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
    2014-04-29T12:24:40+00:00

    Mine too. Was ready to call the cable company.  I have their modem and router.  No problem til I upgraded to 8.1.  Now I disconnect at home and at school so definitely not my modem and router and no one else disconnects at school - just me.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-29T12:50:09+00:00

    Here are some steps by which i solved my and my colleges problem. 

    Go to the computer manufacture website

    Download wireless driver for windows 7(32/64) depends on your OS

    Right click on the file and got to properties

    Then go to compatibility tab and select Windows Vista Services Pack 2 and apply

    Then run the program as Administrator

    After installation restart your PC and ENJOY :)

    Thanks for the helpful post. Just to clarify, you're using the Windows 7 driver even though your computer is running 8.1, correct?

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-29T15:20:33+00:00

    What worked for me, granny 99?!!!

    Reset your router for factory settings and establish a new wifi connection.

    Windows 8/8.1 gets constipated (thanks ms!!).

    Afterwards give windows 8.1 an enema.

    granny

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-04-29T15:55:01+00:00

    I have had this issue myself. my laptop is the only machine in the house running windows 8.1 and it is also the only machine/ device that is having the connection issues. I hope there is an update soon that will fix this problem.

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  5. Anonymous
    2014-04-29T17:56:13+00:00

    The problems have already been solved in a multitude of ways. I doubt there will an update by MS since it does not appear to be a problem. Unfortunately the multitude of hardware options and routers with out of date firmware create a huge test path. MS could easily say that if it works for one it should work for all.

    Do note:

    1. Hardware patches in Windows are not mandatory but listed under optional most of the time.
    2. Wifi card manufacturers have their own websites for fixes card and OS specific.
    3. Laptop manufacturers have their own applications for updating the manufacturers software. Toshiba  had  15 patches for applications that were Windows 8.1 specific and installed by their update app not Windows update.
    4. Modern routers can be updated by going to 192.168.1.1 signing in as admin and getting the latest firmware.
    5. Windows has diagnostic tools that can test connections.
    6. Apple is a viable solution for those not wanting to get involved. Single source, expensive but a far more controlled environment.

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