How to Fix Common Internet Connection Problems on Windows 11

Experiencing internet connection issues on Windows 11, such as webpages failing to load, WiFi not working, no internet access, or frequent disconnections? These problems can be frustrating, as it prevent downloading, streaming, or browsing. This can happen for various reasons, including issues with the router or modem, your internet service provider (ISP) having an outage, or problems with your device’s network settings. However, most internet connection issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps like restarting the Wi-Fi router, and be sure drivers are updated. In addition, running the built-in troubleshooter or switching to Google DNS helps fix such problems.

Why Is My Internet Not Working on Windows 11?

Internet connectivity issues on Windows 11 can occur from various causes, ranging from simple problems like loose cables or router malfunctions to more complex issues like ISP outages or network congestion.

• Incorrect network configuration: Misconfigured IP or DNS settings.
• Outdated or incompatible drivers: Especially after Windows updates like 24H2.
• Software conflicts: Antivirus, firewall, or VPN interference.
• Corrupted system files: Buggy updates or malware.
• Hardware issues: Faulty router, modem, or loose cables.
• ISP outages: Problems with your internet service provider.

Whatever the reason, this issue can be fixed with easy troubleshooting steps. First of all

• Check for loose Ethernet cables or ensure your laptop’s WiFi switch is on.
• Move closer to the router to improve signal strength if using WiFi.
• Disable Airplane mode (Settings > Network & internet > Airplane mode).
• Temporarily disable third-party antivirus, firewall, or VPN software.

Restart Your Devices

A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches that might prevent internet connection. Restarting refreshes system processes, clears software conflicts, and re-establishes ISP connections.

• Restart your PC: Save your work, then select Start > Power > Restart.
• Reboot network devices: Unplug your router and modem for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Wait for the lights to stabilize (green lights indicate a normal connection).
• Check your router/modem lights. No lights or red lights may indicate a device failure or ISP outage. Contact your ISP if needed.

Here is a video that explains why restarting network devices fixes the Internet connection problem.

Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool to troubleshoot internet connection problems. Running the network troubleshooter scans for configuration errors, driver issues, or adapter problems and applies fixes automatically.

• Go to Settings (Windows key + I) > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Next to Internet Connections, click Run and follow the prompts.
• Select “Troubleshoot my connection to the Internet” when prompted.

For WiFi-specific issues, run the Network Adapter troubleshooter from the same menu

Check IP and DNS Configuration

An invalid IP address or DNS setting can cause Windows 11 no internet access. Automatic these settings ensure your router assigns a valid IP and DNS, prevents configuration conflicts.

• Press Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter to open Network Connections.
• Right-click your active network (Ethernet or WiFi) and select Properties.
• Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Ensure “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.

If already set to automatic, try manual DNS settings 8.8.8.8 (Preferred) 8.8.4.4 (Alternate)

Reset TCP/IP Stack and Flush DNS

Corrupted network settings can block internet access. Resetting the TCP/IP stack and Flush the DNS cache often resolves this. Open the command prompt as an administrator and run the following commands to clear corrupted network configurations and refresh your connection to the ISP.

Open Command Prompt as administrator (search “cmd” in Start, right-click, select “Run as administrator”).

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

Once done, close the command prompt and restart your PC.  Now, check if the internet connection problem is solved.

Update Network Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause connectivity issues, especially after Windows 11 updates. Updated drivers ensure compatibility with Windows 11 and fix issues caused by outdated software.

• Open Device Manager (Windows key + R, type devmgmt.msc, press Enter).
• Expand Network adapters, right-click your WiFi or Ethernet adapter, and select Update driver.
• Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” If no update is found, visit the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) to download the latest driver.
• Install the driver, then restart your PC

To reinstall the driver:

• In Device Manager, right-click the adapter and select Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC; Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
• Also, you can visit the device manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest wifi driver.

Disable Proxy Settings

A misconfigured proxy server can block internet access. Disabling unnecessary proxies ensures direct internet access.

• Press Windows key + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter to open Internet Properties.
  
• Go to the Connections tab and click LAN settings.
  
• Uncheck “Use a proxy server for your LAN” and click OK, and check the internet & network status.

Change Power Management Settings

Power-saving settings may turn off your network adapter, causing disconnections.

• In Device Manager, right-click your network adapter and select Properties.
• Go to the Power Management tab and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
• Click OK and test your connection.
• This prevents Windows from disabling the adapter to save power, ensuring a stable connection.

Tip: This is very helpful when your network and internet disconnect frequently.

Reset Network Settings

If none of the above work, reset network settings in Windows 11 to restore default configurations. A full reset clears persistent configuration errors, providing a fresh start.

• Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
• Click Reset now and confirm with Yes.
• Your PC will restart, and you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi (re-enter the password).

Note: This reinstalls network adapters and resets all network settings, so reconfigure VPNs or custom settings if needed.

Switch to Google DNS

If websites load slowly or not at all, your DNS server may be faulty. Switching to Google’s public DNS can help as Google’s DNS is reliable and often faster than ISP-provided DNS servers.

• Open Network Connections (Windows key + R, type ncpa.cpl).
• Right-click your active network, select Properties, then double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
• Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

• Click OK, then restart your PC.

Check for ISP or Hardware Issues

If the problem persists, you need to identify issues beyond your PC, such as ISP outages or faulty hardware.

• Test other devices (e.g., phone, another PC) on the same network. If they also fail, contact your ISP to check for outages. Use sites like DownDetector for real-time outage reports
• Verify router firmware is up to date (check the manufacturer’s website).
• Inspect cables and the router for physical damage.

Generate a WiFi report: Open Command Prompt as administrator, type netsh wlan show wlanreport, and press Enter. The report (saved in C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\WlanReport\wlan-report-latest.html) provides diagnostic details for advanced troubleshooting.

Scan for malware: Run a full scan in Windows Security (Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection) to rule out malware affecting connectivity.

If you’ve tried all steps and still face issues, consider:

• Contact your ISP for advanced diagnostics.
• Consulting a professional technician for hardware or complex network issues.
• Reaching out to Microsoft Support for Windows-specific problems.