My Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting for about five minutes at a time, sometimes several times within an hour. This makes it difficult to attend meetings on Microsoft Teams or Zoom. The problem seems to happen regardless of where I am in the house. How can I determine whether the issue is my Wi-Fi, router, computer, or internet provider, and what steps can I take to fix it?
3 Answers
If multiple devices lose internet at the same time, the problem is more likely the router, modem, or internet provider than the computer’s Wi-Fi. Restart the networking equipment, check for firmware updates, and contact the provider if the outages continue. If only one computer is affected, focus on its Wi-Fi driver, power-saving settings, and wireless adapter.
First, figure out whether the Wi-Fi signal is dropping or whether the internet connection itself is failing. When the problem happens, test another device and, if possible, connect the computer directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. If Ethernet works normally, the issue is probably Wi-Fi coverage or interference. Try moving closer to the router, switching between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, updating the router firmware and Wi-Fi driver, and positioning the router away from metal objects and appliances. For important meetings, a wired connection is usually the most reliable option.
Check that the router is transmitting at full power and that its antennas are extended and unobstructed. Keep it in a central, open location rather than inside a cabinet or near a microwave, water heater, fluorescent lighting, smart devices, or other wireless equipment. Nearby networks can also cause interference, so changing the wireless channel may help. If the router is old or continues dropping devices, replacing it could be worthwhile.
The connection can disappear for around five minutes and then return, sometimes after only half an hour. It can happen often enough to interrupt meetings, so I’ll test another device and try Ethernet to narrow it down.