How to Fix Internet Connection Problems on Windows 10

Did your Windows 10 PC suddenly lose its internet connection or fail to load websites? Internet connection problems can occur for several reasons, including a faulty network adapter, incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, or issues with your router or internet service provider. Whether your Wi-Fi won’t connect, your Ethernet connection shows “No Internet”, or your browser can’t access websites, here are the most effective troubleshooting steps to fix Internet connection problems and get your Windows 10 PC back online.

Why Is the Internet Not Working on Windows 10?

Internet connection problems on Windows 10 can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the issue is caused by incorrect network settings or a temporary software glitch. In other cases, an outdated or corrupted network driver, a faulty Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, or problems with your router or internet service provider (ISP) may prevent your PC from connecting to the internet.

Some of the most common causes include:

• A disabled or malfunctioning network adapter.
• Outdated or corrupted network drivers.
• Incorrect TCP/IP or DNS settings.
• Conflicts with VPN, firewall, or antivirus software.
• Problems with your router, modem, or internet service provider.

Before moving on to the more advanced solutions, start with the basic troubleshooting steps below. In many cases, a simple restart or reconnecting to your network is enough to restore your internet connection.

Fix 1: Restart Your PC and Router

Temporary software glitches or network issues can sometimes prevent Windows 10 from connecting to the internet. Restarting your computer and your modem or Wi-Fi router refreshes the network connection and is often enough to resolve minor connectivity problems.

1. Restart your Windows 10 PC.
2. Turn off your modem or Wi-Fi router and unplug it from the power source.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and let it reconnect to the internet.
4. Once the router is fully online, reconnect your PC to the network and check if the internet is working.

If the problem persists, continue with the next solution.

Fix 2: Check Your Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection

Before making changes to Windows, make sure the problem isn’t caused by a disconnected Wi-Fi network, a loose Ethernet cable, or Airplane mode being enabled. These simple checks can save you time and may restore your internet connection immediately.

If You’re Using Wi-Fi

• Make sure Airplane mode is turned Off.
• Verify that Wi-Fi is enabled.
• Click the Network icon on the taskbar and ensure you’re connected to the correct wireless network.
• If you’re already connected but the internet isn’t working, disconnect from the network, then reconnect by entering your Wi-Fi password again.

If You’re Using Ethernet

• Check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your PC and the router or modem.
• Try using a different Ethernet cable or another LAN port on the router if available.
• Make sure the network status lights on the router and the Ethernet port are blinking normally.

Check If the Internet Works on Another Device

Connect another device, such as a smartphone or laptop, to the same Wi-Fi network.

• If the other device also can’t access the internet, the problem is likely with your router or Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• If only your Windows 10 PC is affected, continue with the next troubleshooting steps.

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall the Network Driver

A corrupted or outdated network driver can prevent Windows 10 from connecting to the internet. This often happens after a Windows update, driver update, or an unexpected system shutdown. Updating or reinstalling the network driver can restore your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Update the Network Driver

1. Right-click the Start button 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. If Windows finds a newer driver, install it and restart your PC.

If Windows reports that the best driver is already installed but the internet still isn’t working, try reinstalling the driver.

Reinstall the Network Driver

1. In Device Manager, expand Network adapters.
2. Right-click your network adapter and select Uninstall device.
3. Click Uninstall to confirm.
4. Restart your computer.

Windows will automatically detect and reinstall the network driver during startup.

Tip: If Windows doesn’t reinstall the driver or the problem continues, download the latest network driver from your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s support website using another computer. Copy the installer to a USB drive and install it manually on the affected PC.

Once you’ve updated or reinstalled the driver, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and check if the internet connection has been restored. If the problem persists, continue with the next solution.

Fix 4: Run the Network & Internet Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in Network & Internet Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common connectivity problems, such as incorrect network settings, disabled network adapters, or network service issues. While it doesn’t solve every internet problem, it’s worth trying before resetting your network configuration.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Internet Connections, then click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.
6. If prompted, restart your computer.

After the troubleshooter finishes, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and check whether the internet connection has been restored.

Tip: If the troubleshooter couldn’t identify or fix the problem, continue with the next solution.

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

If your network adapter is working but you still can’t access the internet, your Windows network configuration may be corrupted. Resetting the TCP/IP stack and clearing the DNS cache can often resolve connection problems without affecting your personal files.

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

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

4. Restart your computer.

After Windows restarts, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network and check whether the internet connection has been restored.

What do these commands do?

• ipconfig /flushdns clears the local DNS cache, which can resolve problems loading websites.
• ipconfig /release releases your current IP address.
• ipconfig /renew requests a new IP address from your router.
• netsh winsock reset repairs the Windows network socket configuration.
• netsh int ip reset restores the TCP/IP settings to their default state.

These commands won’t delete your personal files, but you may need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network after restarting your PC.

Fix 6: Reset Network Settings

If you’re still unable to connect to the internet, resetting the network settings can help. This process reinstalls all network adapters and restores Windows network components to their default configuration. It’s a useful solution if incorrect network settings or a corrupted configuration are preventing your PC from accessing the internet.

Note: A network reset removes all saved Wi-Fi networks, VPN connections, and custom network settings. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password before continuing.

Reset the Network Settings

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Scroll down and click Network reset.
4. Click Reset now.
5. Confirm the action and allow your PC to restart.

After your computer restarts:

• Reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
• Enter your Wi-Fi password if prompted.
• Check whether your internet connection has been restored.

If the problem continues, move on to the next solution.

Fix 7: Change the DNS Server to Google Public DNS

If your PC is connected to the internet but websites won’t load or load very slowly, the problem may be related to your DNS (Domain Name System) server. Switching to Google’s free public DNS servers can help resolve DNS-related connection issues.

Change the DNS Server

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection and select Properties.
3. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
5. Enter the following values:

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

6. Click OK, then Close.
7. Restart your web browser and check if websites load correctly.

Note: If changing the DNS server doesn’t resolve the issue, you can switch back to Obtain DNS server address automatically at any time.

Fix 8: Disable VPN and Third-Party Security Software

If you’re using a VPN or third-party antivirus/firewall software, it may be preventing Windows 10 from accessing the internet. Temporarily disabling these applications can help determine whether they’re causing the problem.

Disconnect Your VPN

If you’re connected to a VPN:

1. Disconnect from the VPN server.
2. Close the VPN application completely.
3. Check whether your internet connection is working.

If the internet starts working after disconnecting the VPN, update the VPN software to the latest version or reinstall it before using it again.

Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewall

If you have third-party security software installed (such as Norton, McAfee, Bitdefender, Avast, or similar software):

1. Open the antivirus or security application.
2. Temporarily disable its firewall or real-time network protection.
3. Test your internet connection.

Important: Only disable your antivirus or firewall while troubleshooting. Re-enable it immediately after testing to keep your PC protected.

If disabling the software restores your internet connection, update or reinstall the application. If the issue continues, contact the software vendor for further assistance.

Fix 9: Check Your Router or Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you’ve tried all the previous solutions and your Windows 10 PC still can’t connect to the internet, the problem may not be related to Windows. Your router, modem, or Internet Service Provider (ISP) could be responsible for the connection issue.

Check Your Network

Try these simple checks:

• Connect another device, such as a smartphone or laptop, to the same Wi-Fi network.
• If the other device also has no internet access, restart your modem or router.
• Check whether your ISP has reported a service outage in your area.
• If you’re using an Ethernet connection, inspect the network cable for damage or try a different LAN port on the router.

What the Results Mean

• Only your Windows 10 PC has no internet: The problem is likely related to Windows, your network adapter, or its driver. Review the previous troubleshooting steps, especially updating the network driver and resetting the network settings.
• All devices have no internet: The issue is most likely with your router, modem, or Internet Service Provider. If restarting your network equipment doesn’t help, contact your ISP for further assistance.

If your internet connection works on other devices but not on your Windows 10 PC after trying all the solutions above, the network adapter may have developed a hardware fault. In that case, consider contacting your PC manufacturer or using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did your Windows 10 computer not connect to the internet or fail to load websites and play YouTube videos? There are several possible causes, including a problem with the network adapter, incorrect network settings, outdated drivers, or even your router or internet service provider. Whether your Wi-Fi won’t connect, your Ethernet connection shows “No Internet”, or websites refuse to load, here are the most effective troubleshooting steps to get your internet back up and running smoothly.

Whether your Wi-Fi won’t connect, your Ethernet connection shows “No Internet”, or websites refuse to load,

Can’t connect to the internet after applying the latest Windows 10 update? Have network and internet connection issues or network adapters stopped working after applying the Windows update? You are on the right post to get solved Windows 10 Internet connection problems.

Microsoft regularly releases new windows updates for Windows 10 to improve the performance and patch security vulnerabilities, But a number of Windows users report intermittent loss or slow connection speeds of Wi-Fi connectivity, or complete loss of connectivity that prevents accessing the web. And the common reason for this problem (No internet access) is the network adapter driver, either its outdated, corrupted, not compatible with the current Windows version. Again the physical connection, incorrect network configuration, VPN, proxy or firewall may also block accessing the internet. whatever the reason, here solutions apply to get back online again.

Windows 10 No internet access

Start with basic troubleshooting:

• Check the physical connections before getting too involved with troubleshooting. May someone accidentally kicked the router or modem’s power cable or pulled an Ethernet cable out of a socket, causing the problem.
• Restart all network devices, router, modem, and switch include your PC, that fixes the problem if a temporary glitch causing the issue.

• If you are using a laptop and having a problem connecting to a Wi-Fi network, make sure that the physical Wi-Fi button on your laptop is turned on.
• Check the Region, date and time settings are correct according to your timezone.
• Check your Antivirus firewall that may block internet access, disconnect from the VPN (if configured on your PC)

Run the Internet troubleshooter

Run the built-in internet troubleshooter that automatically detect and corrects network configuration settings that may prevent internet access. Again run the troubleshooter for the Network adapter that checks for errors, and driver issues and helps Windows 10 pc get back online again.

• From the start menu search for and select troubleshoot settings,
• The troubleshooting window opens scroll down and locate Internet connections, select it,
• Now click run the troubleshooter to start the diagnosis process,
• This will automatically detect and fix problems with connecting to the internet or web pages

• Once the troubleshooting completes locate the network adapter, select it,
• Then click Run the troubleshooter that helps fix problems with wireless and other network adapters.
• After completing the diagnose process restart your PC and check if Windows allow visit web pages.

Check network configuration

The next step you should check your computer has a valid IP address, If your computer’s IP settings aren’t correct, it can cause this “no internet access” or “Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration” error.

• Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok,
• This will open the network connections window,
• Right click on the active network adapter, select properties,
• Find Internet Protocol Version 4 in the list and double-click that.
• Here, make sure you have Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically both selected.

Switch to Google DNS

Domain Name Servers (DNS) play an important role in accessing web pages that maintain a directory of domain names and translate them to Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Let’s switch to Google public DNS that probably helps resolve if you having issues Connected to Ethernet or Wi-Fi, But No Internet Access in Windows 10.

• Again open network connection using ncpa.cpl
• Go to properties of the active network adapter,
• Double click on Internet Protocol Version 4,
• Here select the radio button Use the following DNS server address then set preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4
• Check mark on validate settings upon exit and click ok.
• Now open web browser and visit any web pages.

Run Network Troubleshooting Commands

Still need help, Let’s reset TCP/IP configuration following steps below. In this method, you will need to run certain Network Troubleshooting Commands to Reset the TCP/IP Stack, Release IP address, Renew IP address and to Flush and Reset the DNS client resolver cache.

Open the command prompt as administrator and perform the following commands one by one.

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

Once done restart your PC to take effect the changes, Now open any web pages and see if the problem solved or not.

Update driver for the network adapter

Again the network connectivity problem on your computer could be due to an outdated Network Adapter Driver, especially if you have recently upgraded to Windows 10 and also if your computer has not installed an update for the Driver.

In order to update the Driver, you will need another computer with a working internet connection. Visit the website of your Network Adapter manufacturer, download the latest drivers to a USB drive and follow the steps below.

• Right-click on the Windows 10 Start button and click on Device Manager from the menu that pops up.
• On the device manager screen, click on Network Adapters to expand the entry. This will list all the network adapters that were installed on your computer.
• From the expanded list, right click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Update Driver Software
• Next, follow the instructions to install the updated driver that you had downloaded to the USB drive.
• After installing the updated driver, Restart the computer and see if the network connectivity problem on your computer has been fixed.

Roll Back Network Adapter Driver

This solution can help in case you were able to connect to the internet and the problem has only started recently after you updated the Network Adapter Driver.

• Right-click on the Windows 10 Start button and click on Device Manager from the menu that pops up.
• On the Device Manager screen, click on Network Adapters to expand the entry
  
  From the expanded list,
• Right click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Properties
• In the Properties screen, click on the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
• If the Roll Back Driver button is unavailable, it means that there is no Driver available to roll back to.
• After rolling back to the previous version of the driver, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Uninstall Network Adapter Driver

In case you are unable to fix the problem after trying to update the Driver, uninstalling the Driver and allowing your Windows 10 Computer to automatically reinstall back a New Driver might help in fixing the network connectivity problem on your computer.
Before uninstalling the Driver it is recommended that you create a Manual Restore Point on your computer so that you can restore your computer using the restore point in case Windows 10 is unable to reinstall a new Driver and the existing driver gets deleted.

• Right Click on the Windows 10 Start button and click on Device Manager from the menu that pops up.
• On the device manager screen, click on Network Adapters to expand the entry. This will list all the network adapters that were installed on your computer.
• From the expanded list, right-click on the Network Adapter for your computer and click on Uninstall
• You will see a popup warning saying “You are about to uninstall this device from your computer”, click on OK to Uninstall.
• Restart your computer, Windows should automatically reinstall the right Driver for the Network Adapter.

As mentioned above, in case of a problem you can easily undo the changes on your computer and get back to where you were by restoring your Computer using a Manual System Restore Point that you had created before going ahead with these steps.

Use network reset to reinstall network devices

Well, you’ve proceeded through all these steps and still have Internet connection problems, there’s not much you can do other than reset your network settings. It removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults.

• Open settings using the keyboard shortcut Windows + I
• Click on Network & Internet then Status,
• Now on right-hand side scroll down and click on the network reset link

• A new window opens with an option to reset the network reset, click reset now button,
• Again click yes when asking for confirmation,
• Wait for your PC to restart and see if that fixes the problem.

Did these solutions help resolve windows 10 internet connection issues? Let us know on comments below.

Also read:

• Windows 10 crashes while playing Games? Let’s Optimize it 
• Solved: Remote desktop not working after windows 10 update
• Fix unidentified network no internet access on windows 10
• Solved: Windows 10 Cast To Device Not Working / Not responding problem
• How to remove activate Windows 10 watermark permanently

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.

Related Articles

How to Run CHKDSK to Fix Disk Errors on Windows 11 and 10

Ntoskrnl.exe High CPU Usage on Windows 11: 10 Working Fixes (2026 Guide)

How to Download official Windows 10 22H2 ISO from Microsoft servers in 2026

Windows PC Is Stuck on “Repairing Disk Errors”—Here’s How to Fix It

Windows 11 KB5095093 Brings Screen Tint, GIPHY Support, and Point-in-Time Restore

Windows 10 22H2 ISO Official Download, USB Creation & Install Guide (2026)