WIndows 10 Internet connection constantly comes and goes

[jo86]

Hey guys. I've got this desktop upstairs, so it's not the closest to where the router is, but it does show decent signal. I believe it's got like 4/5 bars. However, it constantly disconnects from the internet. The wifi icon bottom right turns into a globe.

I tried:
- uninstalling the drivers and restarting the PC, I tried updating the drivers...
- I even bought a Wifi repeater, but it didn't help
- I bought a USB connected Wifi antenna thingy, worked a bit then stopped working.

Couldn't find an answer online. I reckon it might be the computer's Wifi hardware that's gone to crap, but I can't be sure.
Please help for, well, I'm too dumb to help myself.

 

[johnb35]

Would need to know what wireless device you are using. Go into device manager and expand the network adapters sections and tell me what is listed there.

I reckon it might be the computer's Wifi hardware

The only wifi hardware is the actual wifi adapter.

You may have some electrical interference from some household appliance that may be causing the problem. Do you know if there are a lot of wireless networks near you? If so, they may all be using the same channel and you need to change the channel you are using.

 

[jo86]

Would need to know what wireless device you are using. Go into device manager and expand the network adapters sections and tell me what is listed there.

The only wifi hardware is the actual wifi adapter.

You may have some electrical interference from some household appliance that may be causing the problem. Do you know if there are a lot of wireless networks near you? If so, they may all be using the same channel and you need to change the channel you are using.

hi thx for the reply and sorry for the delay.
Here's what I got (attachment).

I wouldn't say there are that many wireless networks, no. Like, all my other devices downstairs have no connection issues. It's just the desktop upstairs and it's a real bother. Too much time is lost daily waiting for a page to load, reload, then find out 5 sec later the connection's gone for no reason.

 

[johnb35]

If you bought a usb wireless adapter and it was having the same issue as the integrated wireless then it has to be something in the house causing interference. Has it ever worked ok?

 

[jo86]

If you bought a usb wireless adapter and it was having the same issue as the integrated wireless then it has to be something in the house causing interference. Has it ever worked ok?

Yeah. It worked well on the first router from the first internet provider I had years ago. I've got fiber optic now though...
It seems like the desktop wifi-detecting hardware broke or sth, like its functioning degraded overtime... or never was strong to begin with, even if that doesn't seem to make sense. What could be causing an interference - too many devices connected to the router at the same time ? All the other devices (and there's a bunch) work fine though and never suffer from random disconnection.

I mean like is there a way to just boost the signal capturing within the PC itself, boost its native wifi capability ? I don't know, replace the wifi hardware, or add a physical component that would stabilize the connection ? That USB wifi adapter seemed like a gadget anyways and worked just a bit for a while then nothing.

 

[johnb35]

What could be causing an interference

Any new electronic devices near the computer? Are you able to connect wirelessly with another device near the pc that is having the problems? If so, then its definitely limited to the pc whether it be adapter, driver or Windows corruption.

 

[jo86]

Any new electronic devices near the computer? Are you able to connect wirelessly with another device near the pc that is having the problems? If so, then its definitely limited to the pc whether it be adapter, driver or Windows corruption.

It doesn't seem to be a problem on other devices in that same room.

Out of the last three options you suggest, it can't be the drivers as I've updated/uninstalled/reinstalled/restarted Windows a bunch of times. Windows corruption. Do you mean like an OS update may've messed up the wifi stability - but wouldn't that just be the drivers again ? I'm guessing (again) the native wifi adapter. Is that replaceable ?

 

[johnb35]

You have to remember that there are services running that control network connectivity, not just the actual wireless driver. As I said, if you have tried a different wireless adapter and having the same issue with it and no other devices are having issues staying connected near this pc then its most likely something with the pc, i'm assuming a corrupt windows at this point.

Is that replaceable ?

It all depends on if the wireless adapter in integrated into the motherboard or not. Can you tell me what model of pc you have?

It's been 7 days since you first posted. If it was me, I would have just reinstalled windows at this point and you most likely would be up and running as usual within a few hours.

 

[jo86]

You have to remember that there are services running that control network connectivity, not just the actual wireless driver. As I said, if you have tried a different wireless adapter and having the same issue with it and no other devices are having issues staying connected near this pc then its most likely something with the pc, i'm assuming a corrupt windows at this point.


It all depends on if the wireless adapter in integrated into the motherboard or not. Can you tell me what model of pc you have?

It's been 7 days since you first posted. If it was me, I would have just reinstalled windows at this point and you most likely would be up and running as usual within a few hours.

wow, you're a miracle worker man. I unplugged the headphone set, just in case, along with the speakers and it actually worked. The wifi connection was smooth all day for the first time in I don't how long. I'll now have to determine whether it was the headphones, or the speakers, but that did it in any case. Thanks a lot for the help. I'm guessing perhaps some sort of wave caused by the headphones ?...they do have a wire, but...

 

[johnb35]

Glad you figured out that there was some interference going on.