How to Fix No Internet Connection on Windows
By Site Editor · Updated September 10, 2026 · 10 min read
Suddenly no internet on your Windows PC? Work through these targeted fixes — from resetting the network adapter to flushing DNS — and get back online in minutes.
1. Check the physical connection first
Before touching any settings, confirm the basics. If you are on Wi-Fi, check that the wireless adapter is enabled — look for the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray. If you are on a wired (Ethernet) connection, make sure the cable is firmly plugged into both the PC and the router, and that the port LED on the router is lit.
Restart your router and modem by unplugging them from the power outlet, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Wait another 60 seconds before testing again.
1. Check the physical connection first
Before touching any settings, confirm the basics. If you are on Wi-Fi, check that the wireless adapter is enabled — look for the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray. If you are on a wired (Ethernet) connection, make sure the cable is firmly plugged into both the PC and the router, and that the port LED on the router is lit.
Restart your router and modem by unplugging them from the power outlet, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in. Wait another 60 seconds before testing again.
2. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common network problems automatically. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar and choose Troubleshoot problems. Follow the on-screen steps — it will check the adapter, the IP settings, and the DNS configuration.
On Windows 11 you can also go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Internet Connections and click Run.
2. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common network problems automatically. Right-click the network icon in the taskbar and choose Troubleshoot problems. Follow the on-screen steps — it will check the adapter, the IP settings, and the DNS configuration.
On Windows 11 you can also go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Internet Connections and click Run.
3. Flush DNS and reset the TCP/IP stack
Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for cmd, right-click, choose Run as administrator) and run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /release ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /renew netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
Restart your PC after running all five commands. This clears stale DNS entries and resets the networking components to their default state.
3. Flush DNS and reset the TCP/IP stack
Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for cmd, right-click, choose Run as administrator) and run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /release ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /renew netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset
Restart your PC after running all five commands. This clears stale DNS entries and resets the networking components to their default state.
4. Update or reinstall the network adapter driver
An outdated or corrupted driver can silently break your internet connection. Open Device Manager (press Win + X and choose it from the menu), expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, and select Update driver → Search automatically.
If Windows cannot find an update, visit the laptop or motherboard manufacturer website and download the latest driver manually.
4. Update or reinstall the network adapter driver
An outdated or corrupted driver can silently break your internet connection. Open Device Manager (press Win + X and choose it from the menu), expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, and select Update driver → Search automatically.
If Windows cannot find an update, visit the laptop or motherboard manufacturer website and download the latest driver manually.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my PC say "Connected, no internet"?
This usually means your PC connected to the router successfully but the router itself has no internet access, or the IP address assigned to your PC is invalid. Try restarting the router and running ipconfig /release then ipconfig /renew in Command Prompt.
Will resetting Winsock delete my files?
No. The netsh winsock reset command only resets the Windows network socket settings to their defaults. It does not delete files, programs, or personal data. You will need to restart your PC after running it.
My internet works on my phone but not my PC. What is wrong?
This tells you the router and ISP connection are fine, so the problem is specific to your PC. Start with the network troubleshooter, then flush DNS and check the network adapter driver.