Computer Won't Connect to the Internet? How to Fix Network Issues

When a computer can't get online, the cause is usually one of three things: the computer, the router or modem, or your internet provider. Fixing it quickly means working out which one before you change any settings. This guide starts with quick checks that narrow it down, then moves to Windows and Mac fixes in order from least to most disruptive. For a related guide, see Computer Won't Turn On? Step-by-Step Checks for Desktops and Laptops. For a related guide, see Can't Download Files from Cloud Storage? Fixes for Failed or Blocked Downloads.

Step 1: Work out where the problem is

Start with two questions: do other devices work, and what does your computer say?

• Other devices also can't get online: The problem is probably the router, modem, or provider. Go to Step 2.
• Only this computer fails, others work: The problem is on the computer. Skip to Step 3.
• The computer says "Connected" or "No internet" but pages won't load: It's reaching the router but not the internet. This points to a router/provider fault, a DNS problem, or a proxy/VPN setting.
• The computer can't find or join any Wi-Fi network: The problem is likely the Wi-Fi adapter, its driver, or a disabled setting.

Also rule out the obvious: Airplane mode should be off, Wi-Fi should be on, and some laptops have a function key or physical switch that disables wireless. If you use Ethernet, reseat both ends of the cable and check for a light at the port.

Step 2: Restart the network equipment

This fixes a surprising number of cases, and it's harmless.

1. Shut down or restart the computer.
2. Unplug the router and modem (they may be one combined device) from power. Leave them off for about 30 seconds.
3. Plug in the modem first and wait a few minutes until its lights settle, then plug in the router.
4. Test again on the computer and another device.

If other devices still fail, check your provider's outage page or app, or call them. Light patterns vary by model, but a red or blinking internet/WAN light usually means the router isn't getting a signal from the provider. If you have a spare Ethernet cable, connecting the computer directly to the router helps confirm that: if wired works but Wi-Fi doesn't, the Wi-Fi side is at fault.

Step 3: Run Windows' built-in checks

Run the troubleshooter first. It can't damage anything and sometimes resets the adapter for you.

• Windows 11: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet > Run.
• Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Internet Connections.

Next, forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network. Make sure you have the Wi-Fi password first (it's usually printed on the router).

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks (Windows 11; Windows 10 has a similar "Manage known networks" option).
2. Select your network and choose Forget.
3. Reconnect from the Wi-Fi list and enter the password.

Step 4: Check whether it's a DNS problem

DNS translates website names into addresses. If the connection is fine but names don't resolve, you'll see "can't reach this site" errors while some apps still work. Open Command Prompt or Terminal and test:

1. Run ping 8.8.8.8. If you get replies, your computer can reach the internet.
2. Run ping google.com. If this fails while the first worked, DNS is the problem.

If DNS is the culprit, run ipconfig /flushdns. If that doesn't help, try a different DNS server in Windows 11 under Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) > your network's properties > DNS server assignment > Edit. Choose Manual and enter a public resolver such as Google's (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1). Switch back to Automatic if it makes no difference.

If the first ping fails too, run ipconfig. An IPv4 address starting with 169.254 means the computer didn't get an address from the router. Restart the router, then try the next step.

Step 5: Reset the network stack

If the simpler steps haven't worked, open Command Prompt or Windows Terminal as administrator and run these one at a time:

1. ipconfig /release
2. ipconfig /renew
3. ipconfig /flushdns
4. netsh winsock reset
5. netsh int ip reset

Restart the computer afterward. One caution: netsh int ip reset returns TCP/IP settings to defaults, so if you've set a static IP address manually, note it down first and re-enter it afterward.

If that fails, the stronger option is Network reset (Windows 11: Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset; Windows 10: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset). It reinstalls network adapters and restores networking components to defaults. Before using it, be aware that it removes saved Wi-Fi networks and may remove VPN configurations or virtual adapters, so have your passwords and VPN details ready. It restarts the PC after a short countdown, so save your work first.

Step 6: Look at VPN, proxy, and security software

• VPN: Disconnect it, or quit the VPN app, and test again. If the internet returns, the VPN client needs updating or reconfiguring.
• Proxy: In Settings > Network & internet > Proxy, check for a manual proxy you don't recognize. Work or school computers may use one intentionally, so don't change it on a managed device without asking the administrator.
• Security software: Don't leave your antivirus or firewall disabled. If you suspect it, briefly test with its network protection paused, or check its support page, and re-enable it right away.

Step 7: Check the network adapter and driver

If the computer sees no Wi-Fi networks, or the adapter vanishes after an update, open Device Manager (right-click Start) and expand Network adapters.

• A down-arrow icon means the adapter is disabled. Right-click it and choose Enable device.
• A yellow warning icon means a driver problem. Right-click the adapter, choose Properties > Driver, and use Roll Back Driver if the problem began after an update and the button is available.
• Otherwise, try Update driver. If Windows can't get online to find one, download the current Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver from the PC or adapter manufacturer's support page using another device, then install it from a USB drive.

If the adapter is missing entirely, even after a restart, it may be a hardware fault. A USB Wi-Fi adapter or a wired connection can confirm this and keep you online meanwhile.

On a Mac

1. Turn Wi-Fi off and on from the menu bar, then restart the Mac.
2. Open System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi, select your network's Details, and choose Renew DHCP Lease under TCP/IP. You can also try setting a different DNS server under the DNS tab.
3. In the same Details pane, forget the network (use the Forget This Network option), then rejoin with the password.
4. Hold Option and click the Wi-Fi icon to open Wireless Diagnostics, which can check for common Wi-Fi problems.

Menu names vary slightly between macOS versions, and older versions use System Preferences instead of System Settings.

How to confirm it's fixed

• Load a few different websites, including a secure (https) one.
• Run ping google.com and confirm you get replies.
• Check that apps you use, such as email, cloud storage, or video calls, reconnect.
• Restart the computer once and confirm the connection returns by itself.

When to stop and get help

Factory-resetting the router is a last resort. It wipes your Wi-Fi name, password, and any provider login (some connections need account details to be re-entered), so check your provider's or router maker's documentation before doing it. Contact your provider if all devices are offline, the router shows a fault light, or a direct wired connection fails. If only one computer is affected and every step above has failed, the adapter or motherboard may be failing, so contact the manufacturer or a repair technician.

Start with the router restart and the "do other devices work?" test, since that single check tells you which half of this guide to use.