My laptop keeps disconnecting from wifi and insisting on using ethernet

Zara Fraser 0 Reputation points
2026-08-17T01:37:17.68+00:00

My ASUS laptop will go through random periods where it will disconnect from any wifi source and not give me the option to connect again, insisting on using Ethernet. I have tried resetting it, shutting it down and leaving it over night as well as doing an advanced network settings reset. Its distance from a modem does not change it and it does this with any wifi network I connect it to not just my at home one. I have never connected it to an Ethernet cable before and have disabled Ethernet connection but it still refuses to connect to wireless networks. Edit: I’ve also tried troubleshooting and it also just directs me to an Ethernet cable. This is a laptop I need to move around for work and is not a possible solution.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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  1. franco d'esaro 25,086 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-17T10:00:32.5566667+00:00

    Hi Zara Fraser,

    Please specify your computer's exact model or go to Start, type msinfo in the search box, and attach a screenshot of the System Information page.

    Right-click the Start button > Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, and post a screenshot.

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  2. Thoura Sopheak Nanta 655 Reputation points
    2026-08-17T02:37:28.17+00:00

    Hi @Zara Fraser

    Likely your Network Interface Card (NIC) Is defective or malfunctioning.

    When the disconnection happens, please go to Device Manager > Expand Network Adapter and look for your NIC, is there any adapter under Network Adapter has an exclamation mark (!)?

    If there is, the device is likely faulty, uninstall the adapter or your NIC, restart your computer (this forces auto-reinstall), and try again, or download the latest version from your manufacturer.

    An alternative is that you can buy a USB Network Adapter and connect to the internet by using that USB Adapter.

    Hope this helps!

    Best regards,

    Nanta

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-17T01:37:33.3233333+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Run the Windows network troubleshooter.
      • On Windows 11, start the automated Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
      • It can automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix common connection problems.
    2. Restart the modem and wireless router.
      • Unplug the router power.
      • Unplug the modem power. If it has a backup battery and the lights stay on, remove the battery.
      • Wait at least 30 seconds.
      • Reconnect the modem and wait for its lights to stop blinking.
      • Reconnect the router and wait a few minutes for it to fully power on.
      • Then try connecting again.
      • This temporarily disconnects everyone using that network.
    3. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
      • Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
      • Select the Wi-Fi network and choose Forget.
      • Reconnect to it and enter the password again.
    4. Uninstall the Wi-Fi network adapter driver and restart.
      • This is useful if the problem started after an update.
      • Before uninstalling, download the latest network adapter driver from the PC manufacturer on another device if needed, because internet access may be unavailable afterward.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Network adapters.
      • Right-click the wireless adapter and select Uninstall device.
      • Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
      • Select Uninstall.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Windows will try to reinstall the adapter driver automatically.
    5. Use network reset only as a last step.
      • Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
      • Select Reset now > Yes.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Risk: this removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings to default.
      • It can also require reinstalling VPN software or virtual switches, and known networks may be set to Public afterward.

    Since the laptop sometimes stops showing Wi-Fi entirely and appears to prefer Ethernet even when no cable has ever been used, the most relevant next step after the reset already tried is uninstalling the wireless network adapter driver and restarting.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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