Unable to connect my Laptop to the new fast/high speed modem

Windows 8.1 by itself is not shown here as the cause. The more likely issue is that the new modem/router setup, Wi‑Fi band, router broadcast, adapter driver, or local network connection changed when the new equipment was installed.

Try this in order:

1. Restart the modem/router and laptop
   • Unplug the router power.
   • Unplug the modem power.
   • Wait at least 10–30 seconds.
   • Plug the modem back in and wait for the lights to stop blinking.
   • Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes until it is fully ready.
   • Restart the laptop and try connecting again.
2. Check whether the Wi‑Fi network name appears
   • If the new modem/router Wi‑Fi name does not appear, make sure the router is broadcasting the network name (SSID).
3. Move closer to the router
   • Signal strength and physical obstructions can affect connection quality.
   • Interference from devices such as microwave ovens or 2.4 GHz cordless phones can also affect Wi‑Fi.
4. Try the other Wi‑Fi band if both are available
   • Many routers broadcast separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
   • If both appear, try connecting to the other one.
5. Verify the password and network
   • Make sure the laptop is joining the correct Wi‑Fi network and that the password is correct.
6. Test with another device
   • Try connecting a phone or another PC to the same Wi‑Fi.
   • If other devices also fail, the problem is likely with the modem/router or ISP.
   • If other devices connect but the laptop does not, the issue is likely on the laptop.
7. Try Ethernet if the laptop has a port
   • Connect the laptop directly to the router with an Ethernet cable.
   • Make sure the cable is plugged into an Ethernet port on the router, not the Internet port used between modem and router.
   • If one cable does not work, try another cable.
8. Check the wireless adapter in Device Manager
   • Open Device Manager.
   • Expand Network adapters.
   • If the wireless adapter is listed, open Properties and check whether there is an error.
   • If the adapter is disabled, enable it.
   • If needed, update the driver through Windows Update or install the latest driver from the laptop manufacturer.
   • If Windows does not detect the adapter at all, the driver may need to be installed manually.
9. Turn off Wi‑Fi adapter power saving
   • In Device Manager > Network adapters > right-click the Wi‑Fi adapter > Properties.
   • Open the Power Management tab.
   • Clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
10. Install Windows updates and restart

• Install available updates, then restart the laptop.

11. Use network reset only as a last step

• This should be tried only after the earlier steps do not help.

If the laptop connects to other networks but not to the new home modem/router, a router reset can resolve it in some cases. One documented case was fixed by factory-resetting the router and setting it up again. This changes router settings, so it should be done only if basic checks fail.

References:

• Get connected when setting up your Windows device | Microsoft Support
• [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-ethernet-connection-problems-in-windows#on-your-home-router)
• Why is my Internet connection so slow? | Microsoft Support
• [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-wi-fi-connection-issues-in-windows#general-troubleshooting)
• Laptop not connecting to specific Wi-Fi network - Microsoft Q&A