Windows 10: Home wifi network disconnects when PC with wired internet connection turns on.

I don't know if this question has been asked before or not, I have seen thread with similar issues, but not this specific one.


Anyways, we have a home network consisting of 2 Windows 10 PCs with wired ethernet connections, and an assortment of wireless devices phones, tablets, consoles, smart TV boxes. While both PCs have been switched out within the last year, the basic network map has been unchanged for probably 5+ years. Shortly after the big freeze that happened mid to late January 2021, we started having an issue where the wifi network would randomly drop all devices, while the two wired PCs kept their connections just fine. I have had limited time to troubleshoot the issue, as it did not at first seem to occur in any set or repeatable pattern. Multiple fixes were tried, including power cycling and resetting all network equipment ISP provided modem and owned 4port wifi router, replacing said router with a newer model, and removing wifi range extenders.


Only recently we've been able to track the issue to the second wired PC on the network. Short version, when this specific PC is powered on and connected to the internet, ALL wifi devices on the network are immediately knocked offline, and they all come back online as soon as this PC is turned off.

Troubleshooting so far has including performing Windows Update, trying to update the network drivers, and running a full virus scan.


I'm only an amateur PC guy, and this is well above my knowledge base and any help would be appreciated.

:)

 

Connect and Disconnect internet

I just need to click the network icon in notification area, select my WiFi network and click Connect / Disconnect:





Selecting Connect automatically I don't have to enter the network security key manually:

 

Can not connect to wired network and wifi at the same time.

I have a Windows 7 box I'm working with.

There is a wired local network which provides access to a network hard drive and printer.

There is a wireless network that provides access to the internet.

The system had been working fine.

Problem now is that the wifi will find the router, but not connect to the internet.

Now when the wired network is plugged in the wifi will connect to the router, but not provide internet access.

If I unplug the wired network the wifi connects to the internet normally.

Windows Network Diagnostics is unable to provide any solution or possible cause.

One thing that comes to mind is a problem with the network card (which is build into the motherboard).

Another idea that comes to mind is that the computer is attempting to get internet access from the wired connection and when that fails it is not going to the wifi connection. Is there a way to tell Windows to only look for internet access via the wifi?

I followed the process here:

How to change the network connection priority in Windows 7

Moving the wifi network connection to the top of the list. Wired to the bottom.

Is there any thing I should be looking at in the software or settings? Thanks.

 

WiFi Internet Keeps Disconnecting


Hi Gerry Atric and welcome to the forum.

lol *Biggrin

Don't know if you have tried this, but this is my suggestion:

Settings >Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Wi-Fi Settings
Go to the settings under the Wi-Fi Sense heading
Turn off "Connect to suggested open hotspots"
and/or
Turn off "Connect to networks shared by my friends"