Connected to Wi-Fi but no internet

"Connected, no internet" means your PC can reach your router, but the router cannot reach the internet, or your PC cannot use the connection properly. The first step tells you which side the problem is on.

1. Try another device

   Check whether a phone or another computer on the same Wi-Fi can load a website.

   • Nothing works on any device: the problem is probably your router or your internet service. Go to step 3.
   • Only this PC is affected: the problem is on the PC. Continue with step 2, then step 4.

2. Disconnect and reconnect

   Select the network icon at the right of the taskbar, turn Wi-Fi off, wait ten seconds and turn it on again. Make sure you reconnect to your own network and not a neighbour's or a guest network with a similar name.

3. Restart the router

   Unplug the router (and the modem, if it is a separate box) from the power. Wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and give it two or three minutes until its lights show a normal connection. Your provider's manual or website explains what the lights mean.

   If nothing works on any device after a restart, check your provider's service-status page or app from your phone's mobile data. There may be an outage in your area.

4. Check Windows network settings

   Open Settings, then Network & internet. The status at the top tells you whether Windows thinks you are online.

   • If you use a VPN, turn it off temporarily and test again.
   • Under Proxy, make sure no proxy is set unless your workplace requires one.
   • Run the network troubleshooter, which is under System, then Troubleshoot, or in the Get Help app, depending on your version.

5. Forget the network and join again

   Under Network & internet, then Wi-Fi, then Manage known networks, select your network and choose Forget. Then connect again and enter the Wi-Fi password. This clears any saved settings that might be out of date.

6. Update or reset the network adapter

   Check Windows Update, then Advanced options, then Optional updates for a network driver, or get one from your PC maker's support site.

   As a last resort, use Network & internet, then Advanced network settings, then Network reset. This reinstalls your network adapters and restarts the PC.

   Before a network reset: it removes saved Wi-Fi passwords and any VPN software settings. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password first.

7. Contact your provider

   If every device has been offline for a while and restarting the router has not helped, contact your internet provider using the details on your bill or their official website.