Network card remains asleep and disconnected after computer wakes
Windows Power Management puts the PCIe network interface card (NIC) into D3hot power state during sleep, but the device driver fails to restore D0 operating state upon wake.
Internal desktop parts run on harmless 12V DC voltage and cannot shock you. Simply unplug the wall power cable first, then touch the unpainted metal case frame to ground static electricity.
Common Symptoms & Tells
- Internet works perfectly on cold boot, but stays disconnected every time the PC wakes from sleep
- Network icon shows a red X or globe for 60 seconds after waking
- Requires disabling and re-enabling the network adapter in Control Panel to restore connection
Interactive Fix Checklist
0 of 4 steps completedDisable Fast Startup in Windows Control Panel
Press Win + R, type 'powercfg.cpl', click 'Choose what the power buttons do', click 'Change settings that are currently unavailable', uncheck 'Turn on fast startup', and click Save changes.
Disable selective suspend and adapter sleep settings
In Device Manager, open Network adapters > Right-click NIC > Properties > Advanced tab > Disable 'Energy Efficient Ethernet', 'Green Ethernet', and 'System Idle Power Saver'.
Turn off Energy-Saving Ethernet in Device Power Management
In the same Properties window, open the 'Power Management' tab and uncheck 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'.
Install OEM driver package over generic Windows Update driver
Windows Update provides basic generic Microsoft-packaged drivers that lack proper PCIe D-state power transition firmware. Download the full driver installer from Realtek or Intel.
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