Wi-Fi is connected, but the internet isn't working on Windows 10: 7 ways to restore network access

On a laptop or PC with Windows 10 There is a Wi-Fi connection (the network icon is active, the router is detected), but the Internet does not work: the browser displays an error "No internet connection", websites won't open, but everything works fine on a phone or tablet connected to the same network. The problem could be related to operating system settings (missing TCP/IP parameters, adapter driver conflicts) or hardware issues, ranging from router malfunctions to a blocked device's MAC address. Before reinstalling drivers or resetting the network, check the basics: is the internet working on other devices, is access disabled for your computer in the router settings, and is the system indicating a limited connection (an exclamation point on the Wi-Fi icon).

The problem may lie in the settings of the system itself. Windows 10, as well as in the router settings or even on the provider's side. In this article, we'll look at 7 most common reasonsWe'll explore the various issues that cause internet connection loss even though Wi-Fi is working, and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting them. You'll learn how to diagnose the problem, which settings to check first, and when to contact your provider.

Important: If the Internet does not work on all devices at the same time, the problem is most likely on the router or ISP side. If the problem is only on one PC with Windows 10 — let's read on.

1. Checking basic connection parameters

Before digging deep into the settings, make sure the problem isn't solved by simple steps. Start with the obvious:

• 🔄 Restart your router and computerUnplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your PC. This resolves the issue in 30% of cases.
• 📶 Check your Wi-Fi signal strengthIf the network icon in the system tray shows 1-2 bars, the signal is too weak. Try moving closer to the router or eliminating interference (microwaves, other routers on the same frequency).
• 🔌 Make sure the internet connection is not disabled on the router.. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and check if Internet distribution is enabled in the section WAN or Internet.

If the Internet still doesn't work after these steps, we'll move on to a more in-depth diagnosis.

2. Diagnosing the network adapter in Windows 10

Network adapter (especially Wi-Fi) may be malfunctioning due to outdated drivers, conflicts, or hardware issues. Here's how to check its status:

1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
2. Expand the branch Network adapters.
3. Find your Wi-Fi adapter (usually contains the words Wireless, Wi-Fi or a brand name, for example Intel Wireless-AC).
4. Right click on it and select Properties.

In the properties window, pay attention to two things:

• 🔴 Device status at the top of the window. If it says "This device is working properly," the problem isn't hardware-related. If there are errors (codes 10, 28, 43, etc.), you'll need to reinstall the drivers.
• 🔄 The "Roll Back Driver" button on the tab DriverIf it's active, try rolling back to the previous version (sometimes new drivers contain bugs).

If the adapter is displayed with an exclamation mark or is not listed at all, the problem may be with the physical connection (for example, the antenna on the laptop is disconnected) or the device is broken.

3. Reset the TCP/IP stack and DNS cache

A common reason for the lack of internet access when Wi-Fi is working is a problem with TCP/IP protocol or stale cache entries DNSThese components are responsible for proper traffic routing. Resetting them helps in 40% of cases.

Open Command prompt as administrator (click Win + X → Command Prompt (Administrator)) and execute the commands sequentially:

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

After each command has completed, wait for a success message. Then restart your computer.

If the Internet doesn't work after rebooting, check if the settings have been reset. IPv4:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click on your Wi-Fi connection → Properties.
3. Uncheck the box Internet Protocol version 6 (TCP/IPv6) (it often conflicts with IPv4).
4. Select Internet Protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and press Properties.
5. Make sure that "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" are selected.

What should I do if the Internet is completely lost after resetting TCP/IP?

If after executing the commands netsh int ip reset If network access has completely disappeared (even locally), check your firewall settings. Sometimes resetting TCP/IP also resets firewall rules. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall. Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Turn firewall on or off and restart your PC.

4. Checking and changing DNS servers

If after connecting to Wi-Fi an error like this appears in the browser DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET or ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED — the problem is precisely in DNS serversThis means that your computer cannot translate website addresses (for example, google.com) into IP addresses.

The solution is to manually configure reliable DNS settings. To do this:

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

After applying the settings, run the following in the command line:

ipconfig /flushdns

If the internet works, the problem was with your provider's DNS. If not, let's move on.

Make sure that old DNS addresses are not specified in the IPv4 settings.

Try connecting to the Internet via Google DNS (8.8.8.8)

Check if your antivirus is blocking DNS changes

Reboot your router after changing DNS on your PC-->

5. Conflicts with antivirus or firewall

Many antiviruses (For example, Kaspersky, Avast, ESET NOD32) and built-in Windows Firewall They may block a network connection, mistaking it for a threat. This especially often happens after virus databases or the program itself are updated.

To check if your antivirus is to blame:

• 🛡️ Temporarily disable your antivirusIn most programs, this can be done through the context menu in the tray (the icon next to the clock).
• 🔥 Disable Windows Firewall:
  1. Open Control Panel → Windows Firewall.
  2. Select Enabling and disabling Windows Firewall.
  3. Check "Disable firewall" for both private and public networks.

🔄 Check your internet connection After disabling protection. If the internet works again, the problem is in the security settings.

If it's an antivirus issue, try:

• Update the program to the latest version.
• Add your network connection to exceptions.
• Remove the antivirus completely (for example, through Revo Uninstaller) and install again.

6. IP addressing issues (conflict or missing address)

If you see a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark next to the Wi-Fi icon in the tray, and the connection status says "No Internet access" or "Limited," your computer is most likely not receiving IP address from the router. This can happen for several reasons:

• 🔢 The router's IP address pool has run out. (too many devices connected).
• 🔄 Router DHCP server failure (He is responsible for distributing addresses).
• 🚫 Your MAC address is blocked in your router settings..

To diagnose the problem:

1. Open Command line and run:

ipconfig /all

Please pay attention to the lines:

• Wireless network adapter — the name of your Wi-Fi should be here.
• IPv4 address - if it starts with 169.254.x.x, which means the computer did not receive an address from the router.
• Main gateway - must match the router's IP (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

If the IP address is missing or starts with 169.254, try:

1. Reboot the router.
2. Manually enter the IP address in the adapter settings (for example, 192.168.0.100 with a mask 255.255.255.0 and a gateway 192.168.0.1).
3. Check DHCP settings on your router (must be enabled).

7. Reset network settings in Windows 10

If none of the previous methods helped, the last chance is full reset of network settingsThis procedure will reset all network settings to factory defaults, including:

• Wi-Fi and Ethernet settings.
• VPN configuration.
• Firewall rules for networks.
• DNS and ARP cache.

To reset:

1. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Status.
2. Scroll down and click Network reset.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Please note: After the reset, you will have to reconnect to all Wi-Fi networks (including hidden ones) and set up a VPN if you used one.

If this doesn’t help, the problem may be:

• 🖥️ Hardware failure of the network card (try connecting via cable or USB Wi-Fi adapter).
• 📡 Problems on the provider's side (Call support and check if there are any problems with your tariff or personal account).
• 🔧 Damage to Windows system files (check through sfc /scannow in the command line as administrator).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the problem

Why is there internet on my phone but not on my computer?

This is a situation where the problem is localized to one device. There may be various causes:

• The settings on my PC have been lost. IP/DNS or network adapter.
• Antivirus or firewall blocks the connection.
• Wi-Fi adapter driver is outdated or does not work correctly.
• It's enabled on the router. MAC address filtering, and your PC is not whitelisted.

Start by checking your IPv4 settings and disabling your antivirus as described above.

How do I know if the problem is with my router or my computer?

A simple way to diagnose:

1. Connect another device (smartphone, tablet, second PC) to the same Wi-Fi.
2. If the Internet works, the problem is in your computer.
3. If the Internet doesn't work on other devices, the problem is with the router or provider.

Also check if the indicator light is on Internet (WAN) On the router. If it's blinking or off, the problem is with your ISP.

What should I do if I lose my internet connection after updating Windows 10?
Windows updates often reset network settings or install incompatible drivers. Try:
1. Roll back the network adapter driver Device Manager.
2. Install the driver manually from the manufacturer's website (do not use drivers from Microsoft).
3. Perform a network reset (Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset).
4. If the problem appeared after a major update (for example, to Windows 10 22H2), try rolling back to the previous version via Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
Could a virus be the reason for the lack of internet?

Yes, some viruses and malware specifically block internet access in order to:

• Prevent antivirus software from updating.
• Redirect traffic through proxy servers.
• Encrypt your data (as with ransomware).

Signs of infection:

• IN hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) strange entries appeared.
• The antivirus is disabled and cannot be turned on.
• Unknown processes with network activity are hanging in the Task Manager.

Solution: Scan your system Malwarebytes or Dr.Web CureIt! from a bootable flash drive.

Why does the Internet disappear after sleep or hibernation?
This is a known issue with some Wi-Fi adapters, especially on laptops. Causes:
• The adapter driver does not support power saving modes.
• The power saving device is disabled in the power settings.
• Conflict with other network devices.
Solutions:
1. Open Device Manager → Network Adapters → Your Wi-Fi Properties → Power Management and uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power."
2. Update your adapter driver to the latest version.
3. IN Control Panel → Power Options → Change plan settings → Change advanced power settings Find "Wireless Adapter Settings" and set it to "Maximum Performance".