Windows 8.1: WiFi dropping and/or "Limited"

Anonymous
2013-10-20T17:01:27+00:00

Since installing 8.1 Pro, I'm having issues with WiFi dropping internet connectivity and always showing "Limited" when clicking on the system tray icon.  When I troubleshoot the problem using the system tool it is always the gateway that is faulty.  I have uninstalled/reinstalled the device drivers several times, installed the newest drivers directly from Intel, restarted the computer, etc.  I can restore connectivity by turning WiFi off then back on, but the connection will drop at what seems to be random intervals.  My applicable system specs are as follows;

Lenovo Y510P  Laptop

Windows 8.1 Pro

Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2230

Apple Time Capsule router w/newest firmware

Needless to say this is quite an irritating bug that didn't exist prior to the update to 8.1  I hope this can be resolved quickly. Thanks!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-04-14T23:18:59+00:00

    Downgrading a driver to a windows 7 version has about the same effect as downgrading the OS. If a wifi adapter work on some routers an not others and windows 7 devices work the issue tends to be the wireless adapters manufacture created a new driver with updated features or security the an older router doesn't work with it and requires a firmware update to the router which may not be possible if you don't have access to the router

    Cisco router have an issue where the incorrectly handle the four way handshake with newer protocols and they have releases an updated firmware for those routers.

    I'm not defending Microsoft I just know more about how wifi is handled and it unfortunately Microsoft doesn't write function drivers for third party hardware makers

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-04-14T19:57:31+00:00

    Great. Include more info such as downgrade the system to windows 7 how they would do that and keep their data protected, ensure they have all program keys and that they have the correct product keys to downgrade windows.

    Also let them know they will have to format the entire partition that contains the OS and will lose all data and programs as well as saved settings.

    It would be much better to advise people to downgrade the driver by going to device manager (windows key + x > device manager) and expanding the network adapter tree double click the wireless adapter and choose roll back to revert to the older version of the driver.

    This issue is not the OS this issue is incompatible programs, Bluetooth interference or environmental interference. It can also be an issue with networks or ISPs not handling IPv6 correctly, security programs, or other issues causing improper handling private and public networks.

    There are plenty of fixes that don't include wasting days http://www.vindamedia.com/windows/help/troubleshooting-your-network has a few.

    Downgrading the Network Adapter Driver alone isn't always the 'fix' to the Windows 8 & 8.1 upgrade WiFi connectivity issues....  (Doing that ALONE sure didn't 'fix' all of the "Limited Connection" and WiFi dropping Connectivity issues for me, at any rate.) 

    Downgrading to Windows 7 will more than likely not be any more 'problematic' or time consuming than the Connectivity 'issues' some will likely spend 'months' attempting to remedy..... (Such as I did... Why do you think I'm so 'invested' in this Thread? Like yourself, I AM trying to constructively HELP People find 'solutions' to their "Limited" WiFi and 'other' WiFi Connectivity issues.) 

    I DO highly recommend anyone having these 8 and 8.1 "Limited" WiFi connectivity issues to downgrade to Windows 7 as a 'quick fix' to this REAL problem.... I also highly recommend they get Qualified Professional assistance however, if they don't have the 'technical expertise' and know how to do it themselves. Then again, this whole THREAD is filled with People being advised to attempt 'fixes' that is beyond their scope of PC Technical Expertise and/or capabilities.  Reason #1 being they are 'busy' People leading 'busy' Lives and not everyone has the time to WASTE (such as I do or you do) on these GEEK Forums. 

    Unlike YOU, who is apparently not having any WiFi issues, you're free to sing the ***"Support Windows 8"***Songs of Praise, while the 'majority' are singing the Windows 8 blues...... you're not STRUGGLING to get your Work done from (in most Cases) brand new, Top of the Line Computers that won't/can't stay 'connected' for longer than 10-15 minutes at a time.... resulting in a big expensive "BRICK" you can't believe you can't use and no one (Not Micro Soft or your Manufacturer) wants to HELP you fix. I personally know DOZENS of People who have paid a LOT of Money to have their brand new 8 and 8.1 PC's 'fixed' by Qualified PC GEEKS, only to go home to discover this "Limited" and other WiFi connectivity issues are STILL not fixed.. while every OTHER Windows 7 or 'other' Device on the Same MODEM or ROUTER is staying connected with no issues whatsoever..... all running the SAME anti-Virus, firewalls.... what have you.

    Oh, and this 'fix?' (http://www.vindamedia.com/windows/help/troubleshooting-your-network)  - How would you KNOW the outcome of these fixes for everyone experiencing issues and that these fixes won't result in days to fix on every system? How many People will even DISCOVER this page? I didn't discover it until now....... 

    Bottom Line: Due to these "Limited Connection" and other "WiFi" Connectivity Issues, Windows 8 and 8.1 is a head ache and a problem for most. It's an Operating System that was 'released' before it was adequately 'tested'..... and WHEN I have more time in the Future, I will definitely 'downgrade' this Current 8.1 PC to Windows 7 (Otherwise I'll never be able to run Windows Updates)... and I will NEVER upgrade to another Windows System UNTIL I know for a FACT that it's a stable one. 

    For someone who likes to point out that this is NOT a discussion thread... you sure like to keep it one.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-04-14T18:09:48+00:00

    Great. Include more info such as downgrade the system to windows 7 how they would do that and keep their data protected, ensure they have all program keys and that they have the correct product keys to downgrade windows.

    Also let them know they will have to format the entire partition that contains the OS and will lose all data and programs as well as saved settings.

    It would be much better to advise people to downgrade the driver by going to device manager (windows key + x > device manager) and expanding the network adapter tree double click the wireless adapter and choose roll back to revert to the older version of the driver.

    This issue is not the OS this issue is incompatible programs, Bluetooth interference or environmental interference. It can also be an issue with networks or ISPs not handling IPv6 correctly, security programs, or other issues causing improper handling private and public networks.

    There are plenty of fixes that don't include wasting days http://www.vindamedia.com/windows/help/troubleshooting-your-network has a few.

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  5. Anonymous
    2015-04-14T17:30:11+00:00

    This isn't a discussion its a question. Discuss items labeled discussions, answer or ask questions for items labeled question.

    Sean, you would be better off starting a new thread of your own using the participate tab. This issue could be causes by several things. Most likely anti-malware or possibly your cached network settings.

    Then quickest one to try is running ipconfig /flushdns in a command prompt. There is a link to vindamedia.com that has a help article for network troubleshooting in a few post back.

    This was a response to a direct Question... my answer was to downgrade the Windows system....

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