Some Surface Users Facing WiFi Connection Issues Following Firmware Update

Microsoft often releases firmware update for Surface devices, but a recent update has caused some problems for some users. Reports of users having problems with their WiFi connection on some Surface devices appeared online, although Microsoft is yet to acknowledge the issue.

A recent firmware update released on July 31/August 1 for Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller has resulted in some users having a problem connecting to 5Ghz WiFi networks. The firmware update, ironically, is meant to improve WiFi connectivity. But as it turns out, it’s broken things for some users instead.

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A user on Reddit explained:

“I updated the wifi driver to “Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17013.110”, and after that update, I can’t connect to a 5GHz wifi connection, I can only connect to 2.4 GHz. when i try to connect to the 5GHz, it says: “Unable to connect to this network”. Uninstalling the wifi driver, and restarting the device did help me get the 5GHz connection back to my Surface book, but when i decided to try to install the same driver again, and try to connect to 5GHz again, the same “Unable to connect to this network” appears. Does anyone have this issue?”

There are other users reporting similar issues on the Reddit thread, and there are similar reports on Microsoft Answers and the Feedback Hub, as Windows Latest first reported.

It’s not clear exactly how widespread the problem is, or if it’s affecting all the devices with the new firmware installed. Reports claimed that the first-gen Surface Laptop, Surface Book, and the 5th gen Surface Pro are affected. But Microsoft has released the same update for Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Book 2, and the Surface Pro 4.

Microsoft is yet to acknowledge the problem, so we aren’t entirely sure if a fix is on its way. But the current workaround for the problem is to simply downgrade the driver for the Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller to an older version via Device Manager.

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Conversation 4 comments

  • tbtalbot

    Premium Member
    07 August, 2019 - 8:06 am

    <p>Interesting. I have noticed my first gen Surface Book seems mysteriously unconnected to Wifi and that it takes two attempts to get back on (whilst not liking 5GHz). So that's what has been going on. My Surface Pro (5) seems fine. I think this behavior developed a several days ago. Thanks for this news.</p>

  • wright_is

    Premium Member
    07 August, 2019 - 8:59 am

    <p>It is a strange week for Wi-Fi. Our Kindles and Fires stopped connecting (2.4 &amp; 5Ghz) and on Friday my Mate 10 Pro stopped connecting. All needed a couple of reboots (Mate 10 Pro x 1, Kindles x 4, Fire x 3) before they would find the network again (multiple routers/networks)</p>

  • kevineddy

    07 August, 2019 - 2:04 pm

    <p>We've experienced a significant number of random wireless disconnects on 5G networks since moving to Windows 10, with no known reason. There's no apparent connection between feature update versions, patching levels, or specific hardware. Is it just us?</p>

  • 02nz

    08 August, 2019 - 12:42 am

    <p>I’ve used the Surface 3, 4, and 6. All had Marvell WiFi chips, and all were flaky. I’m not getting another Surface device until they get a different Wi-Fi chip.</p>

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