Windows 11 WiFi Connected But No Internet (10 Easy Fixes)

Few things are more frustrating than seeing your PC display a “Connected” status while your browser refuses to load a single page. If you are facing the Windows 11 WiFi connected but no internet issue, you aren’t alone. This common glitch can happen to anyone, whether you’re working from home in New York or streaming in Los Angeles.

This problem, often labeled as “No Internet, Secured,” means your computer has successfully talked to your router, but the router isn’t talking to the rest of the world. It could be a simple software bug, an outdated driver, or a misconfigured setting.

In this professional guide, we will walk you through over 10 proven solutions to fix windows 11 no internet access and get you back online quickly.

1. Restart Your Router and PC

Before diving into deep settings, start with the “Golden Rule” of tech support. Sometimes the DHCP (the system that gives your PC an IP address) simply hangs.

1. Unplug your router from the power outlet.

2. Wait for at least 30 seconds.

3. Plug it back in and wait for the lights to stabilize.

4. While waiting, Restart your Windows 11 PC.

5. Try connecting again once both devices are fully booted.

2. Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in “doctor” for your connection. It can often identify and fix the windows wifi connected but not working error automatically.

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System > Troubleshoot.

3. Click on Other troubleshooters.

4. Find Network and Internet and click the Run button next to it.

5. Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any suggested fixes.

3. Forget and Reconnect to the WiFi Network

Sometimes the saved profile for your network becomes corrupted. “Forgetting” the network forces Windows to create a fresh, clean connection.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet.

2. Click on Wi-Fi and then Manage known networks.

3. Find your network name and click Forget.

4. Go back to your WiFi list in the Taskbar, select the network, and enter your password to reconnect.

4. Perform a Full Network Reset

If you have a wifi no internet windows laptop problem that won’t go away, a Network Reset is your “nuclear option.” It returns all network settings to their factory defaults.

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet.

2. Scroll down to the bottom and click Advanced network settings.

3. Under “More settings,” click Network reset.

4. Click Reset now and confirm with Yes.

5. Note: Your PC will restart in 5 minutes. You will need to re-enter your WiFi passwords afterward.

5. Flush the DNS Cache

Your computer stores a “map” of websites you visit (DNS). If this map is outdated, you might stay connected to the WiFi but fail to load pages.

1. Click the Search icon (or press the Windows key) and type cmd.

2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   ipconfig /flushdns

4. You should see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”

6. Reset TCP/IP Stack via Command Prompt

The TCP/IP stack is the language your computer uses to communicate on the web. Resetting it can fix deep-seated connection errors.

1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator (as shown in step 5).

2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   • netsh winsock reset

   • netsh int ip reset

3. Restart your computer immediately after running these.

7. Change Your DNS Server (Try Google or Cloudflare)

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides a default DNS, but it can be slow or unreliable. Switching to a public DNS often fixes the wifi connected but no internet windows 11 bug.

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.

2. Click on Hardware properties.

3. Next to DNS server assignment, click Edit.

4. Change the setting to Manual and toggle IPv4 to On.

5. Enter these numbers:

   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8

   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 (These are Google’s servers).

6. Click Save.

8. Update Your Network Adapter Drivers

An outdated driver can cause a disconnect between your hardware and the Windows 11 software.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

2. Expand the Network adapters section.

3. Right-click your WiFi adapter (usually says “Wireless” or “Wi-Fi”).

4. Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.

5. If no update is found, try Uninstall device, then restart your PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver upon reboot.

9. Disable IPv6

Some older routers struggle with IPv6, the newer internet protocol. Disabling it can sometimes force a stable connection.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.

2. Right-click your WiFi connection and select Properties.

3. Uncheck the box for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).

4. Click OK and check your internet.

10. Check Power Management Settings

Windows might be “falling asleep” on your WiFi card to save battery, which can kill the connection.

1. Go back to Device Manager.

2. Right-click your WiFi adapter and select Properties.

3. Go to the Power Management tab.

4. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

5. Click OK.

Comparison of Fast vs. Deep Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does it say “No Internet, Secured”?

This means your laptop is securely connected to your router (the signal is strong), but the router is unable to fetch data from the internet. This is usually due to an IP conflict or an issue with your service provider.

Can a VPN cause “Connected, No Internet”?

Yes. If your VPN software crashes or fails to “handshake” with the server, it may block all web traffic for security. Try disabling or uninstalling your VPN to see if the connection returns.

Will a Network Reset delete my files?

No. A Network Reset only removes your saved WiFi passwords and network adapter settings. Your photos, documents, and apps will remain perfectly safe.

Is it my PC or my ISP?

To find out, check your phone. If your smartphone can’t use the WiFi either, the problem is with your router or ISP. If the phone works fine, the problem is definitely your Windows 11 settings.

Conclusion

Dealing with Windows 11 WiFi connected but no internet can be a headache, but most cases are solved by either a simple router restart or a DNS flush. By following the steps above—ranging from the built-in troubleshooter to updating your drivers—you can systematically eliminate the cause of your connection woes.

If you found this guide helpful, please bookmark this page for future tech emergencies or share it with a friend who might be struggling with their connection!