The Surface Pro 7 is the latest 2-in-1 detachable computer developed by Microsoft and released last year. It’s a powerful system that makes use of Intel’s 10th generation processors allowing it to handle almost any task. Although this is a solid performing device some owners have been experiencing issues with its Wi-Fi. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Surface Pro 7 slow Wi-Fi on windows 10 issue.
What to do when you experience the Surface Pro 7 slow Wi-Fi bug
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem. You should also make sure that the problem is not caused by the modem/ router or the ISP and that other devices connected to the wireless network are not experiencing the same issue.
This problem usually occurs after the device wakes up from sleep despite everything working fine before it enters standby mode. The culprit is most likely caused by Intel’s AX201 driver version 21.40.1.3.
Update the network adapter drivers
Since the problem can be caused by the network adapter driver then you should try to check if an updated driver is available and if there is you should try to install it.
- Right-click the Start and select Device Manager.
- Navigate to Network adapters and expand this section.
- Right-click your network device (Intel AX201)
- Select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software, and then follow the instructions.
Try checking if the Surface Pro 7 slow connection issue still occurs.
If there are no new drivers available then you can perform the following temporary fix.
- Right click the Start button
- Click on Device Manager
- Click on Network Adapters
- Right-click Intel AX201
- Click on Properties
- Click on Advanced
- Select MIMO power save mode
- Choose No SMPS
Once this is done proceed with the following.
- Click on the Start button
- Click on Settings
- Click on System
- Click on Power & Sleep
- Make sure When my PC is asleep and on battery power disconnect from network is set to always.
If the issue still persists then proceed with the additional troubleshooting steps listed below.
Use the Network Troubleshooter tool
The Network Troubleshooter tool can help find and fix common connectivity issues which is why it’s best to try using this tool.
- Select the Start button > Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
- Under Change your network settings, select Network troubleshooter.
- Follow the steps in the troubleshooter, and see if that fixes the problem.
Try to check if the Surface Pro 7 slow Wi-Fi issue still occurs.
Reset the TCP/IP stack
The TCP/IP stack is a set of protocols that helps connect your Surface device to the internet. Resetting these protocols will help solve any connectivity problems that you are experiencing.
- Type Command Prompt on the search bar then right click on the command prompt app that appears then choose Run as Administrator.
- Enter the following lines and press Enter after each one
- Type netsh winsock reset and select Enter.
- Type netsh int ip reset and select Enter.
- Type ipconfig /release and select Enter.
- Type ipconfig /renew and select Enter.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and select Enter.
- Close the command prompt windows.
Try to check if the slow internet issue still occurs.
Roll back the network drivers
If this problem occurred right after installing a new update to your network drivers then you should try getting back the old drivers.
- In the search box on the taskbar, type Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results.
- Expand Network adapters, and locate the network adapter for your device.
- Select the network adapter, and then select Properties.
- In Properties, select the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver, and then follow the steps.
- If the Roll Back Driver appears dimmed, that means there’s no driver to roll back to
- After rolling back the drivers restart the computer.
Try checking if the issue still occurs.
Uninstall the network adapter driver then restart
When you uninstall the network adapter driver then restart the Surface Pro 7. Windows will automatically search for the correct driver and install it.
- In the search box on the taskbar, type Device Manager, and then select Device Manager from the list of results.
- Expand Network adapters, and locate the network adapter for your device.
- Select the network adapter, and then select Uninstall device > then Delete the driver software for this device check box > Uninstall.
- Restart the computer
Windows will search for the correct network driver installer then install it. Check if the issue still occurs.
Install the latest firmware
A newer firmware version usually improves the performance of your device which is why you will need to make sure that your Surface computer has the latest firmware version installed.
- Check what is the current OS Build of your Windows version by going to Settings > System > About.
- Go to Download driver and firmware for Surface, choose Surface Pro 7 then click Download on the next page.
- Choose the .msi file that matches your current OS Build and click Next.
- After downloading, run and install the .msi then Restart.
Check if the slow Wi-Fi connection issue still occurs.
Change the channel setting
Changing the channel setting will usually improve your connection speed especially if there are a lot of devices connected to the router.
- Go to Search, type Control, and open the Control Panel.
- Open Network and Internet and then Network and Sharing Center.
- Choose Change adapter settings.
- Right-click the network adapter and open Properties.
- Click Configure.
- Under the Advanced tab, scroll to WZC IBSS Number Channel.
- From the right drop-down menu, choose channels 1, 6, or 11 and Confirm changes.
Try checking if the internet problem still occurs.
Turn off the firewall
Sometimes the firewall can interfere with your internet connection. To check if this is the culprit you should temporarily turn this off.
- In the search box on the taskbar, type Command prompt. The Command Prompt button will appear. To the right of it, select Run as administrator > Yes.
- At the command prompt, type netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state off, and then select Enter.
Check if the SurfacePro 7 Wi-Fi speed issue still occurs.
Turn off the antivirus
Sometimes antivirus or malware-prevention software can cause connectivity problems. You can see if the connection issue is caused by antivirus and malware-prevention software by turning it off temporarily.
If you are using Windows Security
- Select Start – Settings > Update & Security – Windows Security – Virus & threat protection > Manage settings
- Switch Real-time protection to Off.
If you are using Avast
- Search for the Avast icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Avast shields control.
- Locate the options to disable the program – the options are to disable it for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.
If you are using AVG
- Search for the AVG icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Temporarily disable AVG protection.
- Choose how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too.
- Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.
If you are using McAfee
- Search for the McAfee Antivirus icon in your computer’s system tray and right-click on it.
- Click on Exit.
- You should see a dialog box warning you that McAfee‘s protection will be turned off. Click on Yes in this dialog box to disable the antivirus program
Check if the connection speed improves.