Fixing Computer Crashes When Connecting to the Internet

2024/02/05

Key Notes

Check for Windows Updates to ensure bug fixes are applied.
Power cycle the router to refresh the network connection.
Use the Device Manager to manage network driver options effectively.

How to Resolve Computer Crashes When Connecting to the Internet

Experiencing crashes when your computer connects to the internet can be disruptive. Understanding and addressing the underlying causes is crucial to ensure stability and functionality. This guide provides actionable steps to troubleshoot and resolve connectivity issues related to WiFi, ultimately enhancing your computer’s performance.

Effective Solutions for Computer Crashes

Step 1: Power Cycle Your Router

To start, perform a power cycle on your router to rejuvenate the connection. Here’s how:

Turn off your WiFi router.
Unplug the power adapter from the electrical outlet.
Wait for a minimum of five minutes.
Reconnect the power adapter and turn on the router.

Pro Tip: This process helps clear any temporary settings that may cause connectivity issues.

Step 2: Roll Back Your Network Driver

If your recent network driver update caused crashes, consider rolling back to the previous version:

Access the Device Manager.
Expand the Network adapters section.
Right-click your network driver and select Properties.
Navigate to the Driver tab.
If available, click the Roll Back Driver option and adhere to the instructions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to restart your computer to apply the changes.

Step 3: Reinstall or Update Your Network Driver

In cases where the roll back isn’t an option, simply reinstall or update your network driver:

Right-click on your network driver in the Device Manager and choose Uninstall Device. Then restart your computer. It will automatically reinstall the driver. Alternatively, visit your manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver version.

Step 4: Install Another Version of Your Network Driver

If issues persist, you might want to install a different version of your driver:

Open Device Manager.
Right-click on your Network driver and select Update Driver.
Choose Browse my computer for drivers.
Select Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
Check Show compatible hardware.
Choose an alternative version from the list, then click Next to install.

Creating a System Restore Point beforehand is advisable to revert back if needed.

Step 5: Uninstall Recent Windows Update

If the crashes began following a Windows Update, uninstall it by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates.

Step 6: Run Network Reset

Consider executing a Network Reset, which will erase all network adapters and reset networking components:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset and follow the prompts.

Pro Tip: Note that this will remove all stored network configurations like VPN.

Step 7: Restore Your System

If all else fails, performing a System Restore to a previous point might be necessary:

Select a restore point from before the issues started appearing via Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.

Step 8: Perform an In-place Upgrade

Should your problems not resolve, an In-place Upgrade could help:

This method reinstalls Windows without data loss. Ensure you back up essential files before proceeding.

Additional Tips

Always keep your operating system updated for optimal performance.
Run a full virus scan to rule out malware interference.
Consider using a wired connection if WiFi issues persist for better stability.

Summary

This guide outlines comprehensive methods to address computer crashes when connecting to the internet via WiFi. By following these steps—from power cycling your router to performing a system restore—you can regain stability in your internet connectivity. Always ensure your network drivers and Windows OS are kept up to date to minimize issues.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting WiFi-related crashes can be daunting, but armed with the right steps, you can effectively identify and solve the issues. Implement these strategies to enhance your computer’s reliability as you connect to the internet, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why does my laptop freeze when connected to Wi-Fi?

Laptops may freeze due to various reasons, including corrupted network drivers. Updating these drivers can potentially remedy the issue. Additionally, your WiFi card may also be a factor affecting performance.

Why does my Wi-Fi keep turning off in Windows 10?

If your WiFi keeps disconnecting on Windows 10, it could be due to issues with your network driver or your WiFi router’s functionality. Consider updating the driver and checking router settings.