Experiencing intermittent internet connectivity on Windows 10 and 11, where the connection only stabilizes after a system restart, can be both frustrating and disruptive. This issue often points to underlying system configurations or hardware interactions that require attention. In this article, we'll explore potential causes and provide step-by-step solutions to restore a stable internet connection without the need for frequent restarts.

Understanding the Issue

Users have reported that their internet connection becomes functional only after rebooting their Windows 10 or 11 systems. This behavior suggests that certain system processes or configurations may not be initializing correctly during startup, leading to connectivity problems until a manual restart occurs.

Potential Causes

Several factors can contribute to this connectivity issue:

  • Network Adapter Power Management Settings: Windows may disable network adapters to conserve power, which can interfere with connectivity.
  • Outdated or Corrupted Network Drivers: Drivers that are outdated or have become corrupted can disrupt network functionality.
  • Hibernation Settings: The hibernation feature might cause network adapters to remain in a powered-down state, affecting their ability to connect.
  • Network Configuration Issues: Misconfigured network settings or corrupted system files can prevent proper network initialization.

Step-by-Step Solutions

To address these issues, consider the following steps:

1. Adjust Network Adapter Power Management Settings

Prevent Windows from turning off your network adapter to save power:

  1. Press INLINECODE0 and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters and right-click your network adapter.
  3. Choose Properties and navigate to the Power Management tab.
  4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  5. Click OK to apply the changes.
This adjustment ensures that your network adapter remains active, potentially resolving connectivity issues related to power-saving features.

2. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can impede network functionality:

  1. Open Device Manager as described above.
  2. Right-click your network adapter under Network adapters and select Uninstall device.
  3. Restart your computer; Windows will attempt to reinstall the default drivers.
  4. Alternatively, visit your device manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers.
Keeping drivers up to date can resolve issues stemming from outdated or corrupted network drivers.

3. Disable Hibernation

Hibernation can prevent network adapters from initializing correctly:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type INLINECODE1 and press Enter.
Disabling hibernation ensures that your system performs a full shutdown, allowing network adapters to initialize properly.

4. Reset Network Configuration

Resetting network settings can resolve configuration issues:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

``INLINECODE2 ``

These commands reset network configurations and clear cached data, which can resolve connectivity issues.

5. Perform a Network Reset

If previous steps don't resolve the issue, consider resetting all network settings:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Click on Status and select Network reset.
  3. Click Reset now and confirm.
This process reinstalls network adapters and resets configurations to default settings.

Conclusion

Intermittent internet connectivity on Windows 10 and 11 systems, particularly when access is restored only after a restart, can often be attributed to power management settings, driver issues, or network configuration problems. By systematically applying the solutions outlined above, users can address these issues and restore a stable internet connection without the need for frequent restarts.

For more detailed guidance, refer to Microsoft's official support pages on Fixing Ethernet connection problems in Windows and Fixing Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows.