Early Surface Pro 3 users struggle with wireless network

A week after the Surface Pro 3 went on sale to the public, some early buyers are grumbling about poor performance on advanced Wi-Fi networks using the 802.11ac standard.

A reader tipped me this week with an email detailing his reasons for returning the Surface Pro 3 he had just acquired, thanks to its inability to connect reliably to a recently installed 802.11ac router (aka Gigabit Ethernet, although that name is a bit misleading). He told me that a support tech had advised him the problem was related to a "defective driver" in a recent update.

That same reader shared his experiences in the replies to a Microsoft Community forum thread titled "Surface Pro 3 Slow WiFi - 72Mbps Max (driver)." Another commenter added, "So I got my [Surface Pro 3] yesterday and it was blazing fast on wifi. I did all the new updates and after doing so every web page was loading slow or timing out. I did some searching and there [are] a bunch of people with the exact same problem…"

Read more at: Early Surface Pro 3 users struggle with wireless networking glitches | ZDNet
 
Hi there.

I'm getting mine very shortly -- I have a decent CISCO commercial grade router at home so I'll see if there's any problems there - in any case these issues will be resolved shortly -- If I have any trouble with it I'll use the docking station with a USB==>LAN connector (This has got me out of trouble before on networks) or use one of those mini USB wi-fi adapters until the issue is fixed. At home I have a number of LAN outlets too in the places I'm likely to want to use a computer.

I'm sure this issue will be extremely quickly sorted out as while in normal course of events wi-fi wouldn't be of major concern to me I think it IS important of course on a MOBILE device -- otherwise it's a bit like getting a smart phone that's unable to make / receive calls.

What does as an old fashioned type Engineer concern me is do these people EVER do any serious QC these days before letting anything out of the door or are the supply chains so long and complex with all sorts of stuff being off shored all over the place that any form of serious "Classical QC" is impossible.

I'm still waiting for mine with bated breath !!

Cheers
jimbo
 

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In which case they can just roll the driver back to the old one. Or do a system restore to undo the updates.

These AC routers also require firmware updates so as to be compatible with many different devices.

Wireless AC can be tricky and isn't always compatible with older wireless N routers or visa versa with AC routers not always compatible with certain types of older N devices.
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
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    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
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    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
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    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
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    Asus D2 Xonar
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    HannsG
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    50mbps
I only have a g router. My SP3 had no issues on it. Got full 12 Mbps that we subscribe to.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
I don't have an 802.11ac router, so it's not really a big deal on my end. However, I do have a problem with waking up from Sleep Mode. Sometimes, when my SP3 does that, the Wireless Network Connection completely disappears, and I have to restart the computer to get it back. Guess that could be a problem with the driver as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64 and Windows XP Professional SP3 x32 (Dual Boot)
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ProBook 4540s
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-3110M @ 2.4 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
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    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    HGST 1TB 5400 RPM 2.5-inch Internal Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 4 TB External Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 2 TB External Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 640 GB External Hard Drive

    Toshiba 6
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 30.0
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Security Essentials 4.5.216.0
Hi there.

MINE'S ARRIVED -- no problem with wifi ac - getting much faster download than on my laptop !!! -- Now I'm getting the speed I'm paying for.

Absolutely LOVELY device -- Xmas is EARLY for me this year. After taking external backup I'm going to install W8.1 Enterprise with ISL on it -- I'm also going to see if my Windows to Go external system boots too. -- I need to mess around though with the protected boot but that's not a problem.

Ms have got an absolute winner here with this one -- hope I don't get mugged at the airport !!! - Fortunately I can look a bit like a professional "Street Fighter" if required.

Will post later on my experiences with the device.

Cheers
jimbo
 

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    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
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    PC/Desktop
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    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Merry Christmas Jimbo!!

Question though, why do you feel the need to mess with it?
 

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  • OS
    windows 8.1 Update 1 Pro 64bit
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    Pavillion H8-1202
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    I7-2600 @ 3.4 GHz
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    PEGATRON
    Memory
    8 GB
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    NIVDIA GeForce GT 520
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC656GR CODEC
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    Samsung SyncMaster S22B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920X1080 32 bit color
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 EVO SSD 500GB
    Keyboard
    Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2013
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
Hi there

I want to install W8 Enterprise on it as Clean install - I have the ISO - I don't like relying on the "Recovery Partition" or system - my experience of using those in the past has not been good -- a proper ISO with a decent proper image backup ALWAYS works just fine. I want also to kill protected boot so I can boot external USB's like Windows to go when needed.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
In the words of Josh F, from Surface support:

“Thanks for sharing your experiences. If I understand correctly, after your devices sleep for any amount of time the network and possibly the Bluetooth devices no longer appear in Device Manager and this results in no network connectivity, etc.

Your feedback, including suggested workarounds (successful or otherwise) has been shared. We are working to address this and will have an update available soon.”

Read more at: Surface Pro 3 WiFi Issues Confirmed By Microsoft | EyeonWindows

Glad to see that it's acknowledged by Microsoft. Surprising to see that this was a problem with early Surfaces that was eventually fixed, and is still an ongoing problem with the newest iteration. Luckily, I did manage to find a temporary fix. Instead of having to restart the Surface Pro 3, all I need to do is Scan for hardware changes in Device Manager, and the Wireless and Bluetooth connections return.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64 and Windows XP Professional SP3 x32 (Dual Boot)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ProBook 4540s
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-3110M @ 2.4 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    HGST 1TB 5400 RPM 2.5-inch Internal Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 4 TB External Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 2 TB External Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 640 GB External Hard Drive

    Toshiba 6
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 30.0
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Security Essentials 4.5.216.0
Now, I have had some experiences with limited WiFi on my Dell Venue 8 Pro and Surface Pro 3 at work. Usually after a period of no use. It looks like it's an issue. I thought it was just my work WiFi going down.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
Windows 8 and wifi

I'm gonna chime in on this one even though I don't have the Surface Pro 3.

I have an Asus Vivotab RT, Dell Venue Pro 8 and an Asus B121 tablet. The last 2 run the latest Windows 8.1 Pro while the Vivotab of course runs RT 8.1

My Vivotab had countless wifi problems since the onset. It has mainly been with those places where you have to agree to terms of service in a browser window before they allow you full access to the internet. The solution was to place the tablet in airplane mode and then enable the wifi. Go figure.

My Dell 8 I have not had as many problems but I have also used it the least.

My Asus B121 which I have only had about 2 months, just last week I was in a resturant trying to log into their wireless and having problems. Just a week before I had used it at the same restaurant with absolutetly no problems. There were some Windows updates during the week which I applied. The next time I went there it would NOT connect to the wireless at all. Refused. There was also an ATT Wifi hotspot there which I can use and it refused to connect to that one as well. Rebooted several times, placed in Airplane mode, nothing. Sometimes it showed the hotspots being there and the next minute they were not even on the list. I have since gone out to Asus webste and downloaded THEIR Windows 8 driver for the wifi adapter and have installed those drivers. Now it seems to connect okay.

Bottom line is, if you go out to any of the Windows 8 blogs, here or wherever, you'll see a plethora of posts about Windows 8 or 8.1 not wanting to connect to Wifi. More so than I have ever seen in any previous release of Windows. So, this has been a problem with Microsoft with Windows 8.

Just my two cents.
 

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    Windows 8.1
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    Tablet
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    Nokia Lumia 2520
    CPU
    Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800
    Memory
    2GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    10.1"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    32GB SSD
    Case
    Asus Case
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wedge Keyboard
    Mouse
    Bornd Bluetooth Mouse
    Browser
    IE 11
Hi there.

Those problems where you have to agree terms of service are the ISP - not Windows problems.

I can honestly say that I have had far less problems with Windows 8.1 than ANY other version of Windows including the often quoted excellence of Windows 7 and I've run W8.1 on a load of different hardware. Windows XP at launch was also a real dog to get working properly until at least SP2. SP3 made it a half way decent system but that was several YEARS after the initial release -- people have oh so short memories.

The main gripe I have for Windows 8.1 is that most people have to get updates etc from that wretched store rather than being able to install from an ISO - hence any re-installs say of Windows 8.1 update 1 means a lot of people have to recover their original W8 system and then go through the whole update stuff again.

MS PLEASE RELEASE ISO's - especially when updating to a significant changed release of the OS (W8==>W8.1 update 1). The current methodology via the store is HOPELESS - especially if you want or need to do a CLEAN re-install (and I'm sure anybody who knows even the tiniest smidgen about anything technical will have to agree). I'd LOCK all the people who designed this stupid system into a room - no food, no restrooms etc and give them a whole range of W8 computers with all sorts of various applications on them -- and get them to go through the COMPLETE re-install of Windows 8 from scratch, do the application update and get W8.1 update 1 working correctly -- they'll be SCREAMING for the ISOS at the end of the exercise (after rushing to the restrooms).

Enterprise users are fairly OK as they DO get ISOs but if you don't have access to that version of Windows -- tough luck as it seems even retail might be delivered in future as an .exe update file.

That said my Pro surface 3 is WORKING 100% OK -- no wifi probs at all even on a new ac protocol router.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

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  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
@jimbo: Did you do know that there are fairly simple workarounds so you can download (from Microsoft) a Win8.1 ISO with just your Win8 product key? For the typical user, it may seem complicated, but with the level of experience of users on a forum like this, it's not so bad. If you want more info, I'll elaborate.

On my desktop computer, I had originally upgraded from Win7 to Win8 using the $40 offer when Win8 was first released. This week I did my annual Windows re-install and used the Win8.1 ISO downloaded from Microsoft to install and only had my Win8 product key from the $40 upgrade. Windows 8.1 installed using my Windows 8 product key. Smooth as silk.

(Interesting feature of the forum software: Typing <W i n 7> remains Win7 in the post. Typing <W i n 8> gets auto-expanded to Windows 8 in the post.)
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    i3-3225
    Motherboard
    H77M-D3H (micro-ATX)
    Memory
    12GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    none (Intel HD4000 IGP)
    Sound Card
    mobo integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2312HM & Samsung 171N
    Screen Resolution
    1080x1920 (portrait) & 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Intel 520, 120GB SSD
    Kingston SNV425S2 64GB SSD
    WD WD10EARS 1GB HDD
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    Cooling
    Intel stock HSF
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    Logitech K260
    Mouse
    Logitech M210
    Internet Speed
    10Mbps/1Mbps DOCSIS
I can honestly say that I have had far less problems with Windows 8.1 than ANY other version of Windows including the often quoted excellence of Windows 7 and I've run W8.1 on a load of different hardware. Windows XP at launch was also a real dog to get working properly until at least SP2. SP3 made it a half way decent system but that was several YEARS after the initial release -- people have oh so short memories.

Actually, it's pretty much the opposite for me. With my home network, I have no problems connecting Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and other devices such as iPhones and whatnot. But, the odd part is when I upgraded the Windows 8 computer to 8.1, the Limited Network connectivity issues started happening on that as well. That problem is small since I just have to turn the laptop's wi-fi off then turn it back on, but it's surprising that it's ridiculously widespread. The problems users are having with it on the current set of Surface Pro 3s are pretty much worse, but maybe it's fixed in the i7? How did you get yours so early anyway? Was it through a company?
 

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  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 x64 and Windows XP Professional SP3 x32 (Dual Boot)
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    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
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    Intel Core i3-3110M @ 2.4 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    HGST 1TB 5400 RPM 2.5-inch Internal Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 4 TB External Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 2 TB External Hard Drive

    Western Digital My Book Essentials 640 GB External Hard Drive

    Toshiba 6
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox 30.0
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Security Essentials 4.5.216.0
Yeah, I forgot to mention my work requires access to accept terms through the browser. I believe this to be the primary issue as I don't have any at home.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
I agree. I have had two tablets with windows 8 and both have problems with wifi. Absolutely ridiculous


I'm gonna chime in on this one even though I don't have the Surface Pro 3.

I have an Asus Vivotab RT, Dell Venue Pro 8 and an Asus B121 tablet. The last 2 run the latest Windows 8.1 Pro while the Vivotab of course runs RT 8.1

My Vivotab had countless wifi problems since the onset. It has mainly been with those places where you have to agree to terms of service in a browser window before they allow you full access to the internet. The solution was to place the tablet in airplane mode and then enable the wifi. Go figure.

My Dell 8 I have not had as many problems but I have also used it the least.

My Asus B121 which I have only had about 2 months, just last week I was in a resturant trying to log into their wireless and having problems. Just a week before I had used it at the same restaurant with absolutetly no problems. There were some Windows updates during the week which I applied. The next time I went there it would NOT connect to the wireless at all. Refused. There was also an ATT Wifi hotspot there which I can use and it refused to connect to that one as well. Rebooted several times, placed in Airplane mode, nothing. Sometimes it showed the hotspots being there and the next minute they were not even on the list. I have since gone out to Asus webste and downloaded THEIR Windows 8 driver for the wifi adapter and have installed those drivers. Now it seems to connect okay.

Bottom line is, if you go out to any of the Windows 8 blogs, here or wherever, you'll see a plethora of posts about Windows 8 or 8.1 not wanting to connect to Wifi. More so than I have ever seen in any previous release of Windows. So, this has been a problem with Microsoft with Windows 8.

Just my two cents.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
Just updated. Not noticing any difference at work. I've never had a blue screen.

I think this is an isolated issue due to some types of routers, but no problems so far.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro 3, Dell Venue 8 Pro, i5 2500K overclocked PC
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4gb Surface Pro, 8gb PC
Surface Pro 3 July 2014 updates

The following updates will be listed as “System Firmware Update – 7/8/2014” within the Windows Update History.

:note: Note
When Surface updates are provided via the Windows Update service, they are delivered in stages to Surface customers. As a result, not every Surface will receive the update at the same time, but the update will be delivered to all devices. If you have not received the update, please manually check Windows Update later.


  • Surface Pro Embedded Controller Firmware (v.38.2.50.0) reducing power consumption, and enhancing system stability.
  • Surface Pro System Aggregator Firmware (v. 3.8.250.0) enhancing battery life, and increasing efficiency and reliability in low power states.
  • Surface Type Cover Firmware Update (v. 2.0.1021.0) improving trackpad reliability and system stability.
  • Surface Accessory Device (v. 2.0.1012.0) helping the on-screen keyboard (OSK) appear and disappear at the correct times.
  • Wireless Network Controller and Bluetooth (v. 15.68.3042.79) enhancing system stability, reducing power consumption in low power states, and improving some WiFi connection scenarios. Look for another WiFi update coming soon.
  • We will also issue an update on Wednesday, July 16, to further improve Wi-Fi connection and throughput scenarios.

Read more at: http://www.eightforums.com/tablet-t...o-2-pro-firmware-driver-packs.html#post400696
 

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System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
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