Network Adaptor - WiFi keeps dropping out

Question

Network Adaptor - WiFi keeps dropping out - power management tab not available

Answer 1

On some systems the Power Management tab for the Wi‑Fi adapter is intentionally not available, so the usual “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” setting cannot be changed.

On Always‑On/Always‑Connected (AOAC) platforms, Windows manages the wireless adapter’s power state automatically to support Connected Standby. In this design, the Power Management tab is removed from the wireless adapter properties, so it is normal that the tab cannot be found and the checkbox cannot be changed manually.

For Wi‑Fi connections that keep dropping on Windows 11 when the Power Management tab is not available, use the following alternatives:

1. Adjust power settings via Power Options
   1. Open Control Panel.
   2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
   3. Next to the active power plan, select Change plan settings.
   4. Select Change advanced power settings.
   5. Expand Wireless Adapter Settings.
   6. Set Power Saving Mode to Maximum Performance for both On battery and Plugged in (if available).
2. General Wi‑Fi drop troubleshooting If the connection still drops frequently:
   • Ensure the device is close to the router and minimize obstructions.
   • Disable or close background apps that may heavily use the network (Task Manager → end high‑bandwidth processes).
   • Test with another device on the same Wi‑Fi to rule out router issues.
   • Make sure the Wi‑Fi adapter is enabled in Device Manager and that the latest driver is installed via Windows Update and/or the device manufacturer.

If the device is an AOAC platform, the missing Power Management tab is by design and cannot be restored; use the power plan settings instead to reduce Wi‑Fi power saving and improve stability.

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References:

• Power Management tab is not visible for some Wireless Network adapters with AOAC platforms in Windows 8
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows