Internet Not Working on Windows 11? Try These Basic to Advanced Fixes (2026 Guide)

Is Internet not working on your Windows 11 PC, or web pages refusing to load, even though WiFi shows as connected? You tried refreshing pages and restarting your PC, but nothing worked, while the same WiFi works perfectly on your phone. So why is your Windows 11 computer refusing to load webpages? This is one of the most frustrating issues users face in 2026. In most cases, it happens due to network glitches, outdated or corrupted drivers, incorrect DNS settings, or Issues with your router, firewall, or VPN. Whether this issue started suddenly or after making changes to your system, here are proven Solutions (from Basic to advanced) that actually work to fix internet issues on Windows 11 and get you back online quickly.

Why Internet Is Not Working on Windows 11?

There isn’t just one reason. Your internet can stop working even when it shows “connected” due to router/modem glitch, Wi-Fi Interference, Incorrect IP or DNS Configuration.

Here are the most common causes:

• Temporary Network Glitch: Sometimes, it’s just a minor bug in Windows 11 or your network adapter that interrupts internet access even when you’re connected.
• Network adapter driver issues: Your PC uses a “network adapter” to talk to the internet (WiFi or Ethernet). If its driver is outdated, corrupted, or buggy, your connection may show as connected but won’t actually work.
• Incorrect IP configuration: Your PC needs a correct IP address from your router. If IP or DNS settings get messed up, Windows 11 may show you’re connected, but there’s no real internet access.
• Router or DNS problems: The issue might not be your PC at all. Your router, or the DNS server it’s using, can stop responding. In that case, all devices may have issues, or only some.
• Firewall or VPN conflicts: Your antivirus firewall, Windows Firewall, or a VPN app can block the internet by mistake, especially after an update or a new app installation.
• Windows update bugs: Sometimes, a recent Windows 11 update can break your network. This is especially common with the “WiFi connected but no internet Windows 11 after update” problem.
• Router or ISP Issues: Even if your phone works, there could still be partial connectivity issues or IP conflicts affecting your Windows device specifically.

Internet Not Working on Windows 11 (Quick Fix Summary)

If your WiFi is connected but there’s no internet on Windows 11, try these quick fixes that solve the problem for most users:

• Restart your PC and router — This clears temporary glitches in both your computer and router. Many Internet connection problems are fixed just by restarting the device.
• Run the Network Troubleshooter — This built-in tool can detect and automatically fix common problems, such as incorrect network settings or adapter issues.
• Reset network settings — This returns your network back to its default state. It helps when your settings are corrupted or changed by apps or updates.
• Update or reinstall network drivers — New driver versions fix bugs, compatibility issues and driver-related connection problems
• Flush DNS and reset IP — This refreshes how your PC resolves domain names and obtains IP addresses. This is effective to Resolve “connected but no internet” errors
• Disable VPN or firewall temporarily — This helps you check if security software, antivirus, or VPN is blocking your internet.

Tip: Start from the top and work your way down—most users fix the issue within the first few steps.

Fix 1: Restart Your PC and Router

Your router and PC both store temporary data called a “cache.” When that data gets corrupted or overloaded, your connection may break. Restarting your device clears temporary memory (cache) and small glitches in both your PC and router. This sounds basic, but it helps solve the problem for roughly 40–50% of users. Always start here before trying anything more complex.

Save any open work, then restart your Windows 11 PC 

• Click Start (Windows icon) → Power → Restart.
• Wait for Windows 11 to fully load.

Restart your router

• Find your WiFi router.
• Turn it off using the power button, or unplug the power cable.
• Wait 30 seconds (this allows the router to fully reset).
• Turn it back on and wait 1–2 minutes until WiFi lights are stable.

Reconnect to WiFi

• On your PC, click the WiFi icon in the taskbar.
• Connect to your usual network and try opening a website.

If this doesn’t work, continue with the next fixes.

Fix 2: Check If You’re Connected to the Right Network

Windows 11 sometimes automatically connects to a nearby Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot with limited data. These networks may show “connected” but not really provide internet.

1. Click the WiFi icon on the taskbar (bottom-right).
2. Look at the list of available networks.
3. Make sure you are connected to your main home or office WiFi (the correct name / SSID).
4. If needed, click on your correct WiFi name and press Connect.
5. Enter the correct WiFi password again.

If you’re sure the network is correct but still no internet, move on.

Fix 3: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in diagnostic tool that automatically scans for common network problems like misconfigured settings, disabled adapters, or DNS issues and fixes them with one click. It’s not perfect, but it solves the problem in many cases and takes less than two minutes.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Internet Connections and click Run.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts and let Windows diagnose the issue.
5. Also, run the Network Adapter troubleshooter on the same page.

After it finishes, restart your PC and check if the internet connection is working.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings (Network Reset)

Over time, Windows 11 network configurations can become corrupted — especially after updates or software installations. A Network Reset removes and reinstalls all network adapters and restores default settings. It fixes corrupted network configuration, wrong proxy settings, or problems caused by software like VPNs and firewalls.

Note: This will remove saved WiFi networks and passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi later.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet and click Advanced network settings.
3. Under More settings, click Network reset.
4. Click Reset now and Confirm when asked,
5. Your PC will restart automatically.

Once Windows 11 restarts, reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test the internet connection.

Microsoft’s official guide confirms this help fix common network issues — read more here.”

Fix 5: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Your network adapter driver is the software bridge between Windows and your physical WiFi or Ethernet card. If this driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your current version of Windows 11, your internet will fail even if everything else looks normal.

How to update your driver:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network Adapters.
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter (e.g., “Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201”) or Ethernet adapter.
4. Click Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
5. Let Windows search and install any available updates.
6. Restart your PC.

If updating doesn’t work — try reinstalling:

1. In Device Manager, right-click your network adapter.
2. Click Uninstall device (check the box to delete the driver if prompted).
3. Restart your PC — Windows will automatically reinstall the driver on startup.

Alternative: Visit your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, etc.) and download the latest network driver directly from them. Manufacturer drivers are often more up to date than those Windows finds automatically.

Also read from our blog, the best Driver updater tools for Windows 11 that automatically scan and install the latest drivers on your device.

Reboot your computer and test your internet if it’s working now.

Fix 6: Switch Google DNS (Fix the “No Internet, Secured” Error)

The “No Internet, Secured” message in Windows 11 means your PC is connected to the router, but the router can’t reach the internet, or Windows thinks there’s no internet even though there is. This is often caused by a DNS misconfiguration or a bad IP address assignment.

This is one of the most common Windows 11 internet complaints, and here’s how to fix it:

Step 1 — Forget and reconnect to the WiFi network

• Click the WiFi icon → WiFi network → Disconnect.
• Then go to Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks.
• Click your WiFi name → Forget.
• Now reconnect to the WiFi from the taskbar and enter the password again.

Step 2 — Change your DNS server:

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and ok.
2. Right-click on Active WiFi (or Ethernet) select properties
3. Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
4. Select use following DNS server address and set the following
5. Set Preferred DNS to: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
6. Set Alternate DNS to: 8.8.4.4 or 1.0.0.1.
7. Save and reconnect to check if the internet is working now.

Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 is a fast, privacy-focused DNS service — learn how to set it up here

Step 3 — Flush DNS and Reset IP. (see Fix 7 below).

Fix 7: Flush DNS and Reset IP (Command Prompt)

Windows stores a local cache of DNS records (website-to-IP address lookups). If this cache becomes outdated or corrupted, your browser can’t find websites even with a working internet connection. Flushing DNS and resetting IP forces Windows to get fresh network settings from your router.

This is one of the effective fixes to apply when WiFi is connected but no internet in Windows 11 after an update, or websites are not loading, but other devices work fine.

1. Click the Start menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the black window, type these commands one by one and press Enter after each:

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

Once all commands finish, restart your PC. Open your browser and try visiting multiple websites (not just one) to test.

Fix 8: Disable VPN or Firewall Temporarily

VPN apps and third-party firewalls (like those bundled with antivirus software) can intercept and block your internet traffic. If your VPN server goes down, or your firewall has an overly strict rule, your browser fails to load webpages even though your connection is fine.

To disable your VPN:

• Open your VPN app and click Disconnect or Turn Off.
• Then test your internet. If it works, the VPN is the culprit — try switching servers or reinstalling the VPN app.

To temporarily disable Windows Firewall:

1. Press Windows + S, search for Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
3. Turn it off for both Private and Public networks temporarily.
4. Test your internet.

Important: Turn the firewall back on after testing. Don’t leave it disabled.

If your internet works with the firewall off, you’ll need to add an exception rule for your browser or network adapter inside the firewall settings.

Ethernet Connected But Not Working?

If you’re using a wired Ethernet connection and it shows “Connected” but has no internet, the issue is slightly different from WiFi problems. First, make sure the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both your PC and the router/modem.

• Try a different Ethernet cable. Cables go bad more often than people think. Swap it out for a known-working one.
• Try a different port on your router. Plug your cable into a different numbered port on the back of your router.
• Check the cable lights. Look at the back of your PC where the cable plugs in — there should be green or amber lights blinking. No lights means no physical connection.
• Update your Ethernet adapter driver using the same steps in Fix 5, but select your Ethernet adapter instead of WiFi.
• Disable then re-enable the adapter:
  1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced network settings.
  2. Find your Ethernet adapter, click it, and select Disable.
  3. Wait 10 seconds, then Enable it again.

If Ethernet works but WiFi doesn’t (or vice versa), that points directly to a driver or adapter issue with the specific hardware

Fix 10: Roll Back a Recent Windows Update (Advanced Fix)

Microsoft occasionally releases Windows 11 updates that introduce bugs affecting network drivers or TCP/IP settings. If your internet stopped working immediately after a Windows update, rolling back that update often restores everything.

1. Press Windows + I, go to Windows Update → Update History.
2. Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.
3. Look for the most recent update (sorted by date) — particularly Cumulative Updates or Driver Updates.
4. Click the update and select Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC and test.

To pause future updates temporarily:

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates and pause for 1–4 weeks while Microsoft issues a fix.

Note: Only uninstall updates if you’re confident the timing matches when your internet broke. Security updates are important don’t leave them uninstalled long-term.

How to Prevent Internet Issues in Windows 11

Once your internet is working again, follow these tips to avoid future problems:

• Keep your network drivers updated. Use Device Manager or your manufacturer’s website to check for network driver updates every few months.
• Avoid unstable or free VPNs. Free VPNs are especially prone to breaking connections. Stick to reputable paid services.
• Be cautious with major Windows updates. Wait a week or two after a big update release before installing it — let others report bugs first.
• Restart your router weekly. A simple weekly reboot keeps your router’s memory clean and prevents IP conflicts.
• Use a static DNS. Setting your DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) permanently reduces DNS-related outages.

Still Internet Not Working?

If you’ve tried every fix above and still have no internet, the problem may be:

• Your ISP is down — Check your provider’s outage page or call their support line.
• A faulty network adapter — If your WiFi card is physically damaged, no software fix will work. Consider a USB WiFi adapter as a quick replacement.
• A corrupted Windows installation — Run sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to scan and repair system files.

The fixes in this guide resolve the vast majority of Windows 11 internet problems. Work through them in order, and your connection should be back up before you reach the end.

Frequently Asked Questions