Why is there no internet on my computer even though Wi-Fi is on and connected?

You turned on Wi-Fi Is your computer connected to the internet, but pages won't open in the browser, and instant messaging apps are showing connection errors? This situation is familiar to many—especially annoying when the internet is stable on your phone or other device, but your PC stubbornly refuses to connect. There can be more than a dozen reasons for this behavior, ranging from trivial configuration errors to hardware issues with the network card.

In this article we will look at all possible scenarios, Why Wi-Fi is connected, but there is no internet — from simple (for example, a disabled DNS) to complex (IP address conflict or corrupted drivers). For each case, we will provide step-by-step instructions with pictures and commands, which will help you restore the connection without calling a technician. You'll also find a quick diagnostic table and an FAQ on common Windows errors.

First, check the obvious: is the internet working on other devices (smartphone, tablet)? If so, the problem is definitely with your PC. If not, the router or ISP is to blame. This simple test will save you an hour!

1. DNS issues: why websites won't open, but Wi-Fi is connected

One of the most common reasons is DNS server failureIn this case Wi-Fi connection is active, but browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) show errors like ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED or DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAINHowever, instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) can work because they use direct IP addresses.

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that resolves domain names (e.g. google.com) into IP addresses (for example, 142.250.186.46If your provider's DNS servers are unavailable or malfunctioning, websites won't open even though you're connected to your router.

• 🔧 Solution 1: Manually enter public DNS from Google or Cloudflare. To do this:
1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click on your active connection (Wi-Fi) → Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
4. Set the switch to Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:

8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4

(DNS from Google) or

1.1.1.1

1.0.0.1

(DNS from Cloudflare).

ipconfig /flushdns

net stop dnscache
net start dnscache

⚠️ Attention: If the internet works after changing the DNS, but then disappears again after a while, the problem may be with the router. Update its firmware or reset it to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).

2. IP address conflict: the router does not issue the correct address

Another common reason is - IP address conflict on a local network. This happens when:

• 📡 The router cannot assign a unique IP address to your PC (for example, the address pool has run out).
• 🖥️ A static IP address was manually assigned to the computer, but it is already taken by another device.
• ⚡ After rebooting the router, the DHCP server did not renew the IP lease.

Symptoms: A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark appears in the tray next to the Wi-Fi icon, and in Network and Control Center connection status - No network access or Limited.

How to fix:

1. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd → Enter).
2. Execute the commands one by one:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

3. If this doesn't help, reset your TCP/IP settings:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

4. Restart your computer.

Symptom	Probable cause	Solution
Wi-Fi is connected, but "No network access"	IP conflict or DHCP failure	ipconfig /release → ipconfig /renew
IP address starts with 169.254.xx	The router does not issue an address (APIPA)	Reboot your router and check your DHCP settings.
There is a ping to 8.8.8.8, but not to google.com.	DNS issues	Change DNS servers manually

3. Problems with network card drivers

If Wi-Fi connects, but the internet connection disappears after a few minutes. or the speed is extremely low (for example, 0.1 Mbps), the culprit may be outdated, corrupted, or incompatible drivers network adapter. This is especially relevant after updating Windows or replacing the PC's hardware.

How to check:

1. Click Win + X → device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters.
3. If there is a Wi-Fi adapter near your Wi-Fi adapter (for example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377) the yellow exclamation mark is lit - the driver is not working properly.

Solutions:

• 🔄 Update driver: Right-click on the adapter → Update driver → Automatic search.
• 🗑️ Uninstall and reinstall the driver:
  1. Remove the adapter via device Manager (right click → Remove device).
  2. Restart your PC - Windows will install the driver automatically.
  3. If this doesn't help, download the driver from the website of the laptop or network card manufacturer (for example, Intel Driver & Support Assistant for Intel adapters).

⚠️ Attention: If Wi-Fi disappears completely after updating the driver (no networks are displayed), try connecting to the router via cable and downloading the driver from the official website. For laptops Lenovo, HP or Dell use automatic update utilities (for example, Lenovo Vantage).

4. Router settings: why is there internet on my phone but not on my PC?

If the Internet works on your smartphone or tablet, but not on your computer, the problem may be router settingsHere are the most likely scenarios:

• 🔒 MAC address filtering: Device binding is enabled on your router and your PC is not whitelisted.
• 📶 Device limit: Some routers (especially those from providers) block connections from new devices after reaching the limit.
• 🔄 Incorrect Wi-Fi operating mode: For example, the router operates in the mode 802.11n, and your adapter only supports 802.11ac.
• 🛡️ Router firewall: Built-in protection can block traffic from a PC (especially if there have been previous hacking attempts).

How to check:

1. Connect to the router via cable (if possible) or through another device.
2. Open your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, login/password — admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).
3. Check the sections:
   • Wireless → MAC Filter (disable filtering or add your PC's MAC address).
   • DHCP → DHCP Clients List (make sure your PC is on the list and has received an IP).
   • Advanced → Wireless Settings (change the mode from 11b/g/n on 11a/n/ac or vice versa).

ipconfig /all

5. Antivirus or Windows Firewall is blocking the network

Sometimes security programs (Antiviruses, firewalls) mistakenly block a network connection, considering it suspicious. This most often manifests itself as follows:

• Wi-Fi connects, but after 1-2 minutes the internet connection disappears.
• Errors like this appear in the browser ERR_CONNECTION_RESET.
• File downloads are interrupted halfway through.

How to check:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus (for example, Kaspersky, Avast, ESET NOD32) and check the connection.
2. Disable Windows Firewall:
   • Click Win + R → enter firewall.cpl → Enter.
   • Select Enabling and disabling Windows Firewall.
   • Mark Disable the firewall for private and public network.

⚠️ Attention: If the Internet connection appears after disabling your antivirus, but disappears again after a while, check your settings. firewall in the antivirus. For example, in Kaspersky Internet Security you need to go to Settings → Security → Firewall and add the browser to the list of trusted programs.

6. Problems with the provider or router

If the Internet doesn't work on all devices (including your phone), the problem lies with your router or internet provider. Here's what to do:

• 🔌 Reboot your router: Unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully boot up.
• 📞 Check the status with your provider: Call support or check the problem information on the provider's website (for example, Rostelecom, Beeline, MTS (planned work is often reported).
• 🔧 Check the cables: Make sure the cable from your ISP is firmly inserted into the port. WAN (or Internet) on the router. If you have a spare cable, try it.
• 🌐 Connect directly: Disconnect the cable from the router and connect it directly to your PC. If the internet works, the problem is with the router.

If the internet still doesn't work after rebooting your router, try resetting its settings:

1. Find the small button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Press it with a paper clip or toothpick and hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
3. After resetting, configure the router again (you will need the login/password from your provider).

7. Viruses and malware

Some viruses (such as Trojans or botnets) may block the Internet, redirect traffic, or change network settings. Signs of infection:

• The Internet only works in incognito mode browser.
• IN hosts-strange entries appeared in the file (check the path C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts).
• Antivirus shows warnings about network attacks.

How to treat:

1. Check your PC for viruses using Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or Dr.Web CureIt! (free utilities).
2. Reset network settings:

   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset
   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Check the file hosts:
   1. Open it through Notebook (as administrator).
   2. Delete all lines except 127.0.0.1 localhost.
   3. Save the file.

8. Hardware malfunctions

If none of the above helps, the problem may be in iron:

• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter failure: Especially relevant for older laptops or after drops/impacts.
• 🔌 Faulty router port: Try connecting your PC to a different port (if using a cable).
• 🔋 Nutritional issues: Insufficient voltage can cause network card failures (especially for PCs with weak power supplies).

How to diagnose:

1. Connect another device (smartphone, tablet) to the router. If it also has no internet connection, the problem is with the router.
2. Try connecting your PC to a different Wi-Fi network (for example, using your phone's hotspot mode). If the internet works, your router or ISP is to blame.
3. If you can't get any Wi-Fi at all (no networks are showing), try connecting via cable. Does it work? Then the Wi-Fi module is broken.

⚠️ Attention: If the network card is integrated into the motherboard (typical for many laptops), replacing it can be expensive. In this case, it's easier to use an external one. USB Wi-Fi adapter (For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions