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: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-04-23T17:37:01+00:00

    I have the Alienware M18-R2

    Running Win 8 (didn't want to upgrade until I knew all bugs were fixed)

    Qualcomm Atheros Osprey Wireless Network Adapter

    Well, so much for trying to stay safe on Win 8......

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-24T03:38:37+00:00

    So after wasting a full day, I was finally able to have my connection back! All I did was reset my router. I also downloaded all the latest drivers from both Lenovo(have a Yoga 2 Pro) and Intel website. I'm not an expert in computing but this website also really seemed to help, I followed the instructions about the TCP/IP settings.

    http://optimizewindows8.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/how-to-fix-limited-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-in-windows-8-1/

    My connection still shows ''limited'' but I can go to internet, run apps, netflix without  problems.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-26T17:16:12+00:00

    I have a Lenovo Z580 with an Intel(R) Centrino(R) Wireless-N 2200, that was having this same problem Windows 8.1. Would be online for only a few moments then constantly going offline, limited connections, etc. The solution I found was as follows

    Get to your Device Manager window (Start Menu==>Type: Device Manager ==>Press Enter.)

    Right click your Wi-Fi adapter and go to Properties

    Click the Power Management tab, and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"

    I also went to the Advanced tab and changed the 802.11n Channel width for band 2 to "Auto as 20 MHz Only" was selected.

    I clicked OK, closed the windows and restarted my PC for good measure. Since then I have not had the issue with the limited connection and dropped connections.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-26T23:54:33+00:00

    So after wasting a full day, I was finally able to have my connection back! All I did was reset my router. I also downloaded all the latest drivers from both Lenovo(have a Yoga 2 Pro) and Intel website. I'm not an expert in computing but this website also really seemed to help, I followed the instructions about the TCP/IP settings.

    http://optimizewindows8.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/how-to-fix-limited-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-in-windows-8-1/

    My connection still shows ''limited'' but I can go to internet, run apps, netflix without  problems.

    I did all of this and that but nothing works so what it happens is by accident  move from my rental to another rental and whit another IP provider the last one doesn't  have service in this area and new router Linksys 2700 guess what no more limited internet or dropping internet this internet provider is up to 30 bpm

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2014-04-27T00:46:53+00:00

    That does make a lot of sense since routers play a big part. I find the dual band routers with 5k connections seem to like Windows 8.1 far better the older 2.4 band. Especially with security. Turning off security seems to fix even old equipment like my Roku which was limited to 2.4 band. Look at all the bad reviews of 802.11n equipment on Newegg and see how bad the mess is. For every user that says a product is great another says it is ****. Standards? What Standards?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments