What if my Internet connection keeps dropping on Windows 10?

Are you experiencing internet drops on your Windows 10 PC despite being connected to a working Wi-Fi network? This is a problem reported by many Windows 10 users. Though Microsoft continues to roll out updates for the OS, users continue to experience the issue in question.

The intermittent loss of internet connection can be frustrating and annoying, especially when you need to be connected all day or when it happens at a time you’re performing a critical task. This may weigh on your mind and cause you to hit up your internet provider, asking them, “Why do I lose my internet connection intermittently?”

You should note that this issue may have nothing to do with your internet service provider. To confirm, you can connect other devices to the Wi-Fi network and check if the internet connection is okay.

You don’t have to go through this issue for long on your Windows 10 machine as we have prepared this guide to help you fix the problem. There are different methods to follow, and if one doesn’t work, you can move on to the next fix.

First of all, let’s understand why your internet connection keeps dropping on your Windows 10 PC.

Why Does Internet Connection Keep Dropping in Windows 10?

The causes of this problem include:

• Corrupted or missing Windows Socket API (winsock) in the Windows registry.
• An incorrect TCP/IP configuration.
• Corrupted network card drivers.
• A network card that is allowed to shut down to save power.

Now that we have identified the possible causes of the problem, we will guide you on steps to take to solve each issue.

How to Solve Windows 10 Internet Connectivity Problem

Since there are multiple causes of this problem, we’ll be providing multiple fixes as well.

Method 1. Reset Winsock and IP Settings

In many cases, the issue can be resolved by resetting Windows Socket API. You’ll also need to reset your Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6) settings to restore your internet connection. Follow the steps below to do all this:

1. Right-click the Start button to open the WinX menu. You can also open the menu by pressing the Windows and X keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
2. Select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
3. Select Yes in the dialogue box that pops up.
4. Input the following lines one by one into the elevated Command Prompt, press Enter after you type each line and wait for the command to be fully executed before you enter the next line:

netsh winsock reset catalog

netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log

netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log

5. Close the elevated Command Prompt window once all the commands are fully executed.
6. Restart your computer and test your internet connection when it boots up.

Second Method: Reset the TCP/IP Stack of Your Computer and Renew Its IP Address

1. Launch the elevated Command Prompt by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Type the following command lines one by one into the elevated Command Prompt, hit Enter after you type each line and wait for the command to be fully executed before you enter the next line:

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

3. Close the elevated Command Prompt and restart your computer once the commands have been fully executed.
4. Now, test your internet connection.

What If My Internet Connection Keeps Dropping after All These Procedures?

Not to worry, you can try the following methods if you still experience the issue.

Method 3: Update Your Network Adapter’s Driver Software

You might be finding it difficult to access the internet because your network adapter’s driver software is corrupt or not properly installed. In this case, you have to update it.

The easiest and most straightforward method of updating your network adapter’s driver is to use a driver updater from a Microsoft Gold Application Developer. Auslogics Driver Updater will help you scan for problematic drivers and allow you to quickly update them from the right source, without hassle.

Method 4: Check Your Wireless Power Settings

Hopefully, your internet connection is now fully restored. If not, you can check if your network card is set to turn off to save power as this could also cause the issue. Follow the steps below to perform this operation:

1. Press the Windows and X keys to open the WinX menu, and then click Device Manager.
2. When the Device Manager window opens, navigate to Network Adapters and expand it.
3. Locate your network card, right-click it, and then select Properties.
4. Go to the Power Management tab when the Property window pops up.
5. Make sure the box beside Allow the Computer to Turn off This Device to Save Power is unchecked.
6. Click Ok to save your settings.

Do you have any thoughts on the internet connectivity issues on Windows 10?

Let us know in the comments section below!