Why Does My Internet Keep Dropping Out?
Common Wi-Fi and Internet Connection Problems — and What to Do
Does your Internet connection keep disconnecting, becoming slow, or stopping for a few minutes at a time?
Internet dropouts can be caused by many different things. The problem may be with the Wi-Fi signal, your computer or device, the router, the modem, the NBN connection, or your Internet service provider.
A useful first step is to determine whether only one device loses connection or all devices lose Internet access at the same time.
In this guide, we explain the most common causes of Internet dropouts, what you can safely check yourself, and when professional or ISP troubleshooting may be needed.
What Does "Internet Dropout" Actually Mean?
For example, your Wi-Fi may still show as connected while the router has lost its Internet connection. Alternatively, the Internet connection may be working normally while one computer has a Wi-Fi, network adapter or configuration problem.
Only one computer or device disconnects
Only one device disconnects?
Other devices continue working normally, which may point to a device, Wi-Fi adapter, driver or local configuration problem.
All devices lose Internet access
Do all devices lose Internet?
If phones, computers, TVs and other devices disconnect at the same time, the router, modem, NBN connection or ISP may need investigation.
Wi-Fi stays connected but there is no Internet
Wi-Fi connected but no Internet?
Your device may still be connected to the router even though the router has temporarily lost its Internet connection.
Connection drops when you move around
Does it drop when you move around?
Weak Wi-Fi signal, interference or poor access-point placement can cause intermittent wireless connectivity.
Internet becomes very slow before dropping
Does it become slow before dropping?
Congestion, signal problems, router issues or an ISP/NBN problem can sometimes cause speed to deteriorate before the connection fails.
Ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not
Does it happen at particular times?
A pattern may help identify the cause, such as wireless interference, heavy household usage, scheduled equipment activity or an ISP/network issue.
"No boot device" or "Operating System not found"
Does Ethernet work while Wi-Fi fails?
A stable wired connection with unreliable Wi-Fi can point toward wireless coverage, interference, access-point or Wi-Fi configuration issues.
Common Causes of Internet Connection Dropouts
- Weak Wi-Fi signal — Distance, walls, floors and the location of the router can reduce wireless reliability.
- Wi-Fi interference or congestion — Other wireless networks and devices can interfere with Wi-Fi, particularly in busy areas.
- Router or modem problems — A faulty, overheating or unstable router/modem can interrupt Internet access.
- NBN or physical connection problems — Faults or instability in the connection between your premises and the NBN network can cause repeated dropouts.
- ISP problems — An issue within the Internet service provider’s network can affect your connection even when your local equipment is working normally.
- Computer or Wi-Fi adapter problems — A faulty adapter, driver or local network configuration can affect one device without affecting others.
- Network configuration problems — Incorrect DNS, DHCP, IP, VLAN or router settings can cause connectivity problems.
- Overloaded or poorly configured network equipment — Heavy traffic or unsuitable router settings can sometimes contribute to unstable performance.
What to Do When Your Internet Keeps Dropping Out?
On Windows
Including Windows7, Windows10, Windows11 and so on, whether running on a Desktop PC, Laptop, All-in-one Computer or Tablet.
Try these steps before considering a reinstall:
1. Check the basics- Make sure the computer has power.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB devices and external drives.
- If possible, check whether the SSD/HDD is detected in BIOS/UEFI.
- Use Startup Repair to automatically check for common startup problems.
- Try Safe Mode if you suspect a driver or software problem.
- If the problem started recently, System Restore may help.
- If the SSD/HDD is not detected, the problem may be hardware-related.
- If the drive is failing, avoid repeatedly attempting repairs that could make data recovery more difficult.
- If important files are stored on the computer, consider checking the drive and securing the data before reinstalling Windows.
On a Mac
Including macOS versions such as Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia and Tahoe, whether running on a MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio or other Mac computer.
For Mac computers, try these steps:
1. Check whether other devices are affected- When the connection drops, check another device connected to the same network.
- If only the Mac is affected, concentrate on the Mac's Wi-Fi connection and network settings.
- If all devices lose Internet access, investigate the router/modem, NBN connection or ISP.
- A stable wired connection with unreliable Wi-Fi is useful evidence when diagnosing the problem.
- Check the Mac's Wi-Fi signal and network connection when the problem occurs.
- Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network only when appropriate.
- Check whether the problem affects one network or multiple networks.
- Avoid changing advanced DNS or network settings unless you know why the change is required.
- Note when the dropout occurs and whether other devices lose Internet access at the same time.
- This information can help distinguish a Mac problem from a router, NBN or ISP problem.
When Should You Stop Troubleshooting?
- All devices repeatedly lose Internet access
- The router or modem repeatedly restarts or loses its connection
- The NBN connection appears unstable
- Ethernet is stable but Wi-Fi repeatedly drops and you cannot identify why
- Only one computer is affected and its network adapter or configuration appears faulty
- The connection has frequent dropouts even after restarting the network equipment
- Internet speed repeatedly falls to a very low level before the connection drops
- You are unsure whether the problem is your computer, router, NBN connection or ISP
- You are considering changing advanced router, DNS, DHCP or VLAN settings without knowing the correct configuration
Common questions
Why does my Internet keep dropping out?
How can I tell if the problem is my computer or my Internet connection?
Why does Wi-Fi say connected but there is no Internet?
Why does my Wi-Fi keep dropping but Ethernet works?
Should I restart my router when the Internet drops out?
Can you diagnose Internet dropout problems?
Don't Change Advanced Network Settings Too Quickly
Changing router, DNS, DHCP, VLAN or other advanced network settings can sometimes create new problems if the settings are not appropriate for your Internet service.
Before changing advanced settings, first identify whether the dropout affects one device or the entire network.
If all devices are affected, the problem may be outside the computer altogether. If only one computer is affected, changing router settings may not solve the problem.
If you are unsure whether the problem is your computer, Wi-Fi, router, NBN connection or ISP, contact us and we can help diagnose it.