For about two years, my Windows 11 PC has failed to boot normally roughly 90% of the time. It often takes up to an hour of troubleshooting before it finally starts, and I still haven't found a lasting solution. I've tried the usual software fixes, updated all drivers, checked the hardware, and even completely reset the PC and erased all data, but the problem continues.
The PC also has serious Wi‑Fi problems. My connection is rated at 500 Mbps, but Windows frequently disconnects or appears to limit download speeds. A phone gets a stable connection from the same location, so the router and signal seem fine. The drivers are up to date, and the hardware appears to be working normally.
The Wi‑Fi improved somewhat after I enabled automatic date and time, but it still disconnects for about four or five seconds roughly once every minute. What should I check next, and what information would help diagnose the boot failures?
1 Answer
The Wi‑Fi adapter may be failing even if the rest of the hardware tests look healthy. If this is a desktop, try a cheap USB or PCIe Wi‑Fi adapter and disable the built-in adapter in UEFI/BIOS if possible. If the replacement is stable, that points strongly to a hardware or antenna problem rather than Windows or the drivers.
The boot issue needs to be diagnosed separately. Details about exactly what appears on screen would help: does it hang on the manufacturer logo, show a blank screen, enter automatic repair, display an error code, or eventually boot after several forced restarts? Also describe what steps currently get it running again. The incorrect system clock could have contributed to connection authentication or certificate problems, so make sure automatic time, time zone, and synchronization are all enabled.
Setting the date and time to automatic did improve the connection, but it still drops for around four or five seconds every minute. I’ll check the time zone and synchronization settings as well.
This is the first suggestion I’ve received that feels genuinely different from the usual driver and reinstall advice. I’ll try a separate Wi‑Fi adapter and collect photos of the boot screens, since taking screenshots isn’t possible when the computer won’t start properly.