wifi keeps dropping off and requires powering down the modem and router.

Hi! Let me help you.

May I know if the WIFI drops on all your devices?

Follow these steps on the Windows 11 PC and on the modem/router to reduce Wi‑Fi dropouts so that constant power-cycling is not required.

1. Forget and reconnect to the Wi‑Fi network
   1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi.
   2. Select Manage known networks.
   3. Select the current Wi‑Fi network and choose Forget.
   4. Click the Wi‑Fi icon on the taskbar, select the same network, and reconnect by entering the password.
2. Restart modem and router correctly Frequent drops can be caused by the ISP or router. When a restart is needed, use the full power-cycle sequence so the connection is re-established cleanly:
   1. Unplug the router’s power cable from the power source.
   2. Unplug the modem’s power cable. If modem lights stay on, remove its backup battery.
   3. Wait at least 30 seconds.
   4. If a battery was removed, put it back. Plug the modem back into power and wait until its lights stop blinking.
   5. Plug the router back into power and wait a few minutes until its status lights show it is fully online.
   6. On the PC, reconnect to Wi‑Fi and test.
3. Check signal strength and interference
   1. Move the PC closer to the router and remove obvious obstructions (thick walls, metal cabinets, etc.).
   2. If the router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try the other band:
      • In Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi, connect to the alternative SSID (for example, the one ending in “5G” or without it, depending on current use).
4. Reduce load and test with another device
   1. On the PC, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
   2. On the Processes tab, end apps using very high network bandwidth (browsers with many tabs, large downloads, cloud sync, etc.).
   3. Connect another device (phone, tablet, or another PC) to the same Wi‑Fi. If that device also drops or is very slow, the issue is likely with the router or ISP rather than Windows.
5. Check for very slow or unstable connection symptoms If the connection is technically “connected” but behaves as if it is dropping (pages time out, video buffers constantly):
   1. Ensure strong signal as above.
   2. Test router performance by connecting another device. If all devices are affected, contact the ISP or consider router maintenance/replacement.
6. Update or reinstall the Wi‑Fi adapter driver (if drops are only on this PC)
   1. Go to the PC or Wi‑Fi adapter manufacturer’s support page from a working device and download the latest Wi‑Fi driver.
   2. Copy it to the affected PC if needed.
   3. On the affected PC, open Device Manager (search for device manager from Start).
   4. Expand Network adapters, right‑click the Wi‑Fi adapter, and select Uninstall device.
   5. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
   6. Restart the PC (Start > Power > Restart). Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.
   7. If Windows does not install it, run the driver installer downloaded earlier.

If Wi‑Fi still drops frequently on multiple devices after these steps and only recovers when the modem/router is power‑cycled, the root cause is likely the router or ISP line. In that case, contact the ISP and report frequent disconnections requiring modem/router reboot.

References:

• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows