Wi-Fi is connected, but the internet isn't working: Why is this happening and how to fix it?

You open your laptop, see a familiar Wi-Fi network, connect—and instead of the usual pages, your browser displays a "No internet access" error. Meanwhile, the network icon in the system tray shows the connection is active, and everything works fine on your phone or tablet. Sound familiar? This is one of the most common Wi-Fi problems on Windows, and it can occur for dozens of reasons, from trivial glitches to serious network configuration issues.

In this article, we will not just list the possible reasons, but we will analyze them in detail degrees of probability (from the most common to the rarest), we offer specific steps for diagnosis We'll provide instructions that will work even if you've never set up a network before. Important: not all methods are universal—some solutions depend on your router model, Windows version, or even your ISP. But we've tried to cover 90% of cases.

Let's start with the simplest thing: how to quickly determine whether the problem is with your computer, router, or ISP. This will save you hours of wasted effort.

1. Quick diagnostics: where to look for the problem?

Before you dig into the settings, answer three questions:

• 📱 Does the internet work on other devices? Check your smartphone, tablet, or second computer. If so, the problem is definitely with your PC. If not, the router or ISP is to blame.
• 🔄 Does rebooting the router help? Unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. If the internet works after that, the problem was a temporary router glitch.
• 🖥️ Is Windows showing a "Limited" or "No network access" error? This is the key point: "Limited" usually means IP address issues, while "No Access" usually means DNS or gateway level issues.

If the Internet doesn't work on one computer only, and on other devices everything is fine - go to section on Windows settingsIf the problem affects all gadgets, read about router problems.

2. Computer problems: from simple to complex

In 70% of cases, Windows itself or its settings are to blame. Let's start with the most harmless causes, which can be fixed in 1-2 clicks.

2.1. Resetting the TCP/IP stack and DNS cache

This is the first method worth trying. Network outages are often caused by corrupted network settings or an outdated DNS cache. Run the following commands in command prompt as administrator:

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

After completing the steps, restart your computer. If the problem was a software glitch, this will help.

2.2. Checking network card drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of Wi-Fi issues, especially if the internet stopped working after a Windows update. Here's how to check:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the tab Network adapters.
3. Find your Wi-Fi adapter (usually contains the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or a brand name, for example Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200).
4. Right click → Update driver → Automatic search.

If Windows doesn't find updates, try downloading the driver from your laptop or network card manufacturer's website. To do this:

• 🔍 Find out the exact model of the adapter (in the Device Manager → Properties → tab Intelligence → select Equipment ID).
• 🌐 Enter the model into Google with the word driver (For example, Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200 driver).
• ⚠️ Download drivers only from official websites (Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm Atheros, etc.).

2.3. Manual IP and DNS settings

Sometimes Windows can't automatically retrieve the correct network settings from the router. Try entering them manually:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Configure adapter settings.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection → Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
4. Check the boxes Use the following IP address And Use the following DNS server addresses.

Enter the following values ​​(if your router has an IP 192.168.1.1, which is typical for most models):

If the Internet works after these steps, the problem was in the automatic settings. In some cases, only manual DNS installation from Google or Cloudflare helps, even if the IP address is obtained automatically.

2.4. Disabling power saving for the Wi-Fi adapter

By default, Windows tries to save battery life by disabling network devices. This sometimes results in lost connections. To disable this feature:

1. Open device Manager → Network adapters.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter → Properties.
3. Go to the tab Power management.
4. Uncheck the box Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

This method is especially relevant for laptops, where the problem appears after waking up from sleep or hibernation.

3. Router Problems: What to Check First

If the internet doesn't work on all devices, the router or ISP is to blame. Let's start with diagnosing the router.

3.1. Rebooting the router (not just turning it off!)

Many users simply press the power button on the router, but this doesn't always completely reset it. The correct way to reboot:

1. Unplug the router from the power outlet.
2. Wait 5-10 minutes (this is important - the capacitors must be completely discharged).
3. Turn it back on and wait until it boots up completely (usually 1-2 minutes).

If the internet works after this, the problem was a temporary glitch. If not, let's move on.

3.2. Checking the connection to the provider

Make sure your router is actually connected to the internet. To do this:

1. Connect your computer to the router via cable (even if you usually use Wi-Fi).
2. If the Internet works, the problem is in the settings. wireless network router.
3. If not, check. indicators on the router:
   • 🟢 Internet/WAN should be on or flashing.
   • 🔴 If it goes out or is red, the problem is on the provider's side.

If the WAN indicator is not active:

• 🔌 Check if the cable from the provider is firmly inserted into the port WAN/Internet on the router.
• 📞 Call your provider - they may be undergoing maintenance or your bill may be unpaid.

3.3. Resetting the router to factory settings

If your router is acting up and you don't remember its settings, it's easier to reset it to factory settings. To do this:

1. Find the small button on the back of the router. Reset (usually recessed into the body).
2. Take a paper clip or a toothpick and press and hold the button 10-15 seconds.
3. The router will reboot and return to default settings.

After reset:

• 🔐 Connect to the router's Wi-Fi network (the name and password are indicated on the sticker at the bottom).
• 🌐 Enter in your browser 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (the address is indicated on the same sticker).
• ⚙️ Set up a connection to your provider (login details are usually in your contract).

How can I find out my connection details to my provider?

Usually this is a login and password in the format login@provider.ru Or just numbers. If you don't know, call your provider's support team and tell them you reset your router. They'll tell you the parameters for your plan.

3.4. Updating the router firmware

Outdated firmware may cause conflicts with modern devices. To update:

1. Go to your router's control panel (usually at 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the section System, Administration or Software update.
3. Check your current firmware version and compare it with the latest one. manufacturer's website.
4. If a new version is available, download it and upload it via the web interface.

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off the router during the firmware update! This may cause it to malfunction. complete inoperabilityIf you have TP-Link, ASUS or Keenetic, the process is generally safe, but for lesser-known brands the risk is higher.

4. Conflicts with antivirus and firewall

Sometimes security programs block network access, mistakenly identifying it as a threat. This is especially true for:

• 🛡️ Kaspersky Internet Security (blocks DNS requests)
• 🔒 Avast And AVG (may conflict with network drivers)
• 🧱 Built-in Windows Firewall (sometimes resets rules after updates)

To check:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus (via the tray icon → Suspend protection).
2. Disable Windows Firewall:

   Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Firewall → Turn firewall on or off

3. Check your internet access.

If the internet works again after disabling protection, add your network to the antivirus exceptions or configure the firewall.

5. Problems with your provider: what to do if it's not your fault

If configuring your router and computer doesn't help, there may be a problem with your internet service provider. Here's how to check:

• 📞 Call support and ask if there is any technical work in your area.
• 💳 Make sure the invoice is paid (sometimes access is blocked due to debts without notice).
• 🔌 Ask to connect you with a technician and ask check the line — the cable may be damaged.

Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) bind access to the device's MAC address. If you've changed your router or network card, you may need to:

1. Register a new MAC address in your personal account.
2. Or call support and ask reset the binding.

⚠️ Attention: Some providers (eg. MTS or Third Transport Ring) The contract may state that they do not guarantee operation with consumer routers. If you connect your router instead of their equipment, support may refuse to assist.

6. Rare causes: when nothing helps

If you've tried everything above and the problem persists, something less obvious may be to blame.

6.1 IP address conflict in the network

If two devices on your network have the same IP address, this may be blocking internet access. It's easy to check:

1. Open command prompt and type:

   arp -a

2. Check the list for duplicate IP addresses.

If you find a duplicate, manually assign a different IP to the other device (as in Section 2.3).

6.2. MTU Problems

MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) — the maximum data packet size that can be transmitted without fragmentation. If this value is set incorrectly, some websites may not open, and speeds will be low.

To check:

1. Open Command Prompt.
2. Enter:

   ping -f -l 1472 ya.ru

   If a message appears Packet fragmentation required, MTU is too large.

3. Reduce the number 1472 by 8 until the ping starts to pass without fragmentation.
4. Optimal MTU value = successful package size + 28 (for example, if the ping was successful with 1472, MTU = 1500).

To change MTU:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click on your connection → Properties → Tune.
3. Tab Additionally → find the parameter MTU or Jumbo Frame.

6.3. Viruses and malware

Some viruses change network settings, spoof DNS, or block access to certain websites. Run a full system scan:

• 🛡️ Use Malwarebytes or Dr.Web CureIt! to search for malware.
• 🔍 Check the file hosts (path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts). It should contain only the line 127.0.0.1 localhostIf there are other entries there, delete them.

7. Diagnostics using specialized utilities

If manual methods don't work, use programs for deep network diagnostics:

For example, Wireshark will show whether the traffic reaches the router, and PingPlotter will help to identify at what stage data packets are lost.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Wi-Fi work on my phone but not on my computer?

This means that the problem only in your PC settingsThe most likely reasons are:

• Outdated Wi-Fi adapter drivers.
• Conflict with antivirus or firewall.
• Incorrect IP or DNS settings (try entering them manually, as in Section 2.3).
• Power saving turns off the adapter (check Section 2.4).

Start by restarting your computer and router. If that doesn't help, update your drivers and check your network settings.

What should I do if the internet doesn't work after resetting my router?

After resetting the router to factory settings, you must:

1. Connect to its Wi-Fi network (details on the sticker below).
2. Go to the control panel at the address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
3. Enter your connection details to your provider (usually the login and password from the contract).
4. Save settings and reboot the router.

If you don't know your login details, call your provider and tell them you reset your router. They'll be able to help you find the correct settings for your plan.

Can a virus block internet access?

Yes, some viruses:

• They change DNS settings (redirect to fraudulent sites).
• Block access to antivirus sites or banking sites.
• Substitute the file hosts, which makes some resources unavailable.

Check the system Dr.Web CureIt! or Malwarebytes, and also make sure that in the file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts no unnecessary entries.

Why do some websites open and some don't?

These are typical symptoms:

• Problems with DNS (try changing the DNS server to 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1).
• Incorrect MTU (cm. Section 6.2).
• Blocking by your provider or antivirus.

Also check if you are using a VPN or proxy - they can filter your traffic.

How do I know if my ISP is at fault?

It's easy to check:

1. Connect your computer directly to the provider's cable (without router).
2. If the Internet works, the problem is in the router.
3. If not, call your provider and ask about the problems.

Also call support and ask check the line — the cable outside may be damaged.

If none of these methods help, please describe your situation in as much detail as possible (router model, Windows version, and specific errors) in the comments. We'll do our best to help!