Wi-Fi Troubleshooting

The problem is almost certainly your device, not your router. Check for background downloads or updates, close unnecessary browser tabs, and make sure your Wi-Fi driver is current. On older laptops, the built-in Wi-Fi card may only support slower standards (802.11n vs 802.11ac/ax), which limits your speed regardless of your internet plan.

It means your device connected to the router and the connection is encrypted (that's the "secured" part), but the router can't reach the internet. This is usually an IP conflict or a DNS issue. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting, or run the Network reset from Settings. If every device on your network has the same problem, the issue is your router or ISP, not your computer.

Use 5 GHz when you're close to the router – it's faster and less crowded. Use 2.4 GHz when you're far away or have walls between you and the router – it has better range but slower speeds and more interference from other devices. If your router supports it, a single SSID with band steering handles this automatically.

Microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices all use the 2.4 GHz band. If your Wi-Fi drops when someone uses the microwave, that's your answer. Switch to 5 GHz or move the router away from these devices. You can also check for competing networks on the same channel using your OS's Wi-Fi diagnostics tools.

Disconnections are usually a signal problem (too far from the router, interference) or a power management issue. On Windows, open Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter under Network adapters, right-click it, go to Properties > Power Management, and uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power. On Mac, check that your network is set to auto-join in System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details.