Separate two scenarios before anything else: Windows finds no network at all, or it connects but reports "no internet". In the first case the problem is the computer's network adapter (Solutions 2 and 3). In the second it is the IP or DNS configuration (Solutions 4 and 5). If other devices in the house browse normally, the problem is the computer, not the router.
What causes this problem
- An outdated or corrupted network adapter driver, often after a Windows update.
- IP and DNS settings stuck on old values that no longer apply to the current network.
- The Wi-Fi adapter switched off by a keyboard shortcut or by Airplane mode, without anyone noticing.
- Power saving turning the network adapter off to preserve battery.
- A saved network profile holding an old password, after the Wi-Fi password changed.
- Interference or distance from the router, which shows up as an unstable connection rather than a total failure.
- Test another device on the same network. If your phone browses fine, skip anything router-related - the problem is the computer.
- Identify the exact symptom: no networks listed at all, listed but will not connect, or connected but saying "No internet access"? Each leads to a different fix.
- Check that Airplane mode is off and that the laptop's physical Wi-Fi switch or shortcut key (usually an F key with an antenna icon) was not pressed by accident.
- Restart the computer and the router once before starting - that resolves a good share of cases and saves unnecessary work.
Solutions, in the order to try them
1Run the Windows network troubleshooter
It does not fix everything, but it is quick and repairs the most common cases on its own: a disabled adapter, a stopped service, an invalid IP configuration. It is worth the minute it takes before moving on.
- Right-click the network icon next to the clock.
- Choose Diagnose network problems (or go to Settings > Network and Internet > Network troubleshooter).
- Let it apply whatever it finds and test the connection.
2Reinstall the network adapter driver
When Wi-Fi disappears from the list or the computer sees no networks at all, the driver is the most likely cause - especially if the problem started right after a Windows update.
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters and find the one with Wireless, Wi-Fi or 802.11 in its name.
- Right-click it and choose Uninstall device. Do not tick the option to delete the driver.
- Restart the computer: Windows reinstalls the adapter by itself at startup.
- If it does not come back, download the driver from your laptop maker's site on another computer and install it from a USB stick.
3Turn off power saving for the adapter
This is the classic cause for anyone who loses the connection whenever the laptop idles or wakes from sleep. Windows switches the adapter off to save battery and does not always bring it back properly.
- In Device Manager, right-click the Wi-Fi adapter and open Properties.
- Go to the Power Management tab.
- Untick Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
- Click OK and restart.
4Renew the IP address and flush the DNS cache
This is the fix for the connected-but-no-internet scenario. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run each line in order. Restart the computer afterwards.
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset5Forget the network and reconnect
If the Wi-Fi password changed, Windows keeps trying the old one and fails without explaining why. Removing the saved profile forces a connection from scratch.
- Open Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Select your network and click Forget.
- Go back to the list of available networks, select yours and type the password again.
- Check that you are connecting to the right band - many routers broadcast two networks, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
6Change the DNS server
If web pages will not load but an app still works, the cause is usually your provider's DNS. Switching to a public DNS fixes it immediately.
- Open Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Hardware properties.
- Under DNS server assignment, click Edit and choose Manual.
- Turn on IPv4 and enter 1.1.1.1 as preferred and 8.8.8.8 as alternate.
- Save and reload the page.
Applies to
| System | Status |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 (22H2-24H2) | Confirmed |
| Windows 10 (21H2-22H2) | Confirmed |
| Windows 8.1 | The Command Prompt steps work the same; the Settings screens differ |
Menu names can change slightly between versions. If a step above does not match what you see on screen, the official support page from the manufacturer has the most current wording for your version.
Frequently asked questions
Last checked: Aug 16, 2026 · We review this guide whenever the manufacturer changes the process.