Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet on Windows 11/10? Fix It (Step-by-Step)

Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet on Windows 11/10? Fix It Step by Step

Your PC says “Connected”… but websites won’t load. Sometimes you can’t even sign in to apps, Windows Update fails, and the Microsoft Store acts like you’re offline.

This problem is common on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, and the good news is: it’s usually caused by a few predictable issues—router/ISP trouble, DNS problems, a stuck network stack, VPN/proxy settings, or a driver glitch.

Below is a beginner-friendly checklist you can follow from top to bottom. Most people fix it in the first 10–15 minutes.

⚠️ Note: These tips are for personal/home PCs. If this is a company device, follow your organization’s IT rules (VPN, proxy, security policies may be required).

Quick Diagnosis (30 seconds)

Before changing settings, quickly identify where the problem is:

Now let’s fix it.

Step 1: Check Your Router / Modem / ISP (Don’t Skip)

Even if your PC shows “Connected,” your router can still be disconnected from the internet.

• Check the router lights (look for Internet / WAN indicators).
• Restart properly: turn off the modem (if you have one) + router → wait 30–60 seconds → power on modem first → then router.
• Try another device on the same Wi-Fi (phone/tablet). If it also fails, it’s not your PC.

If all devices are offline, check your ISP’s outage page or wait a bit—this is the fastest “fix” when the provider is down.

Step 2: Toggle Airplane Mode + Reconnect Cleanly

This sounds simple, but it resets the wireless radio and often clears a stuck connection.

1. Turn Airplane mode ON for 10 seconds → then OFF.
2. Click the Wi-Fi icon → select your network → Disconnect.
3. Reconnect and re-enter the password (if asked).

If that fails, do a “fresh” reconnect:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Open Manage known networks.
3. Select your Wi-Fi name → click Forget.
4. Restart PC → connect again.

Step 3: Set IP and DNS to Automatic (Fix Bad Config)

Manual IP/DNS settings (or corrupted settings) can block internet access even when Wi-Fi is “connected.” Reset them to automatic first.

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, press Enter.
2. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties.
3. Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
4. Select:
   • Obtain an IP address automatically
   • Obtain DNS server address automatically
5. Click OK → close everything → try the internet again.

👍 If you’re on a home network, “Automatic” is correct in most cases.

Step 4: Captive Portal / Sign-In Page Not Showing?

In hotels, cafés, hospitals, airports, and some apartments, Wi-Fi may require a browser sign-in page. Windows can show “Connected” but block normal browsing until you complete the portal.

• Open a browser and try a non-HTTPS address like http://neverssl.com (safe test page) to trigger the sign-in screen.
• Turn off any VPN temporarily (VPN can prevent portal detection).
• If you see “Action needed” on the Wi-Fi tile, click it.

If you’re on a normal home Wi-Fi (no sign-in), skip this step.

Step 5: Switch DNS to Google or Cloudflare (Fast Win)

Sometimes the internet is actually working—but your ISP’s DNS is slow or unstable, so pages “don’t load.” Using a reliable public DNS often fixes this instantly.

Go back to IPv4 Properties (Step 3), then set:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1

Click OK → reconnect Wi-Fi → test again.

👍 Tip: If DNS fixed it, you can keep these settings permanently.

Step 6: Run the “Network Commands” Reset (Safe + Powerful)

If Windows networking is stuck, these built-in commands reset the network stack (Winsock + TCP/IP + DHCP + DNS cache). This is one of the most reliable fixes when only one PC is affected.

How to do it:

1. Right-click Start → open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run these commands one by one (press Enter after each):

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart your PC after running them. Then reconnect to Wi-Fi and test browsing.

Step 7: Proxy / VPN / Security Software Check (Very Common)

VPNs, proxy settings, and security tools can block internet—even if Wi-Fi is connected.

A) Turn off VPN temporarily

• Disconnect VPN and test internet again.

B) Check Windows proxy settings

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy.
2. Turn Use a proxy server OFF (unless you intentionally use one).

C) Test firewall/antivirus blocking (short test only)

If you use third-party security software, temporarily disable its web shield/firewall features to test—then turn it back on immediately.

⚠️ Don’t stay unprotected. This is only a quick test to identify the cause.

Step 8: Try IPv6 Off (Compatibility Test)

IPv6 is generally fine—but some routers, ISP setups, VPNs, or older network gear can cause weird “connected but no internet” behavior. Testing IPv6 OFF is safe and reversible.

1. Press Windows + R → type ncpa.cpl → Enter.
2. Right-click Wi-Fi → Properties.
3. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
4. Click OK → reconnect Wi-Fi.

If it fixes the issue, you can keep IPv6 off on that network, or update router firmware later and re-enable it.

Step 9: Update or Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver

Driver glitches are a top cause after Windows updates, sleep/hibernate cycles, or long uptime.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter (Intel/Realtek/Qualcomm, etc.).
4. Try Update driver first.
5. If it still fails: choose Uninstall device → restart PC (Windows will reinstall the driver).

If you can, install the newest Wi-Fi driver from your laptop/PC manufacturer’s support page (often more stable than generic drivers).

Step 10: Use “Network Reset” (Windows 11/10 Built-In)

If nothing above worked, use Windows’ built-in reset. This reinstalls network adapters and returns networking components to default settings.

Windows 11:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.
2. Click Network reset.
3. Click Reset now → restart when prompted.

Windows 10:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
2. Scroll down and choose Network reset.
3. Click Reset now → restart.

⚠️ Important: Network reset removes saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password first.

When Nothing Works: Reliable Fallback Options

If you need stable internet right now (work, school, deadlines), use a quick workaround while you troubleshoot.

• Try a USB Wi-Fi adapter (often bypasses a failing internal adapter).
• Use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter for the most stable connection.
• Use your phone’s USB tethering or hotspot (temporary).

Bonus: Prevent “Connected but No Internet” From Returning

• Restart the router occasionally (especially after ISP maintenance or storms).
• Keep your Wi-Fi driver updated (from your PC maker if possible).
• Avoid sketchy “network optimizer/cleaner” tools—Windows handles networking well without them.
• If you must use VPN/proxy for work, confirm the correct settings and don’t leave old proxy entries enabled.
• Create a restore point after you get everything stable (helps after big updates/drivers).

Summary: Wi-Fi Connected but No Internet (Windows 11/10)

This issue usually comes down to one of four things: router/ISP trouble, DNS/IP problems, a stuck Windows network stack, or VPN/proxy/driver conflicts.

Start simple (router + reconnect), then move to the strongest fixes (DNS change, network commands reset, driver reinstall, Network Reset). If you still can’t get online, use a temporary fallback like a USB Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet while you continue troubleshooting.

Hope this helped you get your connection back—fast.

✔️You might also find these helpful:

▶︎Bluetooth Suddenly Disappeared in Windows — Causes and Full Solutions

▶︎Fix Bluetooth Turning Off After Every Restart on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

▶︎How to Share Files Between Windows PC and Smartphone

💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.

タグ: Windows 10 Wi-Fi problem, No Internet Access, Wi-Fi not working, DNS Error, beginner troubleshooting, Windows 11 network fix, IPv6 issue, USB Wi-Fi adapter, Network reset, Internet connection issue