Wi-Fi not working?

Here are fixes to the most common connection issues


Although we now enjoy much faster internet speeds and improved Wi-Fi reliability in comparison to years past, Wi-Fi technology isn’t perfect. Here are some common problems you might encounter while using Wi-Fi and how you can fix them.

Slow internet speed

If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, try plugging your laptop directly into your router with an Ethernet cable. Then, test your internet connection speed using a site like speedtest.net. If the test shows slow internet speeds, then the problem is most likely with your internet service provider rather than your router. In this case, you should reach out to them for help.

If that’s not the problem, other devices or nearby networks could be overcrowding the wireless channel you’re currently using. You can fix this by changing your router’s channel through the router’s settings. This varies among brands, so it’s best to check your router’s manual or online FAQs.

If you still encounter slow internet speeds, try resetting your router to its factory settings. Most Wi-Fi routers have a reset button that can be held down with a paperclip. Press the button for 30 seconds and your router should return to its default settings. Configure your router, and check if your internet speed improves.

If all else fails and your internet is okay when plugged in, your router might have irreparable hardware issues. In this case, it may be time to invest in a new one.

Some devices can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network

If your devices are having trouble connecting to the Wi-Fi network, try restarting them. If that doesn’t work, you can also try resetting your Wi-Fi router.

If the steps above don’t solve the problem, you can try deleting the network from your devices. To do this on an iOS or an Android device, simply click on the Wi-Fi network name and then hit “Forget This Network.” You’ll have to find the network again on your devices and enter the password just like when you first set them up. This step should allow the rest of your devices to connect to your Wi-Fi.

Random connection drops

Wi-Fi connections that drop whenever you use the microwave are a common issue. It’s caused by routers having trouble with the 2.5 GHz frequency or from using an old microwave with shielding problems.

Connection drops can also be caused by interference from other networks or devices. For example, your neighbor’s router could be interfering with your signal, resulting in dropped connections. Changing your router’s channel to one that is less congested can help resolve this problem.

You can connect to the Wi-Fi network but there’s no internet

If your devices can connect to the Wi-Fi network but can’t access the internet, try unplugging the router for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. If there’s still no internet, connect your laptop directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.

If you can access the internet through a direct connection, your router might have some hardware issues. If you still can’t access the internet even if you’re directly connected to the router, it could be an internet outage. It’s best to get in touch with your internet provider to fix this issue.

If you need help troubleshooting your Wi-Fi router, give our experts a call today.

This entry was posted in General Articles C, Hardware and tagged 2022December12Hardware_C, Internet connection, office Wi-Fi, router, Wi-Fi fixes, Wi-Fi issues, Wi-Fi speed. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.

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Speed up Windows Update

Are your Windows 10 updates taking too long? Here’s what you need to do

By EDITOR | Published: FEBRUARY 8, 2021

Windows 10 users are well aware that installing updates can take a long time. We hear users complaining about it all the time. Why are Windows 10 updates so slow, and what can users do to speed things up? Here’s our take.

Windows 10 updates take a while to complete because Microsoft is constantly adding larger files and features to the operating system. The biggest updates, released in the spring and fall of every year, take upwards of four hours to install if there are no unexpected glitches. The process takes even longer if you have a fragmented or nearly full hard drive.

In addition to the large files and numerous features included in Windows 10 updates, internet speed can significantly affect installation times. This is especially true if your office network is overburdened by multiple people downloading the update at the same time.

However, if you still experience slow speed even when there aren’t simultaneous downloads, then it’s likely that there is a problem that is preventing the installation from running smoothly.

When you experience slow updates, try the following:

1. Free up storage space and defragment your hard drive

Windows 10 updates often take up a lot of hard drive space, so you need to make room for them to speed up the installation. This means deleting old files and uninstalling software you no longer need.

You’ll also want to defragment your hard drive, a process that organizes how data is stored on your hard drive so it can create, open, and save files faster. Defragmenting a drive is as easy as pressing the Windows button and typing Defragment and Optimize Drives. From there, just select the hard drive, click Analyze, and if the drive is more than 10% fragmented, press Optimize.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If faulty software components are causing installation problems, Windows Update Troubleshooter may be able to fix the issue and decrease download and install times. Simply press the Windows button and type Troubleshoot Settings. That will open a new window with an option for Windows Update.

3. Disable startup software

Before your update begins, you should also disable third-party applications that might cause disruptions. To do this, press and hold Ctrl + Shift + Escape to access the Task Manager. In the window that opens, click the tab labeled Startup. This will show you all the apps that have permission to open themselves when you log in to Windows 10. Right-click any apps that aren’t important and select Disable (don’t disable Microsoft tasks) to speed up the update installation process.

4. Optimize your network

Sometimes, a faster connection is all you need. Consider upgrading to a fiber optic connection or purchasing more bandwidth from your internet service provider. It’s also a good idea to use bandwidth management tools to make sure sufficient network resources are reserved for things like Windows 10 updates, rather than bandwidth hogs like Microsoft Teams or YouTube.

5. Schedule updates for low-traffic periods

Massive updates with long installation times are unavoidable sometimes. So instead of installing them during the day, schedule them for after hours when your computers and office network aren’t in use. Go to Settings > Update & Security and specify when you prefer updates to be installed.

If you need help with any of the tips above, we’re always here to help. Call us today to meet with our Windows specialists!

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Microsoft pulls support for popular operating systems: How to save your company

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You’re choosing to leave your company doors wide open to attacks, ransom, and more unless you update your operating systems. This is not a drill.



Our previous newsletter talked over the basics of the EOL, or End of Life, that Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 are coming to. To recap; come January these operating systems are not supported. What does that mean? That hackers have written code and are prepared to launch it come the day of EOL and there’s nothing Microsoft will do about it. That means that these new strains of viruses, ransomware and keyloggers are one push of a button away from stopping your business dead in its tracks. Microsoft have given us all plenty of warning about this date, and it is fast approaching.

This is one of the best times to consider moving yourself towards the Cloud. Not only will the integration will be easy and cost efficient, but by moving to cloud your Operating System is always kept up to date, but will be on the latest version as well. You’ll never have to worry about upgrading again!

Click here to get started on your free Online Assessment on your Windows 7 or Windows 2008 Server

Will it still be safe to use Windows 7?

The constant evolution of computer viruses and other malware means security updates play a pivotal role in protecting a business’s data. Newly identified vulnerabilities will not be patched by Microsoft. Therefore, businesses that choose to continue running Windows 7 beyond this point will be doing so at their own risk. Leaving themselves vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

What’s the best route to change?

Implementing positive change can be expensive and time-consuming. To ensure your business experiences an efficient and cost-effective migration to Windows 10, you must understand your options: replace legacy systems with new devices that run Windows 10 or upgrade existing devices with a full version of the software.

Replacing legacy systems

According to Microsoft: “For most Windows 7 users, moving to a new device with Windows 10 will be the recommended path forward. Today’s PCs are faster, lightweight, yet powerful and more secure, with an average price that’s considerably less than that of the average PC eight years ago.”

Upgrading existing devices

Alternatively, it’s possible to upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs by installing a version of the Windows 10 software. This may be the most cost-effective option in the short-term. However, it’s worth noting that PCs older than four years often cost more to maintain than a new Windows device.

How to implement your migration project

Avoid a situation where you need service or support that’s no longer available, by carefully planning your business’s migration to Windows 10. Having decided whether to replace or upgrade existing devices, it’s time to devise your implementation strategy.

Common issues to avoid during the migration

Avoid compatibility issues — evaluate the compatibility of Windows 10 with your business’s applications — these might include accounting, HR, CRM, and ERP. Despite being the most compatible version of Windows ever, take the time to coordinate with your application vendors to confirm their compatibility and avoid disruption further down the line. Applications that need upgrading should be tested separately prior to the upgrade to minimize user impact.

Avoid post migration issues — mitigate against potential post migration issues by implementing a strategic plan for each application. Adopting a proactive approach to your Windows 10 migration will help ensure a smooth user experience.

Avoid integration issues — some applications may require integration setup — this might include Outlook and CRM integration on the client PCs, browser add-ins and Office application plugins. To prevent any disruption, setup processes should be tested when upgrading to Windows 10.

Unsupported applications — although some applications may not be supported by Windows 10, this does not rule out an upgrade. For example, a legacy application can be replaced with a new Cloud-based solution.

Taking the time to implement your business’s migration to Windows 10 in a considered and well-planned manner will ensure a smooth transition for users and reduce risk.

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How to Make an IT Disaster Recovery Plan

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How to Make an IT Disaster Recovery Plan

Today it is nearly impossible to do business without modern technology. It has become ingrained in every industry, from how work orders are created, to how projects are managed. With this reliance on technology though comes the danger of jeopardizing your business in the event of an IT disaster. How do you combat this danger? By creating an IT disaster recovery plan.

Create a List of Possible Threats

Before you can begin to plan how to get through an IT disaster, sit down and write out a list of possible threats. Start with very realistic threats and work your way out to less common scenarios. For your IT disaster recovery plan, focus on those scenarios that are a threat to your IT infrastructure. These sort of threats are everything from cyber attacks, to system failures, to even floods. You will likely see some overlap in the types of threats you imagine, but create a long list regardless. It pays to be thorough.

Plan Reactions to These Threats

Now that you’ve got your list of threats to your IT infrastructure, go through each scenario and plan how you and your business would react. What steps would you need to take to stop the threat if possible? How would you recover any lost data? What role would certain employees need to play? How would you continue business as usual with customers, if possible?

As you plan these reactions you can begin to narrow threats down into similar categories with similar solutions. If a fire and a flood both have the same steps to recovery, combine the plans.

Take Necessary Steps to Prepare for These Threats

When running through your plan to react to these IT threats, you have probably noticed a few gaps in your own IT infrastructure. For example, if you have no data backup system in place, you’ve probably realized how out of luck you would be if you lost of your data due to a system failure. Make a plan to take the necessary steps now to make your IT disaster recovery as painless as possible. The more time you put into preparing for disaster, the less it will cost you when the time comes.

Brief Employees

Preparing your IT recovery strategy will involve the cooperation of many moving parts – employees included. You should not only work with key employees in developing your plan, but you also need to brief everyone on what steps to take in each given scenario. The sales team should know how to continue business, customer service should know how to work with affected customers, and of course, IT personnel should know what role they play in the recovery plan.

Run Drills

How will you know your recovery plan works? Run a few drills to look for missing pieces of the plan and to ensure every employee knows their part. Practicing getting through these “disasters” will be both team building and educational.

IT Disaster Recovery Plan

You don’t have to go this road alone! An IT partner can be a lifesaver in the event of a disaster. Work with an IT provider to create back-ups of your business data, set up an off-site server, and put a plan in place for data recovery. Not only are IT providers a great help with day to day functions, but they can set you up to survive anything on your list of possible disasters.

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Why Your Backups Should be Stored Off-Site

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Why Your Backups Should be Stored Off-Site

Modern businesses live and function in the virtual world, so losing data can be like losing the core of your company. Most owners know they should have backups of their files. What many don’t realize though, is that to be truly secure, your backup should not be kept in the same location that your business operates. Most of the scenarios that cause data loss could easily wipe out both your primary storage and backup if they are both in the same location. To truly know your business data is safe, off-site storage is essential.

Natural Disasters

You may have flood, fire, and tornado insurance, but what would happen to all of your irreplaceable business data in the event of a natural disaster? Your server in the next room, unfortunately, would not be immune should a force of nature destroy your company’s computers. Having an off-site data back-up, ideally at least 20 miles away, would allow you to pick up and continue operations much more quickly than starting from scratch. With natural extremes like hurricanes and floods increasing each year, keeping data back-ups in another location is a no-brainer.

Man-Made Problems

Modern businesses must be prepared for disasters caused by other humans, including terrorist attacks. If an attack happens, the one and only priority should be getting personnel to a safe place. Remove the worry of losing valuable digital information by already having an off-site backup in place.

Another man-made problem that many business owners don’t like to think about is the possibility of sabotage. It might be difficult to imagine one of your valued employees becoming disgruntled, but unfortunately, intentional data destruction does happen. Having an off-site backup would keep a vindictive employee from permanently causing damage to your business.

How to Set Up Off-Site Backups

With cloud technology, off-site data back-ups are fairly easy to set up. The majority of cloud providers offer automatic back-ups that they keep on their servers, away from your office. Automatic back-ups are highly recommended, as it takes human error and simply forgetting to update out of the equation.

At the bare minimum, your back-ups should be stored in a different building. Ideally, keep them far enough away that something like a terrorist attack or tornado wouldn’t affect both you and the back-up location. Don’t neglect the security of something as invaluable as your business’s digital files.

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