Your WiFi driver stopped working and you need to fix it fast. Generic fixes only work 40% of the time. The fix that works depends on your specific WiFi adapter brand.
This guide shows you how to identify your adapter and apply the right fix for Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, or Broadcom hardware.
How to Find Your WiFi Adapter Brand
1. Press Windows + X
2. Click Device Manager
3. Expand Network adapters
4. Look for your WiFi adapter name
Brand Identification:
• Intel — Names like "Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201"
• Realtek — Names starting with "RTL" like "Realtek RTL8821CE"
• Qualcomm — Names with "QCA" or "Atheros" like "Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377"
• Broadcom — Names with "BCM" like "Broadcom BCM43142"
Not sure? Use the Brand Identifier Tool → https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/8c6a4440-dcf2-4463-9ad4-067c0bc1ad69
Universal Fixes (Try First)
These work on any adapter brand:
Fix 1: Driver Reinstall
• Device Manager → Right-click WiFi adapter → Uninstall device
• Check "Delete driver software" → Uninstall
• Action menu → Scan for hardware changes
Fix 2: Network Reset
• Open Command Prompt as Admin
• Run: netsh winsock reset
• Run: netsh int ip reset
• Restart computer
Fix 3: Power Management
• Device Manager → WiFi adapter → Properties
• Power Management tab → Uncheck "Allow computer to turn off this device"
Intel WiFi Fixes
Download Intel Driver & Support Assistant from intel.com — it auto-detects and fixes most Intel WiFi problems.
For AX200/AX201 disconnection issues:
• Device Manager → Adapter Properties → Advanced tab
• Set "802.11n/ac/ax Wireless Mode" to "802.11ac"
Realtek WiFi Fixes
The RTL8821CE has a known power management bug.
Fix:
• Disable power management (see universal fixes)
• Advanced tab → Set "Wireless Mode" to specific value (not Auto)
• Get drivers from laptop manufacturer, not generic Realtek site
Qualcomm/Atheros WiFi Fixes
The QCA9377 has documented reliability issues.
Try:
• Advanced tab → Roaming Aggressiveness → Set to "1. Lowest"
• Disable power management completely
• Roll back to older driver version
If nothing works, a USB WiFi adapter ($20-30) may be more reliable.
Broadcom WiFi Fixes
Older Broadcom adapters have limited Windows 10/11 support.
Try:
• Install driver in Windows 8 compatibility mode
• Get driver from laptop manufacturer
Interactive Tools
• Emergency WiFi Fix Tool
https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/e057b72d-9a6c-4656-8d9f-4bc5ef7dd719
• Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/7c86a3c4-39fa-4977-98e6-89f5f3ca1b0b
• WiFi Adapter Brand Identifier
https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/8c6a4440-dcf2-4463-9ad4-067c0bc1ad69
Related Troubleshooting Guides
• WiFi Connected But No Internet
https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-connected-but-no-internet
• WiFi Keeps Disconnecting
https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-keeps-disconnecting
• Laptop Won't Connect to WiFi
https://mrgrid.io/guides/laptop-wont-connect-to-wifi
• WiFi Not Showing Up on Laptop
https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-not-showing-up-on-laptop
• WiFi Slow on One Device Only
https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-slow-on-one-device-only
• WiFi Authentication Problem
https://mrgrid.io/guides/wifi-authentication-problem
Still Need Help?
Chat with a certified technician who can diagnose your specific WiFi adapter and Windows configuration.
→ Get Live Tech Support: https://bit.ly/ask-a-tech
Looking for a USB WiFi adapter? Browse recommended options:
→ https://bit.ly/chromeshopback
MrGrid.io — Helping you fix tech problems quickly, simply, and safely.
Visit https://mrgrid.io/guides for more troubleshooting guides.