Windows 8.1: WiFi dropping and/or "Limited"

You do research and development for Microsoft, cool.

You should be contacting the PC vendor, Wifi adapter vendor and router vendor to figure out the issue. Since Microsoft doesn't make WiFi drivers you're wasting your time waiting for them to fix it. Which you should know as an IT pro.

You do research and development for Microsoft, cool.

You should be contacting the PC vendor, Wifi adapter vendor and router vendor to figure out the issue. Since Microsoft doesn't make WiFi drivers you're wasting your time waiting for them to fix it. Which you should know as an IT pro.

Ok if we're going to 'split hairs' this forum goes into R&D and diagnosis is an integral part of that process so YES I do and everyone else here inputs to that process. I fail to see anything cool about that t if it's not fixing the problem but anyway.

The Wifi adapterS in question works fine when downgrading to Win 7 Pro but intermittently drops the signal under Win 8. So while the hardware is typically the cause of similar issues in this case there seems to be a software issue causing the signal inconsistency which seems to happen upon installing 8.

As an IT professional I have to agree totally! This is part of a long list of Windows bugs and problems. No matter how much diagnostics we try to do I'm afraid this OS is simply not made for the high end business user and can barely remain stable with intense home use. I'm fed up with the amount of time I've wasted helping Microsoft do R&D while putting up with an almost dysfunctional OS.

My company has logged a number of complaints in addition the Wifi issue since installation 8. We're giving Microsoft one month to come up with some answers after which company licenses start disappearing to other operating systems.

If you have any useful suggestions for life after Windows 8 or comprehensive fixes I'd be happy to hear it. Right now the two options are to downgrade to 7 or go to another OS. Sorry for sounding so negative but there comes a point when we're just diagnosing what is a faulty system at its core!

Here's what "I" did to permanently 'fix' my Shoddy WiFi connectivity; (Maybe some of it will help lead you to your fix... at least I hope so... )

Wifi LIMITED on Windows 8.1 TOSHIBA S55-A5139 Laptop with Qualcomm Atheros AR956x Adapter - HOW I SOLVED THIS PROBLEM.

Bear in mind, this is what worked for me and my particular Laptop Computer...  this may or may not work for you. 

After MONTHSof not being able to maintain Wireless connectivity for more than ten minutes to an hour or so, I now have a strong and stable Wifi connection that no longer suddenly disconnects from Wifi or goes "Limited".... even after sleep. Rock Solid. Like every other Computer & wireless WiFi Device in my House ... as it should be. 

Device Manager>Network Adapters>Roll back or install Qualcomm Atheros AR956x Adapter to Version 10.0.0.263 - (In MY case, this was a 'roll-back')

>Device Manager>Network Adapers>Uninstall the Bluetooth Wireless Adapter

(The only Network Adapters I have left are my Qualcomm Atheros Adapter for Ethernet and my Wireless Network Adapter)

>Disable the function in the Adapter's Power Management "Properties" - "Allow the Computer to turn off this Device to save Power"

>network and sharing center. >Click on your WiFi (blue link of your broadcasting Wifi Connection) to open WiFi status window >Click wireless properties >Check the dialog "Connect even if the network isn't broadcasting it's name (SSID)" - Be CERTAIN the "Connect automatically when this Connection is in Range" is also checked!

Control Panel>Power Options>Select "High Performance" then select Link "Change Plan Settings" - "Put the Computer to sleep" (when plugged in) should be changed to "Never" and then select Link - "Change Advanced Power Settings" >Scroll down list & tick on "Wireless Adapter Settings" > Change "On Battery" and "Plugged in" to "Maximum Performance" >Click OK

I also uninstalled Google Chrome and re-installed it, but this time I did not sign in to my Google Account. Now I honestly don't know if this made a difference or not, but I read elsewhere on a Thread within this Forum that this is what did it for another User experiencing these issues, so I figured, "What the heck, why not?"... but to be honest, it didn't 'fix' the issue until I performed the following;

I literally 'unplugged' my WiFi Modem supplied by Bright house Cable and kept it unplugged for TEN Minutes. While waiting on the Modem, I performed the following;

"Windows Key" & "Q" to open 'Search >Type "Command Prompt" then Select "Run as Administrater"> After Cmd Prompt enter;

NETSH INT IP RESET C:\RESTLOG.TXT - (hit enter)

NETSH INT TCP SET HEURISTICS DISABLED - (hit enter)

NETSH INT TCP SET GLOBAL AUTOTUNINGLEVEL=DISABLED - (hit enter)

NETSH INT TCP SET GLOBAL RSS=ENABLED - (hit enter)

To verify that these settings are disabled, type

netsh int tcp show global -(hit enter)

(Don't reboot UNTIL your have plugged your Modem or Router back in and it's once again 'view able' in your Networks!)

Once your WiFi Network is view able in your Networks, reboot your Computer.

It should now reboot into Windows and automatically be connected to your Network with no issues... (hopefully!)

THIS is what worked for me.

Eve. Thank you so much for such useful insight. I'm going to try this on our laptops (mostly Lenovo) and update the post if it's successful. Many thanks again!

I have the same issue.. It is NOT the router etc, other devices work fine. Was it ever solved?

Windows 8.1

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7

Lenovo Y50-70 Laptop