5 Fixes if WiFi Is Disabled by External Monitor on Windows

Although adding a second monitor to your computer can increase productivity, however, it can also lead to various issues such as the external Monitor disabling WiFi. This problem is quite common among Windows users and it poses a serious threat to productivity. This guide, however, will offer some steps to fix this issue.

The most common reason for this error is that you’re using an outdated PC that can’t support using Wi-Fi and the monitor at the same time. This happens because most wireless adapters are not designed to handle the power requirements of a monitor, and when you plug in an external monitor, your Wi-Fi signal is likely going to drop significantly.

There are several ways to resolve this error and we recommend trying out these quick fixes first before going over to our more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

• Close any programs that might be interfering with the WIFI connection and remove any additional hardware devices.
• Ensure that your Windows operating system is running on the latest update.
• Use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router.

If the above steps do not work, try out the fixes outlined below.

1. Update your Network driver

It’s possible that the error is happening as a result of incompatible network drivers. Your PC usually installs new monitor drivers if you attach an external monitor to it, so it is possible that your network driver and these new drivers are incompatible, which could result in conflicts and WiFi issues. Easily fix this error by updating your network drivers.

1. Click the Windows key to bring up the Search bar, type Device Manager in the text field, and select the relevant option.
   
2. Locate your Network adapter, right-click on it, and choose Update driver.
   
3. Next, pick Search automatically for drivers.
   
4. Finally, try to reconnect your external monitor once more and see if the error persists.

2. Carry out connection troubleshooters

Automated tools known as connection troubleshooters can assist you in locating and resolving typical issues with the network connections on your computer. Running the network adapter troubleshooter might assist to pinpoint the issue and offer fixes if an external display is preventing your WiFi from working.

2.1 Run the Network adapter troubleshooter

1. Click the Windows button and choose Settings.
   
2. Navigate to the System tab on the left pane, and select Troubleshoot on the right.
   
3. Choose Other troubleshooters.
   
4. Locate the Network Adapter option and click the Run button next to it.
   

2.2 Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter

1. Click the Windows button and choose Settings.
   
2. Navigate to the System tab on the left pane, and select Troubleshoot on the right.
   
3. Select Other troubleshooters.
   
4. Look for the Internet connections option and click the Run button next to it.
   
5. Follow any other on-screen instructions to complete the process and check if the external Monitor is still disabling WiFi.

3. Modify the Network adapter power management settings

Sometimes a computer’s WiFi can be turned off by an external monitor because the network adapter’s power management settings allow the computer to disable the adapter while the laptop is not in use in order to conserve power. The PC can believe it is not in use when an external monitor is connected and turns off the network adapter.

You can fix this problem by tweaking the network adapter’s power management settings to stop the computer from turning it off. Follow the steps below to accomplish this.

1. Click the Windows key, type Device Manager in the text field, and select the relevant option.
   
2. Look for your Network adapter, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
   
3. Next, navigate to the Power Management tab, uncheck the box for Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and click OK.
   
   

4. Reinstall Network drivers

Reinstalling the network drivers can help fix the issue where the external display is preventing WiFi from working since it can update or replace the offending driver. Follow the steps below to learn how to do this.

1. Click the Windows key, type Device Manager in the text field, and select the relevant option.
   
2. Locate your Network adapter, right-click on it, and choose Uninstall device.
   
3. Finally, reboot your PC and your network drivers will automatically be reinstalled, then check if the external Monitor has stopped disabling WiFi.

5. Carry out a Network reset

A network reset is a diagnostic procedure that can help resolve a number of network issues, including the problem where an external monitor turns off WiFi. A network reset releases and renews the IP address, flushes the DNS cache and resets the TCP/IP stack. This can assist in resolving any errors or conflicts that might be the root of the issue.

1. Navigate to your computer Settings.
   
2. Go to Network & internet.
   
3. Next, choose Advanced network settings.
   
4. Now select Network reset.
   
5. Lastly, click the Reset now button.
   

Wrapping things up

We hope that we have been able to clarify this issue and provide you with some solutions to fix it. Even though this guide is specifically for Windows users, the solutions will also work with other operating systems as well.

As always, we welcome any comments you may have regarding this guide. Tell us in the comment section if the solutions worked for you or if you have any more questions.

Finally, if you continue to experience problems with your WIFI network, check out this article that talks about additional ways to fix Wi-Fi connection not working in Windows 11.