‘Hidden’ computer setting could improve your WiFi connection in seconds

If your computer feels like it struggles to connect to the internet, there is something you can change in your settings that might help – and most don’t know about it

Computers have many functions, but most of us use them to connect to the Internet for various tasks, such as browsing, shopping, or playing games. But what do you do when your internet connection feels sluggish, or if your computer keeps disconnecting from your WiFi without warning?

Issues with WiFi are common, but according to one PC specialist, there is a simple way to improve the connection between your computer and your WiFi. What’s more, you don’t need to spend ages rebooting your WiFi box to get it to work, as all you have to do is change one thing in your PC’s settings.

In a video shared on TikTok by RTC Tutorials, there is a simple command you can enter on your keyboard that will let you change something in your settings to keep your WiFi connected. The trick will only work on a Windows PC and not on a Mac or a computer running another operating system, such as Linux.

All you need to do is press the Windows key and the X key on your keyboard. This should bring up a list of options, and you should click on the one titled “Device Manager”.

The management screen should show you all the components of your PC, including your disk drives, any monitors you have plugged in, and your keyboards and mice.

One section should be labelled “Network adapters”, and this is the one that you need to expand so you can see the options underneath it. You should be able to see a list of adapters, one of which will be your WiFi.

Right-click on the correct adapter, and then select “properties” from the list that appears. A new box will appear, and you then need to go to the “power management” tab at the top.

This screen should have a couple of boxes you can tick. If the option that reads “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” is ticked, untick it.

This will stop your PC from disconnecting from your WiFi router and should help improve your connection overall.

Once you’re done, hit “OK” and close all of the applications you have open.

Commenters on the post thanked the expert for the tip, as they had been having WiFi issues themselves. Others, however, urged people to use a wired Ethernet connection if possible, as this is usually more stable.

One person said: “Very grateful to you thank you for sharing and posting.”

Another added: “Ethernet does exist. I don’t know if there’s any extra steps to set it up, but from what I know it’s just better.”

Tips to speed up your Internet

1. Restart your router and modem: Unplug both devices for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. This can clear temporary issues and refresh your connection.
2. Check your internet speed: Use a speed-checking website to see if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for. If not, contact your provider.
3. Limit connected devices: Too many devices using the internet at once can slow things down. Disconnect devices you’re not using.
4. Close unused apps and tabs: Background apps and open browser tabs can use up bandwidth. Close anything you don’t need.
5. Move closer to your router: Walls and distance can weaken Wi-Fi signals. Try to work closer to your router for a stronger connection.
6. Use a wired connection: Ethernet cables provide a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi.