Question:

How to fix a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection on an old laptop with an Intel Wireless AC 9560 160MHZ adapter?

I have a six-year-old laptop from a polish manufacturer called “Dream Machines” that has an Intel Wireless AC 9560 160MHZ adapter. The adapter settings have not been changed. The laptop fell off the table recently, but it seemed to work fine afterwards. However, when I opened the lid to check for any damage and clean it up, a screw fell under the adapter and I had to remove it. I disconnected the two wires from the adapter, unscrewed it, and took it out to get the screw. Then I put everything back as it was.

Since then, the Wi-Fi connection has been very slow and unstable. The adapter can only detect one or two networks around me, whereas before it could see up to 20. The internet speed dropped from about 80mb/s to 0.6mb/s. The connection sometimes gets slightly faster over time, but not much. Occasionally, the adapter fails to connect to the router and says the password is wrong, even though I enter the same password every time.

I have tried various methods to fix the problem, such as:

• Restarting the system several times
• Disabling and re-enabling the driver, and checking for updates
• Doing a network reset from Windows 11 settings and using ipconfig/netsh commands
• Improving the connection of the adapter cables
• Re-slotting the adapter
• Switching the positions of the adapter cables
• Switching and re-slotting the adapter “caps”
• Holding down the power button for 3 minutes without the battery or the power cable

None of these worked. The internet speed is still too slow. I think the problem is either with the connectivity of the cables and the adapter caps, which seem very loose and poorly designed, or with the adapter itself, which might have been damaged by the fall. However, I am not sure why the adapter still works at all, even if poorly.

I

have attached an image of the adapter and the cables, which I found on Google images. It looks very similar to the one in my laptop. Can you please help me solve this issue? Thank you.

Answer:

If you are experiencing a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection on your old laptop, you might have a problem with your Wi-Fi adapter or its cables. In this article, we will explain how to diagnose and fix this issue, using an example of a laptop with an Intel Wireless AC 9560 160MHZ adapter.

What causes a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection?

A slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Interference from other devices or networks
• Obstacles or distance between your laptop and the router
• Outdated or corrupted drivers or firmware
• Incorrect or incompatible settings or configurations
• Hardware damage or malfunction

In this case, we will focus on the last factor, as the user suspects that the Wi-Fi adapter or its cables might have been damaged by a fall or by removing and reinserting them.

How to diagnose a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection?

To diagnose a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection, you can try the following steps:

1. Check the status of your Wi-Fi adapter and its cables. Look for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, bends, loose connections, or corrosion. If you see any, you might need to replace the adapter or the cables.
2. Test your Wi-Fi connection on another device or network. If the problem persists, it might be an issue with your router or your internet service provider. If the problem is resolved, it might be an issue with your laptop or your Wi-Fi adapter.
3. Run a network troubleshooter or a speed test on your laptop. This can help you identify any errors or issues with your Wi-Fi connection, such as low signal strength, poor quality, or slow speed. You can also compare the results with the specifications of your Wi-Fi adapter, such as the supported frequency, bandwidth, and data rate.
4. Update or reinstall your Wi-Fi adapter driver. Sometimes, a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection can be caused by an outdated or corrupted driver. You can check for updates from the device manager or the manufacturer’s website. You can also uninstall and reinstall the driver to fix any potential errors or conflicts.
5. Reset your network settings or your Wi-Fi adapter. Sometimes, a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection can be caused by incorrect or incompatible settings or configurations. You can reset your network settings from Windows 11 settings or by using ipconfig/netsh commands. You can also reset your Wi-Fi adapter by disabling and re-enabling it from the device manager or by using a physical switch or button on your laptop.

If none of these steps work, you might have a faulty or incompatible Wi-Fi adapter. You might need to replace it with a new one or use an external Wi-Fi adapter instead.

How to fix a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection?

To fix a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection, you can try the following solutions:

• Replace your Wi-Fi adapter or its cables. If you have confirmed that your Wi-Fi adapter or its cables are damaged or malfunctioning, you can replace them with new ones. You can either buy the same model or a compatible one from the manufacturer or a third-party seller. You can also consult a professional technician or a repair service if you are not comfortable with replacing them yourself.
• Use an external Wi-Fi adapter. If you cannot replace your Wi-Fi adapter or its cables, or if you want to improve your Wi-Fi performance, you can use an external Wi-Fi adapter instead. This is a device that plugs into your laptop’s USB port and provides a wireless connection. You can choose an external Wi-Fi adapter that supports a higher frequency, bandwidth, or data rate than your internal one. You can also choose one that has a better antenna or a longer range.
• Optimize your Wi-Fi environment. If you have fixed your Wi-Fi adapter or its cables, or if you have switched to an external Wi-Fi adapter, you can still optimize your Wi-Fi environment to ensure a fast and stable connection. You can do this by:
• Moving your laptop closer to your router or vice versa
• Reducing the number of devices or networks that use the same frequency or channel as your Wi-Fi connection
• Removing or avoiding any obstacles or sources of interference that might block or weaken your Wi-Fi signal
• Changing your Wi-Fi settings or configurations to match your router’s or your internet service provider’s

By following these steps and solutions, you should be able to fix a slow and unstable Wi-Fi connection on your old laptop with an Intel Wireless AC 9560 160MHZ adapter. If you still have any questions or issues, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer support or a professional technician for further assistance.