Immediate Fix: Update Drivers via Device Manager
Microsoft Teams requires a stable, low-latency connection. If your calls are dropping, an outdated network adapter driver is the most likely culprit.
To resolve this immediately, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand the Network adapters section.
Locate your Wireless adapter (usually labeled Intel, Realtek, or Qualcomm). Right-click it and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest verified version.
| Driver Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Outdated (Yellow Mark) | Right-click > Update Driver immediately. |
| Up to Date | Roll back driver or check for hardware interference. |
| Disabled | Right-click > Enable device. |
Technical Explanation: Why Drivers Cause Teams Drops
Teams uses Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) for audio and video. Unlike standard web browsing, RTP is sensitive to “jitter” and packet loss caused by inefficient driver handling of WiFi handshakes.
Older drivers may struggle with modern 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) features or power-saving modes that temporarily put the wireless card to sleep. When the driver fails to wake up instantly, the Teams socket disconnects, resulting in a dropped call.
Updating the driver ensures the firmware correctly manages “Roaming Aggressiveness” and “MIMO Power Save Mode,” both of which are critical for sustained VoIP performance.
Alternative Methods: Command Line and Manufacturer Portals
If the Device Manager fails to find an update, you can manually verify your current driver version using the command line to compare it against the manufacturer’s website.
# Check your current WiFi driver version and details
netsh wlan show driversManufacturer Direct Updates
Windows Update often lags behind hardware manufacturers. For the most stable Teams experience, visit the Intel Driver & Support Assistant or the specific support page for your laptop (Dell, HP, Lenovo).
Download the “Wireless-AC” or “Wi-Fi 6” driver package directly. Run the executable as an administrator and restart your computer to apply the changes to the network stack.
Adjusting Power Settings
Sometimes the update isn’t enough. You may need to prevent Windows from turning off the device to save power. In Device Manager, right-click your adapter, go to Properties, then Power Management, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”