Quick Fix: Why Does My Internet Keep Going In and Out?

Internet disconnection can be caused by various reasons, from hardware issues to signal interference. We will cover both hardware and software issues in this review. If your internet keeps disconnecting, you will know how to fix it.

Why Does My Internet Keep Going In and Out

As we just mentioned, internet connection issues can happen for various reasons, from your router malfunction to software glitches. Let’s review these reasons for you to figure out what to do.

• Problems with hardware

Just like your PC, routers and modems may require reboots from time to time. If your internet is not working as it should, restarting your hardware would be a good idea. It will clear the memory backlog and other glitches affecting it. If your internet keeps dropping, rebooting your router can reestablish a more stable connection, as it will find a less congested frequency.

• Network is congested

Your internet keeps dropping? The reason can be your network’s congestion. Your desktop or laptop uses the data packets transmitted by your modem. This data travels through your router’s radio frequency environment.

This problem happens when too many devices are connected to your router. In this case, the radio frequency pathway struggles to handle all of the packages at the same time. 

• Wireless interference

Why does my Wi-Fi keep going out? Let’s check your network for possible interference. We must consider how Wi-Fi routers are positioned inside our homes. Yet, their positioning can seriously affect internet connection stability. Various physical objects (walls, furniture, etc.) can affect your router’s range and make your internet connection unstable. The distance from the router also affects the signal’s stability. 

Other electronic devices can also disrupt the signal. For example, your microwave can halve your Wi-Fi signal if it emits signals in the same 2.4 GHz frequency band.

• Faulty or outdated wireless card drivers

If your internet keeps disconnecting after some issues have already been checked, look at software glitches. Faulty wireless adapter drivers can cause internet connection breakdowns. These are software programs that provide communication between hardware and the operating system. Drivers are also responsible for hardware component interconnection.

In our case, a wireless adapter driver informs the device what software needs and how to provide network connectivity. It is essential to the computer’s network if you use a wireless router.

• Malware infection

Malware and viruses can seriously damage your PC and harm or even compromise your personal information. They can overload your system resources and make your router work overtime, leading to network congestion. Malware can also infect your router and cause signal issues. Most of us stick to our routers’ default passwords, so viruses can infect your network and get access to your DNS settings. This may lead to a complete reconfiguration of your IP address and trigger even more severe problems; even your internet connection can be blocked.

Moreover, malware can even hijack your bandwidth and use your traffic for itself, like adware. So when you’re asking, “Why does my internet keep disconnecting?” always keep an eye on malicious applications’ possible interference. Here’s how you can find out that your computer is infected.

• DNS issues

Your PC’s DNS configuration is a key element of the network infrastructure. DNS stands for Domain Name System. The DNS servers match every website’s address, like “www.google.com,” with their correct IP address. You won’t be able to connect to the website if your PC cannot find its IP address.

By default, your desktop or laptop uses the DNS server provided by your internet service provider. These servers are not always 100% reliable; they may cause network stability problems occasionally. 

So, your question, “Why does the internet keep going out?” can be related to the DNS inconsistency.

• ISP throttling

This term describes a bandwidth management practice that helps internet service providers (ISPs) regulate customer data usage and sometimes even block access to some websites. 

When your network runs at a specific speed, there are certain limitations in using internet data. Internet service providers may throttle, or slow down, the signal speed for their customers on a specific plan after they reach a definite point. 

For instance, your connection speed may be limited to 2 Mbps after you use 400 GB of traffic. However, such an approach brings certain disadvantages. When the traffic speed goes down, your internet can become very slow. 

It would almost 100% bring you down, as you won’t be able to do some of the online activity you’ve used to, especially when there are several devices connected to the network.

• Malfunctioning router 

Sometimes, you should think of buying a new wireless router. This kind of equipment generally has limited lifespans. If you use it heavily, the expected lifespan can be even shorter. Industry experts say upgrading your router every five years is a safe solution. When too many gadgets are connected, you may think of getting a new router after only three years of usage. If your current wireless router is already over this age, it could be an answer to your permanent internet disconnection issues. 

• Reconfiguring your Wi-Fi profile

Windows on your PC remembers Wi-Fi connection details to automatically connect to your router. Typically, these details are the password, SSID, and security type. 

However, if you change the password on your router, anything can happen when it comes to connection attempts. If the Wi-Fi profile is corrupted, you may experience internet connection issues when trying to go online.

How to Fix Internet Going In and Out

Now, it is the time to take action! Following our recommendations will help you to stop asking:

Fix 1: Restart your router

If you’re experiencing hardware issues when trying to go online, consider taking these steps:

Step 1: Unplug the router from its power source. If it runs on a battery, simply remove it. Wait several minutes. We also advise you to restart your computer. 

Step 2: Plug your device back into the power source. Check out the light indicators on your device to see if it is fully set up. 

Step 3: Connect your computer and check if the reboot solved the internet disconnection issue.

However, if your internet keeps disconnecting, you might be thinking of getting a new device. In this case, you should first test your internet connection with a different device. 

If you can go online without any problems, especially if the ISP is the same, buy a new wireless router.

Fix 2: Reduce the number of devices linked to your network

When too many devices are linked to your network, the situation becomes similar to a traffic jam on a busy highway. The signal gets weaker as more devices are connected to the network.

The rule of thumb is to use fewer devices. Also, try to avoid multitasking and heavy downloads. Here’s what you should do to avoid your internet going in and out:

Step 1: Disconnect devices you don’t use from the network. 

Step 2: If you have to use all the devices, prioritize them: disconnect the less useful ones when you’re doing important tasks. 

Option: Upgrade your router to have a more efficient bandwidth capacity.

Fix 3: Check and correct network interferences

Follow these instructions to establish a stable internet connection: 

Step 1: Position your router as close to your workplace as possible. 

Step 2: Turn off and disconnect devices that may interfere with the signal. A variety of gadgets, including smart speakers, baby monitors, Bluetooth devices, and—yes—microwave ovens, can affect the internet connection.

Step 3: Take out any objects that disrupt the signal. 

Step 4: Try switching your router to the 2.4 GHz frequency if you work far away. This frequency allows you to work with easier tasks such as social media communication, typing, or checking emails.

Step 5: Move closer to the router and choose the 5 GHz frequency if you want a stable internet connection to do complicated tasks like large uploads/downloads, video communication, and HD video streaming.

Hopefully, after these actions are implemented, you will stop wondering, “Why does my internet keep going out?”

Fix 4: Update your wireless card drivers

There are several things you should do to update your wireless card drivers.

Step 1: First, think of updating your wireless card drivers by reinstalling the software application.

Step 2: Go through Device Manager or the network card manufacturer’s official website to update. Follow our driver-updating guide to learn how to update device drivers on Windows. 

Please note that if your driver is already updated, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device before selecting Uninstall. When you restart your PC, Windows will try to reinstall the card driver.

It will install its generic wireless card driver by default if you completely uninstall the software app. After that, check your internet connection.

Fix 5: Fix DNS issues

To fix DNS issues, you must find a more stable default server. To achieve that, you should do the following: 

Step 1: Go through your PC’s network settings interface. Use our guide to change DNS servers on Windows 10/11. 

Step 2: Once your DNS settings are changed, check out if the internet disconnection problem is solved.

Fix 6: Run the built-in network troubleshooter

The default network troubleshooter is a tool that automatically checks your system’s network infrastructure. If there’s a problem, it tries to fix it. If it can’t solve the problem, the tool will tell you that.

So, the answer to the question, “Why did my internet go out?” can be engaging the default network troubleshooter. First, you must open the Troubleshoot page. Please follow the guidelines on how to do it:

• For Windows 11: Open Settings, scroll down under System, and click Troubleshoot.

• For Windows 10: Open Settings, click Update & security, and select Troubleshoot in the left sidebar.

Then run the program and allow it to search for problems and try to fix them. 

Fix 7: Reset your computer’s network

Do you still experience frequent internet disconnection? The reason can be the settings you applied that don’t work for your setup. For example, the Wi-Fi profiles can work incorrectly.

You can reset your PC’s network to its default mode to solve the problem.

Resetting your computer’s network is a big deal. It means that Windows uninstalls your network adapters and removes their settings. It will restart your desktop or laptop, reinstall the adapters, and apply their default settings.

Fix 8: Reconfigure your Wi-Fi profile

Your wireless device profile can be the reason you ask, “Why does my Wi-Fi keep going out?” To solve the problem, you should delete the existing Wi-Fi profile and create a new one.

Let’s follow these simple guidelines: 

Step 1: Go to Settings.

Step 2: Click Network & internet and select Wi-Fi.

Step 3: Click Manage known networks.

Step 4: Select Forget beside the saved network or click the network and tap Forget. After that, you can check your internet connection again.

Fix 9: Scan your PC for malware

Malicious applications can kill your internet connection. Luckily, there are ways to fix this issue and get rid of viruses and other malware. Let’s learn how to do it:

Step 1: Run a malware check to find and eliminate the poisonous stuff. There can be various ways to scan using antivirus software, but we strongly recommend the full scan option.

Step 2: You can also launch the Virus & threat protection tool in Windows Security. Again, you will need a full scan. Launch the Start menu, type “Virus,” then select Virus & threat protection in the search result. Then click Protection updates. 

Your Windows software will check it and download the necessary updates. Then, launch the full scan of your computer; the process may take quite a while. After the job is done, we recommend changing your router’s password. 

Fix 10: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

Your browser can also be a reason for the unstable connection. In this case, it can be helpful to clear your cache and cookies, as too many of them may slow down the internet connection. 

Find the corresponding menu button and initiate the process, depending on your browser. For example, in Google Chrome, just click the menu in the upper right side. You should choose Delete browsing data. 

The best practice is to clear all browsing history. This will remove your browsing and download history, cached files and images, and cookies. After that, close your browser and restart your PC.

Fix 11: Remove the recent Windows update

Sometimes, the latest Windows 10 or 11 version may not find a common language with your wireless card’s drivers, even if everything is updated. This can be a reason for the internet going in and out, too. This means that your PC’s updates can actually harm your internet connection. What if you update your Windows and still get the problem? You can remove the update because it could have affected the network’s performance.

Follow these steps to solve the issue:

• Launch Control Panel by typing “Control” in the Start menu and selecting the Control Panel result.
• Go to the Programs section and click Uninstall a program.
• Switch to the left sidebar of the Programs and Features window and select the View installed updates link.
• Check out installed updates.

On Windows 10, your update history will appear in Programs and Features. Just choose the update you want to remove and click Uninstall.

On Windows 11, you’ll be redirected to the Windows Update > Uninstall updates page in Settings. Click Uninstall beside the Windows update you want to remove.

Fix 12: Сonsider changing your ISP provider

If this problem is still on the table, consider changing your ISP contract to check if the existing one includes a throttling policy.

Let’s see what you can do:

Step 1: Do your marketing research. You can upgrade your internet plan or even find another ISP with better conditions, like higher speed caps. 

Step 2: If you are going to use a new ISP, please consider other factors, such as customer service, contract conditions, and pricing. Don’t just look at the internet connection speed alone; there can be other important things, so take a comprehensive approach.

How to Prevent Your Internet from Going In and Out Again

Let’s now see what can be done to enjoy a seamless working process and avoid any potential internet disconnection troubles. So you will hopefully leave the question, “Why did my internet go out?” in the past!

Tip 1: Use Auslogics BoostSpeed

Auslogics BoostSpeed is an advanced system optimization utility. It will help you keep your PC running fine, getting rid of junk or temporary files.

The tool also comes with another useful feature: the Internet Optimizer utility, which boosts your network speed. 

Here’s how you can use it: 

• To open the Internet Optimizer, launch BoostSpeed, then use the arrow key beside the right side of the last tab to slide the tabs, and click All Tools.
• Scroll through the All Tools tab and click Internet Optimizer under Internet & Browser Tools.

There are two options: Auto Optimization and Manual Optimization tools to fine-tune your online connection. The difference is that you can let the system fix things and optimize your connection, like in auto mode, or tweak network infrastructure components by yourself using manual mode.

If you choose the Auto Optimization option, click Check my actual Internet connection speed. Press OK, and you will get to the Speedtest website. Follow the on-screen recommendations.

As you now check your network speed, click the Analyze button to test your network infrastructure’s parameters. This option will detail the parameters’ current and recommended values. Click the Optimize button to boost your internet speed.

However, we strongly recommend you to stick with the Auto Optimization tool, as it will provide a balanced configuration without getting deep inside.

Tip 2: Choose high-speed internet plans

Sometimes, you can just choose another internet plan that offers a higher-speed solution simply because frequent disconnections can be caused by the slower connection you currently use.

Check out our tips on how to choose a more efficient internet plan: 

1. For simultaneously using one or two devices, look for plans with up to 25 Mbps.
2. If you plan to use three to five devices simultaneously, choose plans with up to 100 Mbps.
3. If you are a heavy user with five or more devices linked to the network, look for a plan that offers speeds up to 200 Mbps.

Choosing a more efficient internet plan can stop you from asking, “Why does my internet keep going in and out?”

Tip 3: Regularly update devices

You should regularly update devices with new software versions, as it would provide better performance and a more stable internet connection.

Please regularly check your devices for software updates to avoid security issues, poor performance, or even system crashes.

Why Does My Internet Keep Going Out: Explained

Like it was mentioned in the intro, the internet can be lost all of a sudden, and it will cause a bunch of problems. Using our recommendations, you can avoid all these troubles.

There are different solutions to different internet connection problems. Follow our tips and hints properly and enjoy your life without asking, “Why is my internet going in and out?”

FAQ