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August 11th, 2023 23:14
Network adapter restart constantly needed
Inspiron 5515
I have an Inspiron 5515 that's past the warranty expiration of January 2023. For some unknown reason, my network adapter keeps losing all of the networks that are available (meaning when I look at the available networks, the list is empty and it says there are no networks found), and through trial and error I found that if I go to Windows 11 troubleshooting and click "Restart the Wi-Fi network adapter" button, that temporarily fixes the problem (sometimes for 5 minutes, sometimes for 24 hours) and I'm back online. This always works but it doesn't stay working. I'm at a loss for what to do next.
My network adapter is a "Qualcomm QCA61x4A 802.11ac Wireless Adapter" showing date 5/19/21 and version 12.0.0.1118.
Here's what I've done to try to fix the problem:
- System > Windows update: already up to date
- System Restore: nothing to use before 4 months ago (April 2023), and when I tried to go there my computer wouldn't start, so I had to go back to my current setup
- Device Manager > Network Adapters > Qualcomm QCA61x4A > right-click to update driver: already up to date
- Device Manager > Network Adapters > Qualcomm QCA61x4A > right-click to disable driver, the right-click to enable it: that gets me back connected, but it goes out again
- Device Manager > Network Adapters > Qualcomm QCA61x4A > right-click on Properties > Driver tab > Update Driver: already up to date
- Device Manager > Network Adapters > Qualcomm QCA61x4A > right-click on Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver: rebooted then still had the problem with the previous version of the driver, then I located and downloaded a new copy of the current driver and installed that, then rebooted and still had the problem
- Used the Dell drivers & downloads page to analyze my system and update the Qualcomm driver. The version is still 12.0.0.1118.
Anyone have an idea? I don't even know if this is hardware or software, though a software reboot of the adapter always temporarily works.
AdrianG001
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August 24th, 2023 10:13
If your Dell laptop's network adapter is constantly requiring a restart, it can be a frustrating issue that affects your internet connectivity. This could be due to various reasons, ranging from software conflicts to hardware problems. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue:
Update Network Drivers: Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity problems. Visit Dell's official support website, enter your laptop's model, and download the latest network drivers for your operating system. Install them and see if the issue improves.
Restart the Adapter Manually:
Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates, as updates can include fixes for network-related issues.
Power Management Settings:
Network Troubleshooter:
Disable Fast Startup:
Background Applications: Certain background applications can interfere with network connectivity. Make sure no VPNs, firewalls, or other network-related software is causing conflicts.
Antivirus/Firewall: Check your antivirus or firewall settings. Sometimes, overly aggressive security settings can block network communication.
Check Other Devices: If possible, check if other devices on the same network are experiencing similar issues. If they are, the problem might be with the network itself, not your laptop.
Network Reset:
Windows Network Reset:
netsh winsock resetand press Enter.netsh int ip resetand press Enter.Contact Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it's advisable to contact Dell's customer support for further assistance. They might be able to provide specific solutions or arrange repairs if needed.
Remember to create a backup of your important data before making significant changes to your system settings or drivers.
AlekaiDon
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September 30th, 2023 16:55
I have had this exact problem for 2 years now and cannot find a single solution for it that works. I can get the driver to work again sometimes by disabling and reenabling, but it's becoming more frequent now.
It used to be only if I locked my laptop or put it to sleep for a minute or two before coming back then finding I had no wifi (here the issue was "device had a problem starting"), but now it is doing it randomly when in use too.
I absolutely hate this driver and laptop. so unreliable but no solutions.
@dell what is going on. SORT IT OUT
similar issues with Dell laptops and this driver here:
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/problems-with-wifi-and-sleep-mode-on-windows-11.4717/
https://www.tenforums.com/network-sharing/162060-qualcomm-qca61x4a-randomly-loses-wi-fi.html
(edited)
WCRP
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1 Message
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December 21st, 2023 06:57
Hi, I'm still having similar issue.
I have followed all the suggested methods short of contacting customer support but none of it works, but I still lose my wifi at pretty random timeframe and need to restart network adapter to get back online.
lbdellbeck
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1 Message
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February 2nd, 2024 14:15
So horribly frustrating. I have to do a network adapter reset any time the laptop has been shut down. It started this week with it dropping the internet every few seconds. Great when you are trying to do a Zoom meeting and work from home. Now it seems to keep the internet as long as the computer doesn't actually shut down. Looks like this is a long-standing issue that no one is able to resolve. I just ordered a new desktop from Dell the day before this started happening that should be here on Monday. Now I am worried about the quality of Dell these days.
Mrstremond
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May 1st, 2024 21:25
I have the same problem ALL the time.
It's actually a miracle when I stay connected to wifi for more than 20 min! E V E R Y single day!
I manage to connect back only when I restart the adapter, but often the connection lasts only 5 or 10 min and then disappears again! It's EXTREMELY frustrating!
Couple of friends of mine have DELL and they all are having the same problem!
I'm extremely disappointed by DELL and my laptop performance, I have always persisted to be a PC user before, but after all my experience with this pretty expensive DELL laptop I have decided that I will change to MAC....
gabrielhopkins
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1 Message
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May 4th, 2024 20:28
@Mrstremond Happening to me to on one of the kid's Inspirons which have caused me nothing but problems.
(edited)
alessandro.veras
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July 16th, 2024 16:12
I have the same issue here for my Dell G5 using the same NIC adapter.
alessandro.veras
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July 16th, 2024 16:13
What's your router? Is it a TP-LINK router? In my case, it seems some incompatibility with the AP. It's working ok with the Starlink Router in my case.
namrose14
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1 Message
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July 23rd, 2024 14:28
I have been having this issues for a month or so now. It is worse when I need to use a phone hotspot. Seems like dell needs to come up with a patch driver or something to work with the existing driver. Since updates are clearly not fixing the issue.
babbsela
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2 Posts
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August 28th, 2024 16:24
I'm having the same issue on my Dell XPS 8940 desktop. I have to reconnect every 5-10 minutes. No problem with any other device so it's not a router issue. Have done all the steps listed plus a dns flush.
Erin GB
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4 Posts
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September 1st, 2024 09:08
Same problem. Dell Precision M4800. Win 10 Pro ( No TPM 2 so cannot upgrade to Win11 without a workaround) Every 5-10 minutes It disconnects, requiring a reset of Network Adaptor (Network Connections, disable, enable, connect to WiFi) Not a router problem as everything else works. I read this is a common Dell problem, probably not with the network adaptor, but with the MB, but I'm not buying a $25 network adaptor card to find out.
Deal breaker. Time for another brand. (No TPM 2.0 so I need a new one anyway, just not a DELL)
"It's not you, it's me. No, actually, it IS you."
RonyCarr
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December 18th, 2024 19:38
Tuve un problema similar con el reinicio constante de la conexión de red Wifi. La solución fue cambiar de router a uno con Wifi6. El problema se resolvió de inmediato sin necesidad de hacer cambios técnicos. Unicamente tuve que actualizar los drivers y actualizar mi router.
Yealand57
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August 28th, 2025 10:11
I also have this problem, on my XPS 15 9570, but it has only started since I upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11. For years previously I had no problem. I hope that between them Dell and MS find a fix soon. I can used a wired connection if necessary, but that would restrict my location.
Sushieater
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21 Posts
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September 25th, 2025 17:24
I have the same problem but I am directly connected to the TP-link router. Laptop is G16 and it started a few months ago after some Windows 11 update. If while I am out I switch to WIFI everything is working. But wifi is of coarse slower.
Bruce-Dell Laptop
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September 25th, 2025 18:47
I have been having the same experience for months now. I have gone through Dell tech support, installed driver updates, uninstalled and reinstalled my Googl Chrome browser, all to no avail. The only thing that works is to restart the wifi network adapter. I am still searching for solutions.