Internet Not Working on Windows 11? 10 Ways to Fix It (2026)

Is the internet not working on your Windows 11 PC? You may be unable to open websites, download files, use online apps, or connect to services even though your laptop is connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. In some cases, Windows may display messages such as “No Internet Access,” “Connected, Secured,” or “Can’t Connect to This Network.”

Internet connection problems in Windows 11 can occur for several reasons, including router or modem issues, incorrect network settings, outdated or corrupted network drivers, DNS configuration errors, VPN or proxy conflicts, and temporary software glitches. In some cases, the connection may appear active, but data cannot be transmitted properly. In this guide, we’ll explain the common causes of internet connectivity issues and walk you through 10 proven solutions to help restore your internet connection and get your PC back online.

Why Is the Internet Not Working on Windows 11?

Internet connection problems on Windows 11 can occur for many different reasons. In some cases, the issue may be with your router or internet service provider, while in others it may be caused by incorrect network settings, driver problems, or software conflicts on your PC.

Common causes of internet connectivity problems on Windows 11 include:

• ISP Outages: Your internet service provider may be experiencing a temporary outage or maintenance work in your area.
• Router or Modem Problems: Temporary glitches, overheating, or connection issues with your router can prevent devices from accessing the internet.
• Incorrect Network Settings: Misconfigured IP, DNS, or proxy settings can stop Windows from connecting properly.
• Corrupted Network Components: Issues with the TCP/IP stack or DNS cache can disrupt internet connectivity.
• Outdated or Faulty Network Drivers: Damaged or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause connection failures and frequent disconnections.
• VPN, Proxy, or Recent System Changes: VPN software, proxy settings, Windows updates, or newly installed applications can sometimes interfere with network connections.

Fortunately, most internet connection problems can be resolved by checking your network configuration, refreshing Windows network components, updating drivers, or resetting the connection. Follow the solutions below until your internet connection is restored.

Fix 1: Restart Your Router and Windows 11 PC

Temporary network glitches are one of the most common causes of internet connection problems. Restarting your router refreshes the connection between your home network and your internet service provider, while restarting your Windows 11 PC clears temporary network processes that may be preventing internet access.

1. Save any open work and shut down your Windows 11 PC.
2. Turn off your router and modem (if separate).
3. Unplug the power cables from both devices.
4. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
5. Plug the modem back in and wait for it to fully restart.
6. Turn on the router and wait until all connection lights stabilize.
7. Start your Windows 11 PC and reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
8. Check whether the internet connection is working normally.

If other devices in your home also cannot access the internet, the problem is likely with the router, modem, or your internet service provider rather than Windows 11 itself.

Fix 2: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in Network Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and repair common networking problems. It can identify issues such as incorrect network settings, disabled network adapters, and other connectivity problems that may be preventing your PC from accessing the internet.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click System in the left pane.
3. Select Troubleshoot.
4. Click Other troubleshooters.
5. Locate Network and Internet and click Run.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.
7. Restart your PC if prompted.

After the troubleshooter completes, try opening a website to see if your internet connection has been restored. If the problem persists, continue with the next solution.

Fix 3: Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

If the problem is related to a Wi-Fi connection, Windows may be using outdated or corrupted network settings that prevent a successful connection. Forgetting the Wi-Fi network removes the saved profile and allows Windows 11 to create a fresh connection using the correct settings.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
3. Select Manage known networks.
4. Find your Wi-Fi network and click Forget.
5. Return to the Wi-Fi network list.
6. Select your wireless network and click Connect.
7. Enter the Wi-Fi password and reconnect.

Also, you can forget and reconnect from the taskbar wifi icon.

Once connected, check whether websites and online applications can access the internet normally. If you’re using an Ethernet connection or the issue continues, move on to the next solution.

Fix 4: Disable VPN or Proxy Settings

VPN applications and proxy servers can sometimes interfere with network traffic or route internet requests incorrectly. If the internet stopped working after installing a VPN, changing network settings, or connecting to a work or school network, disabling these services may restore your connection.

Disable a VPN

1. Disconnect any active VPN connection.
2. If you use a third-party VPN application, completely exit or temporarily disable it.
3. Check whether your internet connection starts working again.

Disable Proxy Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Click Network & Internet > Proxy.
3. Turn off Automatically detect settings (optional).
4. Under Manual proxy setup, make sure Use a proxy server is turned Off.
5. Restart your browser and test your internet connection.

If the internet works after disabling the VPN or proxy, the issue may be related to the VPN configuration, proxy settings, or the VPN server itself. If the problem continues, proceed to the next fix.

Fix 5: Reset TCP/IP and Flush the DNS Cache

Windows uses TCP/IP and DNS to communicate with websites and online services. If the TCP/IP stack becomes corrupted or the DNS cache contains outdated records, your PC may show a network connection but fail to access the internet. Resetting these components can often restore normal connectivity.

1. Click Start, type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

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

4. Close Command Prompt.
5. Restart your computer.

After Windows restarts, try opening a website to check whether the internet connection is working properly. If you still cannot access the internet, continue with the next solution.

Fix 6: Update or Reinstall the Network Adapter Driver

Network adapter drivers allow Windows 11 to communicate with your Wi-Fi or Ethernet hardware. If the driver becomes outdated, corrupted, or incompatible, your PC may experience connection failures, limited connectivity, or frequent internet disconnections. Updating or reinstalling the driver can often resolve these issues.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Update driver.
4. Click Search automatically for drivers.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

If updating doesn’t help, try reinstalling the driver:

1. Right-click the network adapter and select Uninstall device.
2. Confirm the removal when prompted.
3. Restart your computer.
4. Windows will automatically reinstall the network driver during startup.

Once the driver has been updated or reinstalled, reconnect to your network and check whether the internet connection is working normally.

Fix 7: Change Your DNS Server Address

If your current DNS server is slow, unavailable, or experiencing issues, Windows may be unable to load websites even when the internet connection appears active. Switching to a reliable public DNS service can help resolve website loading and connectivity issues.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection type.
4. Click Hardware properties.
5. Next to DNS server assignment, click Edit.
6. Change the setting from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.
7. Enable IPv4.
8. Enter the following DNS addresses:

Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4

9. Click Save.
10. Restart your browser and test your internet connection.

If websites begin loading normally after changing the DNS server, the issue was likely related to your previous DNS provider. If the problem persists, proceed to the next fix.

Fix 8: Disable Power Saving for the Network Adapter

Windows 11 includes power management features that can turn off network adapters to save energy. In some cases, this can cause internet connectivity issues, especially on laptops that wake from sleep or run on battery power. Disabling this setting can help maintain a stable network connection.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Properties.
4. Open the Power Management tab.
5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
6. Click OK to save the changes.
7. Restart your computer.

After restarting, monitor your connection and check whether the internet remains stable. If the issue continues, move on to the next solution.

Fix 9: Perform a Network Reset

If multiple network settings have become corrupted or misconfigured, a network reset can restore Windows 11’s networking components to their default state. This process reinstalls network adapters and removes custom network settings that may be causing the internet connection problem.

Note: A network reset will remove saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN connections, and custom network settings. Make sure you have your Wi-Fi password available before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click Advanced network settings.
4. Select Network reset.
5. Click Reset now.
6. Confirm the action when prompted.
7. Restart your computer if it doesn’t restart automatically.
8. Reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

Once the reset is complete, check whether your internet connection has been restored. If the problem still exists, try the final solution below.

Fix 10: Check for ISP Outages or Test Another Network

If none of the previous solutions work, the problem may not be with Windows 11 at all. Internet service providers occasionally experience outages, maintenance work, or network disruptions that can prevent customers from accessing the internet. Testing another network can help determine whether the issue is with your PC, router, or ISP.

Check for an ISP Outage

1. Use another device, such as a smartphone.
2. Disable Wi-Fi and switch to mobile data.
3. Visit your ISP’s website or social media pages to check for reported outages.
4. If an outage has been reported, wait until the provider restores service.

Test Another Network

1. Connect your Windows 11 PC to a different Wi-Fi network, such as a mobile hotspot.
2. Alternatively, connect your PC to another available internet connection.
3. Check whether websites and online services work normally.

If your PC connects successfully to another network, the issue is likely related to your router, modem, or internet service provider. If the internet still doesn’t work on a different network, the problem is more likely caused by Windows 11, your network adapter, or your system configuration.

If you’ve tried all of the solutions above and still cannot connect to the internet, consider contacting your internet service provider or your device manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.

How to Prevent Internet Connection Problems on Windows 11

While network issues cannot always be avoided, following a few best practices can reduce the chances of experiencing internet connectivity problems on Windows 11.

• Restart your router and modem periodically to maintain a stable connection.
• Keep Windows 11 updated with the latest security and stability patches.
• Install the latest network adapter drivers from your device manufacturer.
• Avoid installing multiple VPN, firewall, or network management applications that may conflict with each other.
• Use reliable DNS servers and review network settings after making configuration changes.
• Place your router in a central location to improve Wi-Fi signal strength and coverage.
• Regularly scan your PC for malware that could interfere with network connectivity.
• Back up important network settings before making major system or networking changes.

Following these practices can help maintain a stable internet connection and reduce the likelihood of future networking issues on your Windows 11 PC.

 Frequently Asked Questions

Amiush Palk

I am Amiush founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.

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