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Can't connect to WiFi unless I move 10 feet towards the router, then stays connected.

Anonymous
2023-07-09T22:49:15+00:00

We moved our office space and now I've had this problem where if I turn my computer off or in sleep mode it will not connect to the WiFi unless I walk about 10 feet closer to the router, then it connects AND stays connected back at my desk, just fine.

My husband has the same laptop (different motherboard) and is literally 3 feet away from me and his doesn't have this issue.

I don't understand why it won't connect to the WiFi at my desk, but it will connect if I walk towards it and stays connected when I return to my desk, until my laptop goes into sleep mode or turns off.

I've tried all kinds of fixes, drivers are up to date, I switched the network from public to private, I've unchecked the Allow computer to turn off this device to save power box under the WiFi power management settings...I have Windows 11 now, did the free upgrade from Win 10 hoping that would fix something but it has not.

If I try to connect to WiFi it tries for about a minute then gives me a message "Some information changed since the last time you connected. We need additional information to complete the connection." I input the CORRECT password and then it says "Can't connect to this network"

I tried a wifi extender but that only worked for about a month, now the extender is slow AF giving me less than 1mbps, so that's useless now. I don't have any issues with my cell phone or my PS4 that is downstairs from the modem, only my laptop, Any ideas???

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity

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  1. franco d'esaro 25,076 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-07-11T09:04:43+00:00

    Your laptop may have a hardware(antenna) problem, please try to replace the WiFi adapter or antenna, or buy an external USB WiFi adapter.

    In any case, go to your laptop manufacturer's website>Support and Drivers Area and make sure you are running the latest WiFi driver available for your wireless adapter model. Also check for Chipset and BIOS updates.

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  2. franco d'esaro 25,076 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-07-10T19:27:14+00:00

    Try changing the Power Saving Mode options for your wireless adapter to Maximum Performance:

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/82794-change-power-saving-mode-wireless-adapters-windows-10-a.html

    Note: The guide refers to Windows 10 but the procedure is also valid for Windows 11.

    If that doesn't work, try reinstalling the WiFi driver by following the instructions in this guide:

    https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000022173/wireless.html

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-07-10T17:47:06+00:00

    I have a Omen HP Laptop model 2XP17AV, Processor - Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-8750H CPU @ 2.20GHz 2.21 GHz Wireless Card - Intel(R) Wireless-AC 9560 160MHz Driver Version 21.110.1.1

    The modem is in the other bedroom but on the same floor as my laptop, not the same room. I cannot move the modem closer due to only having one DSL connection in the home. Thinking of trying a cheap router from the thrift to see if I can connect mine closer.

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  4. franco d'esaro 25,076 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-07-10T08:48:18+00:00

    Hi Melissa O1,

    specify the make and model of your computer and the exact model of your wireless network card.

    That the model of your husband's laptop works does not mean anything, certainly the hardware, drivers and software installed are different from the hardware drivers and software that are installed on your computer.

    Did you move your router when you moved your office? Are the router and laptop in the same room and on the same floor of the house, or are they on different floors respectively?

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-07-10T05:58:57+00:00

    Hi Melissa,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

    It sounds like you're experiencing a specific issue with your laptop's connection to the WiFi network in your new office space.

    There are many possible causes for this issue, such as corrupt WiFi drivers, hardware issues, or problems with the Windows OS. Here are some things you can try to fix it:

    • Run the Network troubleshooter. The Network troubleshooter can help diagnose and fix common connection problems. To run the Network troubleshooter, select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Under Other, select Network Adapter > Run. Follow the steps in the troubleshooter and see if that fixes the problem.
    • Restart your modem and wireless router. This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider (ISP).

    - Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer WiFi routers broadcast at two different network frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These will appear as separate networks in the list of available WiFi networks. If your list of available WiFi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network.

    • Reset network settings: Resetting your network settings can often resolve connectivity issues. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following commands one by one:
      • ipconfig /release
      • ipconfig /renew
      • netsh winsock reset
      After executing these commands, restart your laptop and try connecting to the WiFi network again.
    • Adjust power settings: Since your laptop successfully connects when you move closer to the router, it could be related to power settings. Go to your laptop's power management settings and make sure the "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" option is unchecked for your WiFi adapter.
    • If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files.  Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support
    • Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. If a problem doesn't happen in safe mode, this means that default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue. Observing Windows in safe mode enables you to narrow down the source of a problem, and can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support
    • Contact your IT department or network administrator: If you're in an office environment, it might be helpful to reach out to your IT department or network administrator.

    I hope this helps you resolve your WiFi issue. Have a nice day! If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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