why does WIFI disconnect once Surface Laptop 4 goes into sleep mode

Question

I have a Surface Laptop 4 with Window 11. I am facing challenge with WIFI which get disconnected after the laptop get to sleep mode.

On troubleshooting, it suggests that Internet is not available and requires laptop to restart. The gets resolved with every restart.

During Troubleshooting even identified that the "Power Management" option is not available on Network Adapter Properties. This was identified when performing a suggested solution that required to uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".

To get the Power Management Option, have created CsEnabled Reg Entry with Default 0, but it did work as suggested. Still don't have Power Management Option on Network Adapter properties dialogue box.

The other option of "Setting">"System">"Power & Sleep Option" is also missing.

My machine has "Setting"<"System">""Power & Battery", which does not provide the next steps as suggested in below solution

Solution:

1. Open the Windows 11 Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
2. Click on the System option.
3. Click on the Power & sleep option.
4. Under the "Related settings" section, click on the Additional power settings option.
5. Click on the Change plan settings option next to the power plan you are currently using.
6. Click on the Change advanced power settings option.
7. In the Power Options dialog box, scroll down to the "Wireless Adapter Settings" option and expand it.
8. Expand the "Power Saving Mode" option and change the settings for "On battery" and "Plugged in" to "Maximum Performance".
9. Click on the Apply button and then click on the OK button to save the changes.

Answer 1

Hello Syed,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

I am aware that you’re having trouble with your Surface Laptop 4’s Wi-Fi connection which disconnects once your laptop goes into sleep mode. I am here to help and let us both isolate this problem.

It seems that the solution you have shared is available when accessing the power settings via Control panel. Will you try accessing the advance power options settings in Control panel and see if the options are available. Open Control **** Panel > Click on Hardware and Sound > Click on Power Options.

If that gives you the same results. You may also try these steps below:

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by pressing Windows key + R then type gpedit.msc and click OK.
2. On the left side panel, navigate to this location:

Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System/Power Management/Sleep Settings

3.Select the Sleep Settings folder

4. On the right panel, double-click Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (plugged in)
5. Set it to Enable then click Apply and close the pop-up window

Double-click Allow network connectivity during connected-standby (on battery) and do the same steps.

6. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window then restart the Surface to apply the changes.

After the restart, check and see if the steps help.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, kindly give answers to the following questions so we can further isolate your issue and formulate appropriate troubleshooting steps.

• May I know what build version of Windows your device is currently running?
• When did this issue started to be happening?
• Were there any changes made or updates installed prior to this issue happening?

I hope the provided solution works for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Lavenia

Answer 2

Thanks for the quick response.

Please find the updates based on the suggestions provided.

Suggestion 1: Control **** Panel > Click on Hardware and Sound > Click on Power Options.

Output: The configuration options available are depicted in below snapshot. I have changed the "Put the computer to sleep" to Never for "Plugged In" Mode.

Not sure if provides the same result if I uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" on Network Adapter properties. Please let me know if I can find the suggested option on any other configuration page.

Suggestion 2: Open the Local Group Policy Editor by pressing Windows key + R then type gpedit.msc and click OK.

Output: gpedit.msc is throwing error.

Additional Questions:

1. Build version of windows :

2. Issue Start Date: around Oct / Nove 2023.
3. Any change/updates that happened before the issue started: Not sure about the exact event, but I do update windows updates when I see an update and secondly, I do have Antivirus (McFee) installed.

Note: Secure VPN was on till yesterday. I have changed to "Off" while exploring options to fix the issue. Today, the Wi-Fi got connected after it was in sleep mode for hours. I had made multiple changes yesterday, not sure which one made the difference. I will observe the wifi disconnect scenario for another 1 or 2 days and then start reverting everything I did one by one to isolate the true problem statement.

It will be great if you can share your views based on your experience for me to identify the true issue faster.

McFee Snapshot for reference.

Thanks again for the quick response.

Answer 3

It’s great to hear that your Wi-Fi connection is working now. Based on the information you provided, it seems that the issue was caused by the VPN software. It’s possible that the VPN software was interfering with the network connection when the computer went into sleep mode. Additionally, the VPN software may not be compatible with your device’s operating system or network drivers, causing network disconnections.

It’s a good idea to observe the Wi-Fi disconnect scenario for another day or two to see if the issue persists.

Answer 4

Hello Syed,

We haven't heard from you, so we assume that your issue has already been addressed. We will not be monitoring this thread moving forward so, if you need further assistance, please create a new thread to discuss these concerns by clicking this link: Create a new question (microsoft.com).

Thank you for understanding. 

Kind regards,

Lavenia