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Question

WiFi is connected, but it doesn't work

Aug 19, 2017 1:56AM PDT

Hello everyone,

My WiFi had a different problem before, but that somehow resolved itself for a while and I could connect to the internet, albeit not working from time to time.
https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/windows-was-unable-to-connect-to-network/
However, now my WiFi isn't working again, and this time it's a different problem. This time, it shows my WiFi is working - with full bars - and it actually does work for a bit. I turn on my desktop, open chrome, google loads, and then I'm unable to do anything after that.
Maybe my internet is working, but is extremely slow, and so it can't load anything, but I really just don't understand.
I know that ethernet works, so this problem can easily be solved by buying a powerline ethernet, but I don't have any money.
My network adapter is a TP-Link TL-WN821N.

If anyone knows how to fix this problem (or has any information on it), please tell me, because I am really desperate.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: WiFi
Aug 19, 2017 3:38AM PDT

The first thing to know is where to look at: the router, the signal or your computer.

So find a friend with a laptop, a smart phone or a tablet, and compare how WiFi behaves on that device compared with your device. If it's just as bad, it's not something on your PC. If it's far better, it's something in your PC. The next steps depend on the outcome of this simple diagnostic test.

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Only my computer doesn't work
Aug 19, 2017 8:05PM PDT

This is my family's WiFi, so everyone is on it, and my desktop is the only one that can't.

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Beyond the above.
Aug 19, 2017 10:46PM PDT

The adapter has failed, the router has a block on your PC or it's just too far from the router.

I'd try this wired next.

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Answer
Some basic details on a wifi connection
Aug 21, 2017 6:50AM PDT

The fact that the Wifi is displaying all the bars just means your PC is connected to the device from where your getting the internet like your Router or Modem. If the internet is inconsistent there seems to be an issue with either the router or modem. PC-> Router/modem-> Internet.

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Answer
Let's see your WEB SPECCY REPORT.
Aug 21, 2017 6:56AM PDT

Why? I'll look it over for apps that may interfere with your WiFi. Your details are missing as to distance and you will encounter adapters that show all bars but don't work along with blocks in the router.

Nothing like a client that calls for service and we find someone has parental controls in place and we undo and it works. Sometimes they want us to not charge because "you didn't really fix anything."

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Umm is this fine?
Aug 22, 2017 3:48AM PDT
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Speccy reading. Can't see any USB WiFi there. Unplugged?
Aug 22, 2017 5:49AM PDT

That helps since first reading doesn't show anything bad.

1. Can't see the WiFi device so can't check out much about that.
2. Try using a DNS like 8.8.8.8 and 4.2.2.1
Reference articles at https://www.google.com/search?q=why+you+should+use+a+dns

3. BIOS is current. Good since an older version noted USB issues.

4. Be sure your USB WiFi is not allowed to sleep. Read the usual at https://support.avg.com/answers?id=906b0000000D4d2AAC

-> This helped tell me the machine and what is in the Speccy looks OK. It doesn't mean the WiFi adapter is working or it's just a matter of too far to the router.

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Answer
Router distance
Sep 27, 2017 6:39AM PDT

Have you tried using your desktop near the router?if it works fine, then it's the distance of the wifi adapter. Otherwise, try using another adapter.