Fix Wi-Fi connection problems in Windows (2023)

Connection issues can be caused by many things - issues with the website, your device, wireless router, modem, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Try the following steps to narrow down the cause of the problem.

1. If you see the WiFi Connected icon on the right side of the taskbar, visit another website. If the site opens, there may be a problem with it. If you are unable to connect to another site, continue to the next step.

2. Try connecting to the same network on another laptop or phone. If you are able to connect, the cause of the problem is most likely your device - skip to sectionTroubleshoot network issues on your device🇧🇷 If you are unable to connect to the network on any device, proceed to the next step.

3. Check if there are any problems connecting to your wireless router. To do this, use a ping test.

   1. ChooseTo search foron the taskbar and typecommand prompt. It iscommand promptbutton appears. Select to the right of itExecute as administrator>E.

   2. Type at the command promptipconfigand then selectEnter.In the results, search for the name of your Wi-Fi network and locate the IP address listed next to itStandard-Gatewayfor this WiFi network. Make a note of this address, if necessary.For example: 192.168.1.1

   3. Type at the command promptping <default gateway>and then selectEnter.For example, typePing 192.168.1.1and selectEnter.The results should be something like this:

• Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64

• Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64

• Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64

• Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64

• Ping stats for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milliseconds: Minimum = 4 ms, Maximum = 5 ms, Average = 4 ms

If you see results like this and get a response, you are connected to your Wi-Fi router, then there may be an issue with your modem or ISP. Contact your ISP or check online on another device (if possible) to see if there is a service outage.

If the ping test results indicate that you are not getting a response from the router, try connecting your PC directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable (if possible). If you are able to connect to the Internet using an Ethernet cable, then this confirms that the connection problem is with the Wi-Fi router. Make sure you have the latest firmware installed and read your router's documentation.

Run network commands

Try running these network commands to manually reset the TCP/IP stack, flush and renew the IP address, and flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache:

1. ChooseTo search foron the taskbar and typecommand prompt. It iscommand promptbutton appears. Select to the right of itExecute as administrator>E.

2. At the command prompt, run the following commands in the order listed and see if that resolves the connection issue:

   • Typeredefinir netsh winsockand selectEnter.

   • Typenetsh int ip redefinirand selectEnter.

   • Typeipconfig /releaseand selectEnter.

   • Typeipconfig /refreshand selectEnter.

   • Typeipconfig /flushdnsand selectEnter.

Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart

If the previous steps don't work, try uninstalling the network adapter driver and restart your computer. Windows automatically installs the latest driver. Consider this approach if your network connection has stopped working properly after a recent update.

Before uninstalling, make sure you have the drivers available as a backup. Visit the PC manufacturer's website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC is unable to connect to the Internet, you will need to download a driver on another PC and save it to a USB flash drive so that you can install the driver on your PC. You need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

1. ChooseTo search forType in the taskbardevice Managerand then selectdevice Managerfrom the results list.

2. Enlargenetwork adapterand locate your device's network adapter.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the network adapter and selectuninstall device> check thoseTry removing the driver for this devicecheckbox >uninstall.

4. After uninstalling the driver, selectstart>performance>Starting over.

After the computer restarts, Windows will automatically search for and install the network adapter driver. Check if this fixes your connection issue. If Windows doesn't install a driver automatically, try installing the backup driver you saved before uninstalling.

Make sure your network adapter is compatible with the latest Windows Update

If you lost your network connection immediately after upgrading or updating Windows 11, it's possible that your current network adapter driver was designed for an earlier version of Windows. To check this, try temporarily uninstalling the latest Windows update:

1. Choosestart>Definitions>windows update>update history>uninstall updates.

2. Select the most recent update and then selectuninstall.

If uninstalling the latest update restores your network connection, check to see if an updated driver is available:

1. ChooseTo search forType in the taskbardevice Managerand then selectdevice Managerfrom the results list.

2. Enlargenetwork adapterand locate your device's network adapter.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the network adapter and selectupdate drivers>Automatic search for updated driver softwareand follow the instructions.

4. Select after installing updated driverstart>performance>Starting overwhen prompted to restart and see if that fixes the connection issue.

If Windows cannot find a new driver for your network adapter, go to your PC manufacturer's website and download the latest network adapter driver. You need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Do one of the following:

• If you are unable to download and install a newer network adapter driver, hide the update that is causing you to lose your network connection. For information about hiding updates, seeHide Windows Updates or Driver Updates.

• If you were able to successfully install updated drivers for your network adapter, please reinstall the latest updates. To do this, selectstart>Definitions>windows update>Check for updates.

Use network reset

Resetting the network should be the last step to attempt. Consider using it if the above steps don't help with the connection.

This can help resolve connection issues you may have after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It can also help fix the issue where you can connect to the internet but cannot connect to shared network drives. A network reset will remove any network adapters you have installed and their settings. After restarting your PC, all network adapters will be reinstalled and their settings will be restored to their default settings.

1. Choosestart>Definitions>Network and Internet>advanced network settings>reset the nested ones.
   

2. Noreset the nested onesscreen, selectreset now>Econfirmed.

Wait until your PC restarts and see if that fixes the problem.

Check your WiFi settings

Wi-Fi adapter manufacturers may have different advanced settings that you can change based on your network environment or connection settings.

Check your network adapter's wireless mode setting and make sure it matches the capabilities of the network you are trying to connect to. If it does not match, you will not be able to connect and the network may not appear in the list of available networks. Wireless mode is usually set to Auto or something similar by default, allowing you to connect to any supported network type.

How to find wireless mode setting

1. Select from Device Managernetwork adapterand double-click the name of the network adapter.

2. ChooseProgressiveguide and look for awireless modeAttitude. Make sure it's set to the mode your network is using.

WiFi profile settings

Windows uses the Wi-Fi profile to store the settings it needs to connect to a Wi-Fi network. These settings include network security type, key, network name (SSID), etc.

To fix this, remove (or "forget") the network connection and reconnect to the network. If you forget a network connection, the Wi-Fi network profile will be removed from your PC.

forgot a network

1. Choosestart>Definitions>Network and Internet.

2. ChooseW-lan, then selectManage known networks.

   See Also

   Netgear router lights are on but no internet (easy fixes) - RouterCtrlConnected to WiFi but no internet access in Windows? What to do

3. Select the network you want to forget and then selectForget.

Then select theW-lanicon in the system tray and try connecting to the network again to renew the network connection.

Check your home layout

Your Wi-Fi network may be affected by network frequency band, channel congestion and/or signal strength. For more information, seeWi-Fi issues and your home layout.

Look for other symptoms of the No Internet Connection icon.

Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, there are other troubleshooting steps you can try. To view these steps, check outWi-Fi connection symbols and their meaning.

related topics

• Configuring a wireless network

• How to find out WiFi password

• Analyze wireless network report

• Wi-Fi-Tools and Applications

• Make a Wi-Fi Network Public or Private in Windows

• Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and selectDefinitions, then select thenetworkSymbol.

  2. turn onW-lan.

• Make sure the physical WiFi switch on your laptop is turned on. (An indicator light usually shows when it's on.)

• Make sure your PC is not in airplane mode.

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and selectDefinitions, then select thenetworkSymbol.

  2. To switch offairplane mode.

• If possible, move closer to the router or access point.

• If you don't see the network name, your router or access point might not be configured to broadcast the network name. In this case, you must connect manually.

  1. Swipe in from the right edge of the screen and selectDefinitions.

  2. Choosenetworkicon and then selectHidden Network.

  3. Enter the network name and selectNext.

  4. Enter and select passwordNext.

  5. Follow further instructions to connect.

• The network is added to your list of networks and is available for connection when your computer is within range of the network. Follow these steps to connect to the network:

  1. OpenConnect to a networkby selecting the network icon in the notification area.

  2. Choosenameless network, chooseTo connectand enter the network information. The network is added to your list of networks and is available to connect to in the future when your computer is within range of the network.

Let Windows try to help you fix the problem. Try running the Network Troubleshooter to see if it can diagnose and fix the problem.

Choosestartbutton, start typingnetwork problemsand then selectIdentify and fix network problemsOn the list.

The Network Troubleshooter (mentioned above) can help diagnose and fix common connection problems. After that try running the following network commands as the combination of these two things can help you get connected.

If your issue is not resolved after running the network troubleshooter, try the following:

• Reset the TCP/IP stack.

• Release the IP address.

• Renew the IP address.

• Clear and reset the DNS client resolver cache.

To run network commands from a command prompt:

1. Choosestartbutton, start typingcmd, right-clickcommand promptselect from listExecute as administratorand then selectE.

2. At the command prompt, run the following commands in the order listed and see if that resolves the connection issue:

   • Typeredefinir netsh winsockand press Enter.

   • Typenetsh int ip redefinirand press Enter.

   • Typeipconfig /releaseand press Enter.

   • Typeipconfig /refreshand press Enter.

   • Typeipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter.

This will help establish a new connection with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). By doing this, everyone connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.

Steps to reset your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps:

1. Disconnect the router's power cord from the power source.

2. Disconnect the modem's power cord from the power source.

   Some modems have a battery backup. Therefore, if you unplug the modem and the lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

3. Wait at least 30 seconds or more.

   If you have to remove the battery from the modem, reinsert it.

4. Reconnect the modem to the power source. Modem lights are blinking. Wait for them to stop blinking.

5. Reconnect the router to the power source.

   Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to fully power up. You can usually tell when they are ready by looking at the status lights on both devices.

6. Try to connect again on your PC.

Make sure it's not a problem with your cable modem or Internet Service Provider (ISP). If this is the case, contact your ISP.

1. Choosestartbutton, start typingcmd, right-clickcommand promptselect from listExecute as administratorand then selectE.

2. Type at the command promptipconfig.

   Look for the adjacent IP addressStandard-Gateway🇧🇷 Make a note of this address, if necessary. For example 192.168.1.1.

3. Type at the command promptping <Default-Gateway>and pressureEnter🇧🇷 For example, typePing 192.168.1.1and pressureEnter.

   The result should be something like this:

   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Ping stats for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milliseconds: Minimum = 4 ms, Maximum = 5 ms, Average = 4 ms

If the ping succeeds and you see results similar to the results above, but you are unable to connect to the Internet on your PC, there may be an issue with your modem or Internet Service Provider (ISP).

If you're still having trouble connecting to a network, the problem may be with your network adapter.

• Try using the Network Adapter Troubleshooter to find and fix some problems automatically. This fix will disable and re-enable the adapter and try some other common fixes.

  Choosestartbutton, start typingProblems solutionand then selectProblems solutionOn the list. Choosesee it all>network adapter.

• Update the network adapter driver. An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver can cause connection issues. Check if an updated driver is available.

  1. Choosestartbutton, start typingdevice Managerand then select it from the list.

  2. Select from Device Managernetwork adapter, right-click your adapter and selectFeatures.

  3. Chooseconductortab and then selectupdate drivers.

  4. ChooseAutomatic search for updated driver software.

If Windows cannot find a new driver for your network adapter, go to your PC manufacturer's website and download the latest network adapter driver. If your PC is unable to connect to the Internet, you will need to download a driver on another PC and save it to a USB flash drive so that you can install the driver on your PC. You need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Here are some things to check and try with your router if you're at home and having trouble connecting.

• If you don't see the network name, log into your router and see if the network name is broadcast.

  1. Connect your PC to your router with an Ethernet cable.

  2. Open your web browser and enter your wireless router's IP address. (For example 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0 - check your router's documentation to find the default IP address.)

  3. Enter your username and password and make sure there is an option marked withEnable SSID Broadcast,Wireless SSID transmission, or something similar is enabled. This setting is usually found on a wireless settings page.

• Make sure your Wi-Fi network uses MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering for security reasons. If that's the case, you'll need to add your PC's MAC address to the router's access list before it can connect.

  1. ChoosestartButton. start typingcmdand right clickcommand prompton the list. selectExecute as administratorand then selectE.

  2. Type at the command promptipconfig /all.

     Write down the address shown on the sidephysical addressfor your wireless network adapter. This is the address you need to add to the access list on your router.

  To add the MAC address to your router's access list:

  1. Open your web browser and enter your wireless router's IP address. (For example 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0 - check your router's documentation to find the default IP address.)

  2. Enter your username and password and look for a setting that saysMAC address filteror something similar.

  3. Add the MAC address you wrote down for your PC to the access list and save your changes.

  On your PC, try connecting to the Wi-Fi network again.

• Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

  1. On a laptop, open Windows Mobility Center by selecting Startpress and selectSwitchboard>mobile pc>Windows Mobility Center.

  2. look atwireless networkSection. If Wi-Fi is enabled, the button should sayturn off wifi.

• Make sure the physical WiFi switch on your laptop is turned on. (An indicator light usually shows when it's on.)

• Check and make sure your PC is not in airplane mode.

• If possible, move closer to the router or access point.

• If you don't see the network name, your router or access point might not be configured to broadcast the network name. In this case, you must connect manually.

  1. Open Manage Wireless Networks by selectingstart press and selectSwitchboard🇧🇷 In the search field, type itwirelessand then selectManage wireless networks.

     (Video) How to Fix WIFI not Connecting/ Not Showing in Windows 10 Asus Laptops

  2. ChooseAdd toand then selectManually create a network profile.

  3. Enter the network information.

  4. If you want Windows to automatically connect when the network is in range, select itStart this connection automaticallyselection box.

  5. ChooseConnect even when the network is not streamingcheckbox, selectNextand then selectNear.

• The network is added to your list of networks and is available for connection when your computer is within range of the network. Follow these steps to connect to the network:

  1. OpenConnect to a networkby selecting the network icon in the notification area.

  2. Choosenameless network, chooseTo connectand enter the network information. The network is added to your list of networks and is available to connect to in the future when your computer is within range of the network.

Let Windows try to help you fix the problem. Try running the Network Troubleshooter to see if it can diagnose and fix the problem.

Open the network troubleshooter by right-clicking the network icon in the notification area and selectingsolve problems.

The Network Troubleshooter (mentioned above) can help diagnose and fix common connection problems. After that try running the following network commands as the combination of these two things can help you get connected.

If your issue is not resolved after running the network troubleshooter, try the following:

• Reset the TCP/IP stack.

• Release the IP address.

• Renew the IP address.

• Clear and reset the DNS client resolver cache.

To run network commands from a command prompt:

1. ChoosestartTaste 🇧🇷 TypecmdRight click on the search boxcmdselect from listExecute as administratorand then selectE.

2. At the command prompt, run the following commands in the order listed and see if that resolves the connection issue:

   • Typeredefinir netsh winsockand press Enter.

   • Typenetsh int ip redefinirand press Enter.

   • Typeipconfig /releaseand press Enter.

   • Typeipconfig /refreshand press Enter.

   • Typeipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter.

This will help establish a new connection with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). By doing this, everyone connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.

Steps to reset your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps:

1. Disconnect the router's power cord from the power source.

2. Disconnect the modem's power cord from the power source.

   Some modems have a battery backup. Therefore, if you unplug the modem and the lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

3. Wait at least 30 seconds or more.

   If you have to remove the battery from the modem, reinsert it.

4. Reconnect the modem to the power source. Modem lights are blinking. Wait for them to stop blinking.

5. Reconnect the router to the power source.

   Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to fully power up. You can usually tell when they are ready by looking at the status lights on both devices.

6. Try to connect again on your PC.

Make sure it's not a problem with your cable modem or Internet Service Provider (ISP). If this is the case, contact your ISP.

1. ChoosestartTaste🇧🇷 TypecmdRight click on the search boxcmdselect from listExecute as administratorand then selectE.

2. Type at the command promptipconfig.

   Look for the adjacent IP addressStandard-Gateway🇧🇷 Make a note of this address, if necessary. For example 192.168.1.1.

3. Type at the command promptping <Default-Gateway>and pressureEnter🇧🇷 For example, typePing 192.168.1.1and pressureEnter.

   The result should be something like this:

   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Response from 192.168.1.1: Bytes=32 Time=5ms TTL=64
   Ping stats for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milliseconds: Minimum = 4 ms, Maximum = 5 ms, Average = 4 ms

If the ping succeeds and you see results similar to the results above, but you are unable to connect to the Internet on your PC, there may be an issue with your modem or Internet Service Provider (ISP).

If you're still having trouble connecting to a network, the problem may be with your network adapter.

• Try using the Network Adapter Troubleshooter to find and fix some problems automatically. This fix will disable and re-enable the adapter and try some other common fixes.

  Open the Network Adapter Troubleshooter by selecting thestartTasteand then selectSwitchboard🇧🇷 Type in the search boxProblems solutionand then selectProblems solution>see it all>network adapter.

• Update the network adapter driver. An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver can cause connection issues. Check if an updated driver is available.

  1. Open Device Manager by selecting thestartTaste, chooseSwitchboard, choosesystem and securityand then select under Systemdevice Manager .If prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, enter the password or provide confirmation.

  2. Select from Device Managernetwork adapter, right-click your adapter and selectFeatures.

  3. Chooseconductortab and then selectupdate drivers.

  4. ChooseAutomatic search for updated driver software.

If Windows cannot find a new driver for your network adapter, go to your PC manufacturer's website and download the latest network adapter driver. If your PC is unable to connect to the Internet, you will need to download a driver on another PC and save it to a USB flash drive so that you can install the driver on your PC. You need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Here are some things to check and try with your router if you're at home and having trouble connecting.

• If you don't see the network name, log into your router and see if the network name is broadcast.

  1. Connect your PC to your router with an Ethernet cable.

  2. Open your web browser and enter your wireless router's IP address. (For example 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0 - check your router's documentation to find the default IP address.)

  3. Enter your username and password and make sure there is an option marked withEnable SSID Broadcast,Wireless SSID transmission, or something similar is enabled. This setting is usually found on a wireless settings page.

• Make sure your Wi-Fi network uses MAC (Media Access Control) address filtering for security reasons. If that's the case, you'll need to add your PC's MAC address to the router's access list before it can connect.

  1. Choosestart button.Typecmdin the search box and right clickcmdon the list. selectExecute as administratorand then selectE.

  2. Type at the command promptipconfig /all.

     Write down the address shown on the sidephysical addressfor your wireless network adapter. This is the address you need to add to the access list on your router.

  To add the MAC address to your router's access list:

  1. Open your web browser and enter your wireless router's IP address. (For example 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0 - check your router's documentation to find the default IP address.)

  2. Enter your username and password and look for a setting that saysMAC address filteror something similar.

  3. Add the MAC address you wrote down for your PC to the access list and save your changes.

  On your PC, try connecting to the Wi-Fi network again.

  (Video) How To Fix WiFi Not Working Issue On Windows 10