Laptop WiFi keeps disconnecting

[IAmTheNight21]

Problem

The wifi in my laptop keeps disconnecting after a few minutes of usage. By 'disconnecting', I mean that the current connection is shown as "Limited". If I try to reconnect it, the whole PC freezes, forcing me to manually restart via the power button. The wifi sometimes stays connected for hours, while at some other time it disconnects just after a couple of minutes after startup. The problem persists in multiple networks, even on my phone's tethered mobile data. However, other devices work flawlessly on the same network. Windows network diagnostics gives an error "Local Area Connection has no valid IP configuration".

What I've tried

1. Scanning the PC with ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes (no malware found).
2. Uninstalling and reinstalling the wifi driver (unsuccessful as PC froze during the installation)
3. Updating wifi drivers from Windows update (problem still persists)
4. Disabling other network adapters (worked fine for about 5 hours, then started disconnecting within minutes)
5. Using netsh and winsock commands to reset network (no luck again)
6. Disabled power saving in adapters

Specifications

HP Pavilion 15 p-045tx
Windows 8.1
Broadcom BCM43142 802.11 bgn WiFi adapter
Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller
TAP-Windows Adapter V9

I would prefer not to reset or refresh my PC or buy a new network adapter unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Marrobot]

Have you checked if the drivers are up to date?
If you're using a home network, have you try'd to restart your router? instructions to do that are usually included in the manual, but it's usually as simple as unplugging it for 10 seconds, plugging it back in and waiting until it's fully booted.
If the problem is still persisting after that, then the easiest fix is probably to just reset the pc. this has helped me get rid of many problems in the past, and usually speeds up the laptop too.

Hope this helps!
- Marrobot

 

[boosted1g]

Are you using the drivers that windows decided was "best" or did you go to HPs website and download your card's specific win 8 drivers?

WiFi is a very difficult variable because you have to figure out if it is a local (your computer) hardware problem or a signal problem.
If you take your laptop in the room with the router does it disconnect?

 

[IAmTheNight21]

Are you using the drivers that windows decided was "best" or did you go to HPs website and download your card's specific win 8 drivers?

WiFi is a very difficult variable because you have to figure out if it is a local (your computer) hardware problem or a signal problem.
If you take your laptop in the room with the router does it disconnect?

I'm using the drivers that are given in the HP website. Also, I've taken it in the room with the router, but the problem persists. I've also tried other wifi connections, but still same result.

 

[boosted1g]

Then you are going to need to get a better wifi adapter.

What you can do prior to that though is to power off the laptop, take the removable access panel off the bottom and make sure both antenna cables are properly attached to the card.

I cant find anything definitive on your laptop but for its era it SHOULD be using a mini pci-e style wifi card so an intel 7260 would be a good (and inexpensive) chip that is likely a good upgrade over stock chip (dual band wireless AC up to 866mbps + bluetooth):
https/www.amazon.com/Intel-7260-HMWG-R-Wireless-AC-Bluetooth-Mounting/dp/B00MV3N7UO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499961054&sr=8-2&keywords=intel+7265

 

[IAmTheNight21]

Then you are going to need to get a better wifi adapter.

What you can do prior to that though is to power off the laptop, take the removable access panel off the bottom and make sure both antenna cables are properly attached to the card.

I cant find anything definitive on your laptop but for its era it SHOULD be using a mini pci-e style wifi card so an intel 7260 would be a good (and inexpensive) chip that is likely a good upgrade over stock chip (dual band wireless AC up to 866mbps + bluetooth):
https/www.amazon.com/Intel-7260-HMWG-R-Wireless-AC-Bluetooth-Mounting/dp/B00MV3N7UO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499961054&sr=8-2&keywords=intel+7265

Thanks for the suggestion, but is there any chance that this may be a software issue that can be fixed by a system refresh?

 

[boosted1g]

If you want to try to reinstall windows then go ahead and try.

I give it a very optimistic 5% chance.

Outside of that, since you already tried the latest driver there is no software fix and you will need a new card.
I use the 7260 in a couple computers at home and for the $25 you cant go wrong with them.