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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments No comments

744 answers

Sort by: Newest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-19T22:25:23+00:00

    I would like to thank ChrisBeard68 for posting the link to the pureinfotech article on this issue.  My laptop is barely 3 weeks old, running Windows 8.1.  Until last night, it was rock solid, always connecting to my home network.  Last night, min-browsing, it decided it was done.  No more connection.  No amount of restarting or cycling power to my modem/router would fix the problem.  Since other devices in my home were still connecting to the internet, I knew it had to do with Win 8.1.  I found this discussion and read his post.  For my computer, the first fix on pureinfotech.com seems to have fixed the problem, which was resetting the Windows TCP/IP stack.  At least, it's still been solidly connected 5 hours later...

    I would like to echo the comments of other posters by saying SHAME on Microsoft for letting this ridiculous problem fester without offering a fix.  Let's hope the April 11 update (or whatever the release date ends up being!) addresses it.  They put their customers in an untenable position i.e. I couldn't return my laptop to Staples without having them charge me to do what I did (thanks to this thread), since I didn't purchase any sort of support contract with them.  That leaves trolling the interwebs for solutions. Why should I be typing instructions at a command prompt to fix a 3 week old laptop?  That's insane!  In the car world, that would be called a LEMON and there would be a recall.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-17T18:57:33+00:00

    I also have the same problem after upgrading to Windows 8.1 Pro, even after updating to the latest Intel Wireless LAN Driver Update at http://esupport.sony.com/CA/p/swu-download.pl?mdl=SVD112190S&upd_id=9214&os_group_id=27.  This did not happen with Windows 8 Pro.

    When I connect to my iPhone 5s' WiFi hotspot over LTE, my WiFi connection is fine.

    My hardware:

    Sony Vaio Duo 11

    Intel(R) Centrino(R) Advanced-N 6235

    Apple AirPort

    1. ok this is what I did 1control panel click on network & sharing 2-network & sharing center 3- access type connections on the figure click  right opens window  Wi-Fi status click properties on properties click on configure then click on power management there is two boxes click of both

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-16T23:57:12+00:00

    I also feel compelled to include my information into the record.  Since upgrading to 8.1 I've had all sorts of amazing problems with my wifi.  I have a Lenovo using an intel adapter.  I get the same limited connections and sudden dropping of internet connection.  I access a wifi to my office using a netgear 802T.  I access the internet using wifi through ATT's 2wire router.  The 2wire is more or less stable although it will go limited and claim no internet connection.  This is a lie as my internet continues to function, and I'm able to tunnel to the office without problem.  The netgear connection is very unstable.  I can connect to the internet from the office using a hardwire connection, but it frequently drops.  The connection to the office will continue to say I'm connected, but that is a lie because I'm not connected at all.  I used the advice on this forum to upgrade my intel adapter, and it worked, kinda.  The connection through the 2wire stabilized absolutely with no more problems.  The connection through the netgear failed almost continuously.  I reversed the drivers since my connection to the office was more important, and the netgear started working again so long as I don't try to access the internet through the office.  It continues to drop, but if I'm gentle with what I do, I can keep the connection most times.  I've now installed the recent 8.1 upgrade, and I fail to notice any difference.  So, Clearly, is wasn't for fixing this problem.  I'll continue to monitor this forum, and hope someone comes up with a solution.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-16T21:43:48+00:00

    Just to add to the record, I've been having similar problems with my ASUS t100ta tablet running 8.1 full version. Our network situation is a Netgear 3400v2 router connected to several wired and wireless devices, including an old Linksys router with DHCP disabled serving as a hub to connect a printer and an old wired computer.

    This configuration has worked fine for 3 years with Windows 7 and Vista computers, and all the Android and iOS devices in the house do fine connecting wirelessly. But the Win8.1 tablet drops to "Limited" connectivity every time it goes to sleep and comes back on. The easiest way to fix seems to be to disconnect, then release and renew the IP address.

    But before I figured out what was going on, I spent a day with the cable guy and a couple of hours on the phone with Netgear tech support.  Finally I isolated the fact that it was only the Win8.1 device that's having the problem.

    AND the hub connection seems to have something to do with it. If I unplug the hub, the connection comes back on. As soon as I plug the hub in again, the connection drops.  Meanwhile all the other devices are unaffected.

    I have not tried all the solutions offered here, yet. But will post update if something works.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments
  5. Anonymous
    2014-03-15T13:56:16+00:00

    Have you try simply change the scan interval of wifi device from 60 to 120?

    it is work for me ;)

    device manager / right click on network adapter / choose wifi adapter properties / click advance TAB / choose scan valid interval & modify standard value 60 to 120 / the apply change

    hopefully its help ;)

    *** Email address is removed for privacy ***

    I did the change and now it has been on for 20 hours without problems!! I still cross my fingers.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments No comments