My PC Wi-Fi randomly works and then stops working. Sometimes it connects normally and receives a 192.168.0.x IP address from my router, but other times it receives a 169.254.x.x address or no IPv4 address at all, resulting in no internet connection.

From what I understand, the 169.254.x.x address means Windows is failing to receive a proper IP address from the router through DHCP. The Wi-Fi itself still shows as connected with a strong signal, but the PC sometimes does not receive a valid IPv4 address or default gateway.

Other devices, including my phone, connect to the same Wi-Fi without any problems. My PC also works normally when connected to my phone's hotspot.

PC specifications

• OS: Windows 11 Home, Version 25H2
• OS Build: 26200.9168
• CPU: Intel Core i5-10400F @ 2.90 GHz
• RAM: 32 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, 6 GB
• Wi-Fi adapter: Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 160MHz
• System type: 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Symptoms / errors

When working normally:

IPv4 Address: 192.168.0.xxx Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1 

When the problem occurs:

IPv4 Address: 169.254.x.x Default Gateway: blank 

Sometimes the Wi-Fi remains connected but Windows does not receive any IPv4 address.

Troubleshooting already tried

• Disabled "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"
• Reset Winsock using netsh winsock reset
• Reset TCP/IP using netsh int ip reset
• Used ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew
• Flushed DNS
• Reset Windows network settings
• Forgot and reconnected to the Wi-Fi
• Restarted the PC multiple times
• Restarted and factory reset the router
• Tried manually assigning an IP address
• Tested connectivity to 192.168.0.1 and 8.8.8.8
• Checked the Intel AX201 adapter in Device Manager

The issue is intermittent. Sometimes ipconfig /renew successfully gives me a 192.168.0.x address, but later it can return to a 169.254.x.x address or have no IPv4 address after restarting.

Could this be caused by the Intel AX201 driver, Windows 11, DHCP/router settings, or failing Wi-Fi hardware? What would you recommend trying next?