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Resolved Question

How do I fix terrible wifi connectivity with windows 8.1?

Mar 23, 2015 3:24AM PDT

I have a fairly new HP laptop computer, 1 year old, came with windows 8, I upgraded to 8.1. WiFi is so weak I it kicks me off the internet frequently. The laptop is far away from the router and I have bought an expander to help. But my windows 7 computer has no issues, only the 8.1. Would it help to replace the network adapter? I see many people complaining about this issue. How do I fix it and why hasn't HP done something about it? the adapter is Qualcomm Atheros AR9485 series. I tried a USB linksys adapter, didn't help. what is the most recent driver for this card?

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crystalgail7 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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I use this
Mar 26, 2015 3:13PM PDT
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Thank you.
Mar 26, 2015 11:47PM PDT

Thank you for your response. I bought a Lynksys dual band range expander and plugged it in upstairs and now I have full signal strength in that room. Speed isn't all that great but at least it is not dropping the internet connection now. I also bought a USB network adapter and disabled the one in the laptop. So far everything is working good.

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Answer
Never found expanders to help.
Mar 23, 2015 3:27AM PDT

I use a router as a WAP to get access in the area farther away. I've use powerline networks on some occasion but never found it to be a Windows 8.1 issue.

The distance can be the killer here. Why not fix that with a WiFi access point in that area?

As to the Windows 7 machine, it may have a better antenna system. Since we can't change that, we fix up our network.
Bob

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amazing
Mar 27, 2015 8:14PM PDT

thank u for this link

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(NT) Thanks for the update. Nice to read successes.
Mar 27, 2015 11:15PM PDT