Quick Bit: Fix Intermittent Wifi on Linux (Mint) due to PowerSave

This is mostly a reminder for myself as I expect I'll run into this issue again. I recently upgraded my Linux kernel to 6.17.0-22.22~24.04.1, which inadvertently removed my ability to connect to WiFi. Once I downgraded to the previous kernel 6.17.0-20 I was able to reconnect to WiFi. However, while normal browsing was working as expected, if I attempted any time of online gaming, in this case Helldivers 2, I would lose connection several minutes into each match. This was due to PowerSave being enabled. Despite plenty of documentation, troubleshooting this common Linux quirk is often a slog due to the sheer number of potential causes.

Downgrade the kernel

1. Reboot your machine and during the boot sequence hit the ESC key.
2. Select advanced options, then which kernel you want to boot with.
3. Let the system boot.

Remove problematic kernel

1. Open Update Manager -> View -> Linux Kernels select the problematic kernel then Remove This will allow the computer to boot up with the last stable kernel.

Disable Wi-Fi Power Management

1. Open the configuration file
   1. sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/default-wifi-powersave-on.conf
   2. If wifi.powersave = 3 appears that means PowerSave is enabled.
   3. Change the value to 2 which is disabled.
   4. Save the file.
2. Restart the network manager with sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Disable IPv6 (optional)

Many Steam games running through Proton struggle with IPv6, leading to frequent "Server Connection Lost" errors. Disabling it at the OS level often stabilizes the handshake with game servers.

1. Go to your Network Settings in the Mint UI.
2. Select your Wi-Fi connection and click the IPv6 tab.
3. Change the method to Ignore or Disable.
4. Apply and reconnect to your Wi-Fi.