Seeing an exclamation mark on your WiFi icon can be frustrating, as it often means you have limited or no internet access. In this guide, we will explore several methods to resolve this issue and restore your internet connection.
1. Restart Your Router and Computer
A simple restart can often fix network-related issues.
Turn off your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source.
Wait for about 5 minutes.
Plug them back in and wait until all indicator lights are stable.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
2. Forget and Reconnect to the Network
Reconnecting to the WiFi network can refresh the connection and clear potential conflicts.
Click on the WiFi icon in the taskbar.
Select your network and click Forget.
Restart your computer.
Reconnect to the network by entering the WiFi password.
Check if the exclamation mark is gone.
3. Use Driver Sentry to Upgrade Network Drivers
If your network driver is incompatible with the system or outdated, it may cause WiFi connection issues. Driver Sentry can help you automatically update your drivers and resolve driver-related problems.
Download and install Driver Sentry if you haven't already.
Open Driver Sentry and perform a scan.
Locate the Network Adapters section and check for available updates.
Click Upgrade to install the latest network drivers.
Restart your computer and check if the issue is fixed.
4. Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can resolve misconfigurations that might be causing the exclamation mark issue.
Press Win + I to open Settings.
Navigate to Network & Internet > Status.
Scroll down and click Network reset.
Click Reset now and confirm the action.
Your computer will restart; reconnect to WiFi and check if the problem persists.
5. Flush DNS and Renew IP Address
Incorrect DNS settings or an expired IP lease can cause connectivity problems.
Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Close the Command Prompt and check your connection.
6. Check for ISP or Router Issues
Sometimes, the problem is not with your computer but with your ISP or router.
Try connecting to a different WiFi network to see if the issue persists.
If multiple devices experience the same problem, contact your ISP for assistance.
Consider resetting your router to factory settings by pressing the Reset button (usually found at the back of the router) for about 10 seconds.
By following the methods outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and restore your internet connection. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional assistance or replacing your router. Keeping your network drivers updated with Driver Sentry can also prevent such issues in the future.
See also:
Methods to Fix 'HP Printer Driver Is Unavailable'
How to Solve Canon Printer Won't Print Issue
