The Dropped Connection
Windows 11 includes aggressive power management features designed to maximize battery life on laptops. One of the ways it achieves this is by selectively powering down hardware components that it deems inactive. Occasionally, Windows will incorrectly determine that your Wi-Fi network adapter is idling, and will automatically cut power to it. This results in your Wi-Fi connection spontaneously dropping, disrupting video calls, interrupting large file downloads, and forcing you to manually run the network troubleshooter to re-initialize the adapter.
Ensuring Constant Power
To guarantee a stable internet connection and stop Windows 11 from automatically disconnecting your Wi-Fi to save power, you must disable the power management feature for your specific network adapter.
Right-click the Start button (or press Windows key + X) and select Device Manager from the menu. In the Device Manager window, locate the category named Network adapters and click the small arrow next to it to expand the list. Find your primary Wi-Fi adapter (it will usually contain words like “Intel,” “Realtek,” “Broadcom,” or “Wireless”). Right-click this specific adapter and select Properties. In the Properties window, navigate to the Power Management tab at the top. Look for the checkbox labelled Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. Uncheck this box, then click OK. Your Wi-Fi adapter will now remain fully powered at all times.