The computer is connected to Wi-Fi, but there is no internet – what to do in 2026?

A laptop or desktop computer connects to Wi-Fi, the network indicator shows a stable signal, but the browser won't open pages, and apps return the "no internet access" error. This indicates a problem with the device, router, or ISP settings. To restore access, first check the basic settings: the IP address is correct, DNS is working, the network adapter is working, and the router settings are configured correctly. Read on for more information. detailed analysis of the reasons Internet not working with active Wi-Fi, from simple solutions (rebooting the hardware, resetting the DNS cache) to complex ones (diagnosing drivers, changing TCP/IP settings), as well as ways to resolve typical errors, such as "No network access" or "Limited."

It is important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on which devices exactly are experiencing a problem. If the internet is down on only one computer, but smartphones and tablets are working fine, the settings are to blame. Windows or network card. If the problem affects all devices, the issue lies with the router or ISP. We'll start with the simplest solutions and gradually move on to more complex ones, so you can quickly find the root of the problem.

Before you begin adjusting settings, make sure the issue isn't temporary. For example, your provider may be performing maintenance or restricting access due to non-payment. Check the service status on the provider's website or call support—this will save you time.

1. Checking basic connection parameters

Start with the basics: make sure the problem is really the lack of internet connection, and not a specific website or app. Open Command line (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter) and run the command:

ping 8.8.8.8

What do the results mean:

• 🔹 "Timeout exceeded" — there is no connection to Google servers (the problem is with the router, provider, or PC network settings).
• 🔹 "The specified node is unavailable" — there may be problems with DNS or firewall.
• 🔹 Responses with a time of <100 ms — the Internet works, but there may be problems with the browser or DNS.

If the ping works but websites don't open, try entering in your browser http://8.8.8.8If the page loads, the problem is DNS servers (More on this in Section 4). If not, check your proxy or firewall settings.

2. Reboot the router and devices

It sounds trivial, but in 60% of cases a simple reboot of the equipment helps. The correct order of actions is:

1. Turn off the router's power (unplug it from the socket, do not use the button on the case).
2. Turn off your computer (not reboot, but completely shut down!).
3. Wait minimum 30 seconds — this time is needed for the capacitors in the router to discharge, and the DHCP server to reset the cache.
4. Turn on the router and wait until it is fully loaded (all indicators should be lit steadily).
5. Turn on your computer and check the connection.

If the problem persists after rebooting, check if the router's indicator lights are on. WAN (or Internet) And Wi-Fi. If WAN blinking or not lit at all - the problem is on the provider's side. If it's lit Wi-Fi, but no WAN — the cable may have come loose or the PPPoE settings may be corrupted.

Have you checked ping to 8.8.8.8?|Have you rebooted your router and PC?|Is the WAN indicator on the router lit?|Is the problem only on one device?-->

3. Diagnostics at the Windows level

If other devices (smartphones, tablets) are connected to the same Wi-Fi and the Internet works on them, the problem lies in the settings WindowsStart with the built-in troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Click Network troubleshooting.
3. Follow the wizard's instructions. The system often detects and fixes errors automatically (for example, by resetting the IP address or updating the adapter driver).

If automatic diagnostics did not help:

• 🔧 Resetting the network stack. Open Command prompt as administrator and do it in order:

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

  Afterwards, restart your PC.

• 🔧 Checking the DHCP service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc, find the service DHCP client and make sure it is running (startup type - Automatically).

4. DNS issues: why websites don't open when connected

If the ping is up to 8.8.8.8 It works, but the websites don't load, it's their fault DNS serversIt's like the internet's phone book: if DNS isn't working, the browser can't "recognize" a website's IP address from its name (for example, google.com).

How to check and fix:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection → Properties → Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
3. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

   8.8.8.8
   8.8.4.4

   (These are Google's public DNS). Click OK.

Alternative DNS servers:

After changing DNS, restart your browser or clear its cache (Ctrl + Shift + Del V Chrome/Edge). If the sites work, the problem was with your provider's DNS.

5. Router settings: what to check first

If there is no internet on all devicesIf your router is connected, the problem lies in its settings or connection to your ISP. Connect to the router via cable (if possible) or Wi-Fi and follow these steps:

1. Open your router's control panel. To do this, enter one of the following addresses in your browser:
   • 192.168.0.1 (more often than not TP-Link, D-Link)
   • 192.168.1.1 (at ASUS, Zyxel)
   • 192.168.8.1 (for some models Tenda)

The default login and password are usually admin/admin or indicated on the device sticker.

wmic nic get name, manufacturer