How To Fix Wifi No Internet Windows 11

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Experiencing the dreaded "WiFi connected, no internet" error on your Windows 11 machine can be incredibly frustrating. You see that little WiFi icon in your system tray, confidently showing a connection, yet your browser stubbornly refuses to load any web pages. You're not alone! This is a common issue, and thankfully, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and resolve it.

Let's dive right in and get your internet back up and running!

Step 1: The Initial Checks - Are You Truly Connected?

Before we delve into more complex solutions, let's perform some quick sanity checks. Take a close look at the WiFi icon in your system tray (usually at the bottom right of your screen).

  • Does it show a solid WiFi signal, or does it have a yellow exclamation mark or a globe icon next to it? A yellow exclamation mark often indicates a limited or no connectivity issue, while a globe icon might suggest that your computer can connect to the network but isn't getting internet access.
  • Hover your mouse over the WiFi icon. What does the tooltip say? Does it say "Connected" or something like "No Internet, secured"?

These initial observations can give us valuable clues about the nature of the problem.

Step 2: The Classic Reboot - Turning It Off and On Again

Yes, it's the age-old advice, but it works surprisingly often! Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches that are preventing your internet connection from working correctly.

Reboot Your Computer

  1. Click on the Start button (the Windows icon in the taskbar).
  2. Click on the Power icon.
  3. Select Restart.

While your computer is restarting, let's also...

Reboot Your Modem and Router

Your modem and router are the hardware that provide your internet access. They can sometimes get into a temporary state where they stop functioning correctly.

  1. Locate your modem and router. These are usually separate devices, but sometimes they are combined into one.
  2. Unplug the power cables from both the modem and the router.
  3. Wait for at least 30 seconds. This allows them to fully power down and reset.
  4. Plug the power cable back into your modem first. Wait for all the indicator lights to turn on and stabilize (this might take a minute or two).
  5. Plug the power cable back into your router. Again, wait for all the indicator lights to stabilize.

Once both your computer and your network devices have restarted, check if you can now access the internet.

Step 3: Checking Your WiFi Connection Details

Let's ensure your computer is correctly connected to the right WiFi network and has obtained the necessary network configuration.

Verify Your Connected Network

  1. Click on the WiFi icon in your system tray.
  2. Ensure that you are connected to your intended WiFi network. If you see multiple networks listed, make sure you've selected the correct one and that it says "Connected". If you're connected to the wrong network, click on the correct one and select "Connect" (you might need to enter the password).

Check Your IP Configuration

Your computer needs an IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway to communicate on the network. Sometimes, these settings can become incorrect.

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type cmd and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /all and press Enter. 4. Look for the section related to your Wireless LAN adapter Wi-Fi.  
  4. Note down the values for:
    • IPv4 Address: This is your computer's address on the network. It should look something like 192.168.1.xxx or 10.0.0.xxx. If it starts with 169.254.x.x, it indicates that your computer hasn't received a valid IP address.
    • Subnet Mask: This defines the range of IP addresses in your network. It usually looks like 255.255.255.0.
    • Default Gateway: This is the IP address of your router, which acts as the gateway to the internet.
    • DNS Servers: These servers translate website names into IP addresses.

If your IPv4 Address starts with 169.254.x.x, or if you don't see a Default Gateway or DNS Servers listed, it indicates a problem with obtaining network configuration. Proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Troubleshooting Network Adapter Issues

Your network adapter is the hardware and software component that allows your computer to connect to a network. Issues with the adapter can often cause "no internet" problems.

Disable and Re-enable Your WiFi Adapter

This can sometimes refresh the connection and resolve temporary glitches.

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
  2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters category.  
  3. Right-click on your wireless network adapter (it will likely have "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" in its name).
  4. Select Disable device.
  5. Wait for a few seconds, then right-click on the same adapter again and select Enable device.

Update Your WiFi Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause connectivity issues.

  1. Open Device Manager again (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager).
  2. Expand the Network adapters category.
  3. Right-click on your wireless network adapter.
  4. Select Update driver.
  5. You will be presented with two options:
    • Search automatically for updated driver software: Windows will try to find the latest drivers online.
    • Browse my computer for drivers: If you have previously downloaded the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website, select this option and locate the driver files.
  6. It's generally recommended to try "Search automatically for updated driver software" first. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Reset Network Settings

Windows 11 has a built-in tool to reset your network settings, which can resolve various connectivity problems. Be aware that this will remove your saved WiFi passwords, so you'll need to re-enter them.

  1. Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Network & internet in the left sidebar.
  3. Scroll down and click on Advanced network settings.
  4. Under "More settings," click on Network reset.
  5. Read the warning carefully and then click on the Reset now button.
  6. Confirm your decision by clicking Yes.
  7. Your computer will restart automatically after a few minutes. After the restart, you'll need to reconnect to your WiFi network and enter the password.

Step 5: Investigating Potential Software Conflicts

Sometimes, other software on your computer can interfere with your network connection.

Temporarily Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus

Your firewall and antivirus software are crucial for security, but they can occasionally block legitimate network traffic. Only disable them temporarily for testing purposes, and remember to re-enable them immediately afterward.

  1. Windows Firewall: Search for "Windows Firewall" in the Start menu and open it. Look for options to turn Windows Firewall on or off (you might need administrator privileges).
  2. Third-party Antivirus: Locate the icon for your antivirus software in the system tray (usually near the clock). Right-click on it and look for options to temporarily disable it (e.g., "Disable protection," "Pause").

After temporarily disabling them, check if you can access the internet. If you can, you might need to adjust the settings of your firewall or antivirus software to allow your network traffic.

Check for VPN Interference

If you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Try disconnecting from your VPN temporarily to see if that resolves the problem.

Step 6: Running Network Troubleshooters

Windows 11 has built-in network troubleshooters that can automatically diagnose and fix common network problems.

  1. Open the Settings app (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Network & internet in the left sidebar.
  3. Click on Advanced network settings.
  4. Under "Help," click on Network troubleshooter.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions and allow the troubleshooter to identify and attempt to fix any issues.

You can also try the Internet Connections troubleshooter:

  1. Open the Control Panel (search for "Control Panel" in the Start menu).
  2. Click on Troubleshooting.
  3. Under "Network and Internet," click on Internet Connections.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 7: Checking Your Router's Configuration

Sometimes, the issue might lie with your router's settings.

Access Your Router's Admin Panel

You'll need your router's IP address (usually the Default Gateway you noted down in Step 3), username, and password to access its configuration page. This information is often found on a sticker on the router itself or in its manual.

  1. Open a web browser.
  2. Type your router's IP address in the address bar and press Enter.
  3. Enter your router's username and password when prompted.

Look for Potential Issues

Once logged in, look for settings like:

  • DHCP Server: Ensure that the DHCP server is enabled. This is what automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on your network.
  • DNS Settings: Your router might have options to manually configure DNS servers. Try using public DNS servers like Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
  • Firmware Update: Ensure your router's firmware is up to date. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest firmware version and instructions on how to update it.  

Be cautious when making changes to your router's settings, as incorrect configurations can disrupt your entire network. If you're unsure about a particular setting, consult your router's manual or contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.

Step 8: Considering Physical Connections (If Applicable)

While this guide focuses on WiFi, if you're using a wired connection and experiencing similar issues, ensure your Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both your computer and your router. Try using a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty cable.

Step 9: Contacting Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you've tried all the above steps and still have no internet access, the problem might be with your ISP. There could be an outage in your area, or there might be an issue with your modem or the connection to your home. Contact your ISP's technical support to inquire about any known issues and to get further assistance.

Step 10: When All Else Fails - System Restore or Reset

As a last resort, if you suspect recent software changes might be the cause, you can try using System Restore to revert your computer to a previous point in time when your internet was working. If that doesn't help, you might consider performing a Windows 11 reset (be sure to back up your important files before doing so).

How to... Frequently Asked Questions

How to check if my WiFi adapter is working?

Open Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager), expand Network adapters, and look for your WiFi adapter. If it has a yellow exclamation mark next to it, it indicates a problem. You can try updating or reinstalling the drivers.

How to forget a WiFi network in Windows 11?

Open the Settings app (Windows key + I), go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Click on the network you want to forget and select Forget.

How to find my WiFi password in Windows 11?

Search for "View network connections" in the Start menu and open it. Right-click on your WiFi adapter and select Status. Click on Wireless Properties, go to the Security tab, and check the Show characters box.

How to change DNS servers in Windows 11?

Open the Settings app (Windows key + I), go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Click on your connected network, then click on DNS server assignment and select Edit. Choose Manual and enter your preferred primary and secondary DNS server addresses.

How to update my router's firmware?

This process varies depending on your router's manufacturer. Typically, you need to access your router's admin panel (see Step 7) and look for a firmware update section. Check your router manufacturer's website for the latest firmware file and instructions.

How to run a network speed test?

Open a web browser and search for "internet speed test." Several websites offer free speed tests that can measure your download and upload speeds.

How to identify if the problem is with my computer or my router?

Try connecting other devices (smartphones, tablets) to your WiFi network. If they also have no internet access, the problem is likely with your router or modem. If other devices work fine, the issue is likely with your Windows 11 computer.

How to check for WiFi interference?

Physical obstacles, other wireless devices (like microwaves and Bluetooth devices), and neighboring WiFi networks can cause interference. Try moving your router to a more central and open location, and consider changing your WiFi channel in your router's settings.

How to disable IPv6 in Windows 11?

Open the Settings app (Windows key + I), go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi. Click on your connected network, then click on Hardware properties and then Configure.... In the adapter properties window, uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click OK. (Only do this if you suspect IPv6 is causing issues, as it's generally recommended to keep it enabled).

How to perform a system restore in Windows 11?

Search for "Create a restore point" in the Start menu and open it. Click on the System Restore... button and follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from before the issue started.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you get your internet connection back on track! Remember to be patient and work through the steps systematically. Good luck!

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How To Fix Wifi No Internet Windows 11

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