How to Fix WiFi Connected but No Internet Access
Many users face the "WiFi connected but no internet" issue. This article offers solutions to fix the problem and restore your connection.
1. Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can prevent WiFi from properly accessing the internet. Ensuring your network drivers are up-to-date can resolve driver-related network issues. Using Driver Sentry is recommended for automatically detecting and updating drivers, saving time, and avoiding incorrect downloads or installations.
Download the latest version of Driver Sentry, install it, and open the software. Click "Scan".
After scanning, the software will display drivers that are missing or need updates. Locate the network adapter driver and click "Upgrade".
Restart your computer after the update to ensure the updated driver takes effect.
2. Restart Devices
Click the Start menu, select the Power button, and then click "Restart".
Disconnect the power from your router or modem, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in to ensure the network devices fully reboot.
After restarting, reconnect to the network and check if the issue is resolved.
3. Check IP Configuration
Press Win + S, type "Command Prompt", and run it as an administrator.
In the Command Prompt, type the following command: ipconfig
This will display the IP configuration of your network adapter. Ensure that the IP address falls within the range of your network. If the IP address shows an automatic private IP (e.g., 169.254.x.x), it means the computer failed to obtain a valid IP from the DHCP server.
Ensure there are no IP address conflicts with other devices on your network. If conflicts exist, try configuring the IP address manually.
4. Check DNS Settings
Open the search bar, type "Control Panel", and open it.
Go to "Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings".
Right-click on your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and select "Properties".
Under "This connection uses the following items", select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click "Properties".
In the pop-up window, ensure that "Obtain DNS server address automatically" is selected. Alternatively, manually set the DNS server addresses:
Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS)
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4 (Google Backup DNS)
Click "OK" and reconnect to the network to check if the DNS issue is resolved.
5. Reset Network Settings
Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
Select "Network & Internet", then click "Status" in the left-hand menu.
Scroll down and click "Network Reset".
Click "Reset Now" to confirm the action. This will remove and reinstall all network adapters, resetting network settings to default.
Once the reset is complete, your computer will automatically restart. Check if the network connection is restored.
6. Run Network Troubleshooter
Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
Go to "Update & Security", then click "Troubleshoot" on the left-hand menu.
In the "Troubleshoot" page, click "Additional Troubleshooters".
Find "Network Adapter" and click "Run the troubleshooter". Windows will scan for network issues and attempt to fix them.
After completing the process, check if your network connection is restored.
7. Disable Firewall or Security Software
Press Win + R, type "control", and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, go to "System and Security", then click "Windows Defender Firewall".
In the left-hand menu, click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off".
Select "Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended)" and click "OK" to disable the firewall.
If you are using third-party security software, open its settings menu and disable the firewall or real-time protection features.
Check if the network connection is restored. If it is, you can confirm that the firewall or security software caused the issue. Adjust their settings to prevent similar problems in the future.
8. Check Hardware Issues
Open Device Manager (right-click the Start button and select Device Manager). Check if the network adapter is functioning correctly and ensure there are no yellow warning signs.
Ensure your router and modem are functioning correctly and that all indicator lights are normal. Test the router by connecting other devices to it.
For wired connections, check if the Ethernet cable is intact. Replace it if damaged.
For WiFi connections, ensure the wireless network adapter driver is up-to-date and that the signal is stable. If interference occurs, consider changing the router's channel settings or moving your computer closer to the router.
If other devices (e.g., smartphones or tablets) can connect to the network, the issue likely lies with your computer's hardware or configuration.
Follow these steps to fix most network problems. If the issue persists, contact your ISP or technical support.
See also:
Fix Fallout 3 Crashing on Windows 10
Guide to Fixing a Computer That Keeps Crashing
