage devices: Running games from an internal SSD instead of an external HDD, which did not resolve the issue.

Possible Causes and Additional Suggestions

Given these troubleshooting steps, the problem may stem from hardware-related issues, such as a faulty WiFi card. However, before considering hardware replacement, you can try the following additional steps:

1. Reset Network Settings
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:
   bash
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

3. Restart your laptop and test the gaming connection again.

4. Check for Interference and Signal Stability

5. Ensure your WiFi signal strength is strong and stable.
6. Change your WiFi channel to reduce interference.

7. Use a 5 GHz network if available for less congestion.

8. Disable Power Saving for WiFi Adapter via Registry

9. Sometimes, even if unchecked in Device Manager, power saving settings can still interfere.

10. Use the Registry Editor to set the power management policy to maximum performance.

11. **Update or