How to Fix Wi-Fi Stops Working on Windows When an External Monitor Is Connected

Quick Tips

• The issue may be due to Windows’ strict power management.
• Your PC’s drivers could be outdated, too, which might result in these issues.

Basic Fixes:

• Check Monitor Cable: Bad connection cables can cause your Wi-Fi to stop working when an external monitor is connected on Windows. Therefore, it’s important to double-check that the cable isn’t causing the issue. You can also try using a different kind of cable. For instance, HDMI cables are better than VGA cables.
• Restart Wi-Fi Router: Before tweaking your Windows settings, you can also try restarting your Wi-Fi Router. Simply power it off, wait for 15 seconds, and turn it back on. If that doesn’t do the trick, you can try the fixes below.

Fix 1: Run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter

If your Wi-Fi drops or breaks when an external screen is connected, several network problems may be responsible. Windows comes with a Network and Internet troubleshooter that scans the computer for network problems and fixes them or gives suggestions to help you fix them. You should run this troubleshooter using the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app. Next, select System from the left sidebar and choose Troubleshoot from the right pane.

Step 2: Select Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Click the Run button for the ‘Network and Internet‘ troubleshooter.

Step 4: Follow any recommendations to complete the process.

Fix 2: Update Network Adapter and Display Adapter Drivers

Drivers serve as an important link between hardware and software. Outdated drivers may trigger compatibility issues between your computer and the network adapter. These issues may disrupt the Wi-Fi connection when you connect a second monitor. You will need to update your network adapters and display drivers using the steps below to get the latest bug fixes for known issues.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu on the Taskbar and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand the Network adapters category, right-click on your Wi-Fi driver, and select Update driver.

Step 3: Click ‘Search automatically for drivers.’

Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the process, then repeat the update steps, but this time for the Display adapter.

Fix 3: Update the Settings for Network Adapter Power Management

To conserve power, your network adapter may enter power-saving mode, which triggers Wi-Fi disconnection when an external monitor is connected. This best workaround is ensuring your computer does not turn off the adapter to save power.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu on the Taskbar and select Device Manager from the Power User menu.

Step 2: Expand the Network adapters category, right-click on your Wi-Fi driver, and select Properties.

Step 3: Click the Power Management tab, uncheck ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power,’ and click OK.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings

If bad or corrupted network settings cause the Wi-Fi connection problem, resetting the settings to default will fix the issue. However, that means you’ll have to enter all the network details and adjust relevant settings again.

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app. Navigate to Network & internet > Advanced network settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and click Network reset on the right pane.

Step 3: Click the Reset now button.

After resetting your network settings, restart your computer and enter the network details again.