Wi-Fi connectivity is an ongoing problem on Windows 10. Although it works the majority of the time, after a new major release there are always users reporting issues trying to connect, slow speeds, and losing networking settings.
In the case of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (version 1709), some people have been complaining about Wi-Fi disconnecting every time they restart their device.
Although there could be a lot of factors to consider when it comes to troubleshoot a wireless connection, in this particular case, it appears that the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter is what’s causing the problem.
In this guide, you’ll learn the step to disable the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter on your Windows 10 device until there is a permanent solution through Windows Update, or your network adapter manufacturer releases a driver update.
How to fix Wi-Fi constantly disconnecting problem
If you’re losing Wi-Fi connectivity after upgrading to the Fall Creators Update, you can try this workaround:
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Right-click the Start button, and select Device Manager.
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Click on View from the file menu.
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Select Show hidden devices.
Show hidden items on Device Manager -
Expand Network adapters.
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Right-click Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter, and select Disable.
DIsable Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter -
Restart computer.
Once you’ve completed the steps, your computer should no longer stop losing wireless connectivity every time you restart.
This workaround should work in most cases with older devices that are not fully compatible with the Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter. The only caveat is that disabling the virtual adapter will also disable the mobile hotspot feature built-in Windows 10.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].