I'm using Windows 11 on an ROG Strix G512LW laptop. For the past couple of weeks, the Wi‑Fi has started disconnecting intermittently. When it happens, the option to view available networks disappears completely, and the Intel(R) Wi‑Fi 6 AX201 160MHz adapter shows a yellow warning icon in Device Manager. Holding the power button for about 30 seconds, restarting, uninstalling the adapter, and then scanning for hardware changes makes Wi‑Fi work again, but only for a few minutes to roughly an hour. I've installed the available laptop updates, but the problem keeps returning. What can I do to fix this permanently?
3 Answers
Install the newest AX201 driver directly from Intel rather than relying only on Windows Update, and update the laptop’s BIOS as well. If the issue continues, the wireless module itself may be failing. AX201 modules use part of their logic on the motherboard, so replacing one with a full AX210 module, if the laptop supports it, is often a more reliable long-term solution.
Check the adapter’s power-management settings in Device Manager. Open the AX201’s Properties, look for the Power Management tab, and disable “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This can sometimes prevent intermittent disconnects, although the tab may not appear with every driver or hardware configuration.
A USB Wi‑Fi adapter is a simple workaround if you need a stable connection immediately. It won’t repair the internal AX201, but it can confirm whether the problem is limited to the laptop’s built-in wireless hardware.
I looked through the adapter’s Properties, but I don’t see a Power Management tab. Is there another place where this setting can be changed?