---
title: "Slow internet connection and interruptions: updating operating system and advanced Wi-Fi settings"
description: "A **slow** internet connection or **interruptions** are often related to the personal device of the user or a nearby user causing interference. ### Your device - your maximum speed Your own device (both hardware and software) mainly determines the capabilities…"
url: "https://www.studentinternet.eu/en/docs/english/troubleshooting/slow-internet-connection-and-interruptions-updating-operating-system-and-advanced-wi-fi-settings/"
updated: "2025-10-01"
category: Troubleshooting
---

# Slow internet connection and interruptions: updating operating system and advanced Wi-Fi settings

A **slow** internet connection or **interruptions** are often related to the personal device of the user or a nearby user causing interference.

### Your device - your maximum speed

Your own device (both hardware and software) mainly determines the capabilities and thus also the speed of your Wi-Fi. Most devices have settings for home use which is not always ideal. Furthermore you also need to apply **all** updates and the latest device drivers for your device. By doing so, you already can resolve some wifi issues.

***Minimum specifications for your device:***

- 2.4Ghz **and** 5Ghz
- 802.11bgn:2x2, 802.11an:2x2, 802.11ac:1x1

***Recommended specifications for your device:***

- 2.4Ghz **and** 5Ghz
- 802.11bgn:2x2, 802.11an:2x2, 802.11ac:2x2

When your device does not meet the minimum requirements (visible through a Wifi link of max 65Mbps or 72Mbps), we recommend to only buy one of the validated USB Wifi Adapter:

- ***[ASUS USB-AC53](https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/adapters/all-series/usb-ac53-nano/)** WiFi Adapter (WiFi 5)*
- *[**ASUS USB-AX55**](https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/adapters/all-series/usb-ax55-nano/) WiFi Adapter (WiFi 6, **recommended**)*
- [***ASUS USB-BE92***](https://www.asus.com/networking-iot-servers/adapters/all-series/usb-be92-nano) *WiFi Adapter (WiFi 7, **recommended**)*

### Power Savings - Screen Off

To save battery, some devices disable the wireless connection when locking/turning off the screen. In case your device regularly loses its wireless connection after a locked/unlock sequence, make sure your device is connected to either one of the following wireless networks: **SMARTEYE-Secure** or **eduroam**

Above wireless networks allow your device to automatically re-connect in the background without you requiring to enter a username and password every time. Android, Windows and MacOS allow you to keep the wireless being connected, even if your screen is turned off.

- **Android:** keep wifi on during sleep android
- **Windows:** energy settings => high performance + keep wireless adapter enabled
- **MacOS:** Energy Saver => Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off + Enable Power Nap

### Updating Device Drivers

Make sure your operating system is the latest version of the **manufacturer** (so not of Microsoft!)[https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/intel-driver-support-assistant.html](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/intel-driver-support-assistant.html)

*The video below explains how you can check this for a Windows device.*

[How to Update Wireless Drivers](https://www.youtube.com/embed/IntCvfD2OP0?feature=oembed)

### Advanced Wi-Fi settings

**Step 1**

First make sure that Windows is set for maximum performance/maximum speed: [Wireless Power Saving in Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/928152)

**Step 2**

It is also important to check the advanced settings of your Wi-Fi adapter. These can be found via the configuration panel/device manager/network adapters.***The most important settings summed up:***

- *afterburner*: disabled
- *association roam preference*: enable
- *u-apsd support*: disable
- *roaming decision*: optimize bandwidth
- *roam tendency*: aggressive
- *minimum power consumption*: disable
- *maximum transmission power*: 100% (maximum throughput)
- *band preference*: 5Ghz
- *HT mode*: enable
- *AP Compatibility Mode*: higher performance
- *WMM/WME*: enable
- *Bluetooth collaboration*: enable

*The options and names can vary depending on your Wi-Fi supplier.*

Switching off your ***Bluetooth adapter*** can also help if you do not need it.