Wi-Fi drops: first checks

Reference only. Follow your organization's IT policies and change process. Each step links its official vendor source.

Windows

1. Physical / environment: Signal strength? Does it drop in one place or everywhere? Other devices affected?
2. Local config: Note adapter, IP and DNS while connected, and again after a drop. ipconfig /all Compare the two outputs. A changing gateway or lost address points to the Wi-Fi link or DHCP. source
3. Network: Run a long ping to the gateway during a drop. ping -t <default gateway> Request timed out during drops = wireless link. Stable replies = look upstream. source
4. Vendor guide: Microsoft's Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps source

Mac

1. Built-in check: Wireless Diagnostics analyzes the connection and saves a report in /var/tmp for IT. source
2. Vendor guide: Apple: Wi-Fi internet troubleshooting source

ChromeOS

1. Vendor guide: Google: Fix Chromebook connection problems source

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