Fix Windows Connected to Wi-Fi with No Internet Access

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

   Open the Settings app using Win + I. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Locate Network Adapter and select Run to initiate the automated diagnostic tool.

   Note: Let the tool reset the network adapter before proceeding to manual commands.
2. 1 min

   Reset the TCP/IP Stack

   Search for cmd in the taskbar, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. Execute the command 'netsh int ip reset' and press Enter to reset the Internet Protocol stack.

   Note: You must restart your computer after this command.
3. 1 min

   Flush and Renew DNS

   Within the administrator Command Prompt, type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. Follow this with 'ipconfig /release' and then 'ipconfig /renew' to force your network adapter to request a fresh IP configuration from your router.

   Note: Flushing the cache removes corrupted entries that prevent domain name resolution.
4. 2 min

   Assign Public DNS Servers

   Press Win + R, type 'ncpa.cpl', and press Enter. Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, select Properties, and double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate DNS server.

   Note: Using Google Public DNS bypasses potentially faulty ISP-provided DNS servers.
5. 1 min

   Restart Network Hardware

   Power cycle your router by disconnecting it from the power source for 30 seconds. Reconnect the power and wait until the indicator lights reflect a stable connection before restarting your Windows machine.

   Note: Hard resets clear the router's internal routing table, which often resolves 'no internet' flags.