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
    2014-03-11T20:16:30+00:00

    I too have a Samsung ativ pro. I upgraded to 8.1 when it was released, I have had the issue since. the Samsung works fine at work, but not at home, all other devices are fine. With the Samsung I get 10-30 minutes before it all stops.

    I have tried all the advice on this thread, those worked with my 2 other 8.1 devices, but nothing works for my ativ pro. I have downloaded Samsung and Intel s software to detect if there are any upgrades needed, there were, but it did not stop the issue.

    I guess the moral of the story is that if it's not broken, don't try to fix it. I learned from this bad experience with upgrading to 8.1, that I will *not* upgrade my husband's computer. I was thinking about doing it, but I am glad I tried it on my tablet first. He would go ballistic if he faced the same problem so many have reported here and on other threads. What I have gathered is that in the upgrade , MS replaces manufacturer's drivers with their own. I even went to the original drivers website, but they had so many drivers and I couldn't find the exact driver I needed. Did a search for Win 8.1 Broadcom drivers and they had 0 results. At any rate.. I am back to using Win 8 on the tablet and in the process of re-installing software and devices, trying to get my tablet back to where it was before the 8.1 disaster occurred.

    Good Luck with getting yours up and running. Please let everyone know when you do and how you did it. Also wonder if MS is planning on sending out release notes if they ever get the connectivity fixed.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-11T18:36:17+00:00

    I too have a Samsung ativ pro. I upgraded to 8.1 when it was released, I have had the issue since. the Samsung works fine at work, but not at home, all other devices are fine. With the Samsung I get 10-30 minutes before it all stops.

    I have tried all the advice on this thread, those worked with my 2 other 8.1 devices, but nothing works for my ativ pro. I have downloaded Samsung and Intel s software to detect if there are any upgrades needed, there were, but it did not stop the issue.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-11T18:28:35+00:00

    Thanks for the heads up. Any suggestions as to exactly how to get online to do this when 8.1 won't allow me online at all? I have a Dell desktop that I'm using right now. My Samsung ATIV Smart PC is the one I updated from Windows 8 (came on it) to 8.1. Previously I had *no* trouble getting online and staying online. Now I can't even get online to get help with it... SO frustrated.. and right now I detest Microsoft for doing this to so many of us. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

    Hi I assume you have a Intel adapter?

    Try connecting direct to the router via your ethernet cable. Go to the page I suggested run the utility and install the driver. You should then be able to connect wirelessly.

    Hope this helps.

    Hi DarksideHop 12.

    Thank you for the suggestion, but my tablet does not have an Ethernet port. I have a Samsung ATIV Smart PC tablet. It does have USB ports (biggest reason I opted for this over an iPad). After reading so many posts about people having problems with Win 8.1 connecting and staying connected to the internet, I did a clean install of Win 8 (which worked great) and received a refund for all the games I purchased for my grandson that would only run under 8.1. I have to say that Microsoft does have some problems with OS releases, but their customer service is wonderful. They refunded the cost of all the apps I had purchased under Win 8 too, so I wouldn't get double charged to install them again. Can't ask for much more beyond that. It's a hassle to revert, but I learned one thing... I will not be upgrading my husband's new computer (has Win 8 on it). :-)

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-11T15:40:03+00:00

    Thanks for the heads up. Any suggestions as to exactly how to get online to do this when 8.1 won't allow me online at all? I have a Dell desktop that I'm using right now. My Samsung ATIV Smart PC is the one I updated from Windows 8 (came on it) to 8.1. Previously I had *no* trouble getting online and staying online. Now I can't even get online to get help with it... SO frustrated.. and right now I detest Microsoft for doing this to so many of us. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr.

    Hi I assume you have a Intel adapter?

    Try connecting direct to the router via your ethernet cable. Go to the page I suggested run the utility and install the driver. You should then be able to connect wirelessly.

    Hope this helps.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-03-11T04:10:28+00:00

    This seems to work the best.  One router is working without problems.  The other is still squirrely.  They both boot up faster now, and seem to give less problem.

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