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

744 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Deleted

    This answer has been deleted due to a violation of our Code of Conduct. The answer was manually reported or identified through automated detection before action was taken. Please refer to our Code of Conduct for more information.

    Comments have been turned off. Learn more

  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-21T08:48:43+00:00

    I spent 2 days figuring out sudden loss of wifi connection with my Toshiba laptop and windows 8.1.

    I tried almost every recommended fix I could find on the internet. finally found one that worked and

    it was easy! just uninstall wifi network driver(mine was realtek) and go to Toshiba service station on your computer ,the latest updated driver will be listed there, download it , when it finishes installing

    restart your computer if it doesn't automatically do it. luckily for me I could get on the internet by the

    Ethernet cable!! I know some people can't do either , recommend uninstalling both internet drivers

    and downloading latest drivers recommended by your computers manufacturer ie. Toshiba, lenovo

    etc. Goodluck  all! p.s. Toshiba recommended manually uninstalling several components BEFORE

    downloading windows 8.1 from the windows store, just go to their support sites for the list.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-02-20T18:54:12+00:00

    SOLUTION

    The problem (maybe) is that Windows 8.1 has HIDDEN THE SETTING you need to change!  :(

    Here's the solution I used for my Sony VAIO Touch Ultrabook.

    Control Panel -> Device Manager.

    View (menu) choose "Show Hidden Devices"

    Network Adapters -> right-click Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.

    Properties-> Power Management

    Unclick "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

    I tried everything else before doing this and it didn't work.  I think that this HIDDEN Microsoft Virtual Wi-Fi Adapter was the problem.  It appears in all my Windows 8 machines.  I don't know yet if this is the absolute solution, but it has worked for me.  Please let me know if it works for you.

    TSM

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-20T18:54:07+00:00

    I also have the same problems, Contacted Dell today, they ask my dealing user name and password for the router which I don't have, cos. I am not the owner of the place, just pay share to someone who pay the owner. any can't get it. but I don't understand why need it. let to say I am in public place and want to connect to the WIFI. will I have to go and ask whose the provider and ask them which router they use and what is the dealing router username and password? so what is the point of WI in the first place?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2014-02-20T18:53:49+00:00

    SOLUTION

    The problem (maybe) is that Windows 8.1 has HIDDEN THE SETTING you need to change!  :(

    Here's the solution I used for my Sony VAIO Touch Ultrabook.

    Control Panel -> Device Manager.

    View (menu) choose "Show Hidden Devices"

    Network Adapters -> right-click Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter.

    Properties-> Power Management

    Unclick "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."

    I tried everything else before doing this and it didn't work.  I think that this HIDDEN Microsoft Virtual Wi-Fi Adapter was the problem.  It appears in all my Windows 8 machines.  I don't know yet if this is the absolute solution, but it has worked for me.  Please let me know if it works for you.

    TSM

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments