Laptop connecting to Internet

Laura Ahern 20 Reputation points
2026-06-02T08:24:14.8533333+00:00

I can’t connect my laptop to the Internet after a new Windows update

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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AI answer

2026-06-02T08:24:44.38+00:00

Try these steps in order on the Windows 11 laptop.

  1. Forget and reconnect to Wi‑Fi
    1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi.
    2. Select Manage known networks.
    3. Select the current Wi‑Fi network and choose Forget.
    4. Reconnect by selecting the Wi‑Fi network from the list and entering the password.
  2. Restart modem and router
    1. Unplug the router’s power cable.
    2. Unplug the modem’s power cable (and remove its battery if the lights stay on).
    3. Wait at least 30 seconds.
    4. Reinstall the modem battery (if removed) and plug the modem back in; wait until its lights stabilize.
    5. Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes until it is fully on.
    6. Try connecting again from the laptop.
  3. Renew IP configuration and flush DNS
    1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Run: 
            ipconfig /release
      ipconfig /renew
      ipconfig /flushdns
    3. Test the internet connection again.
  4. Uninstall and reinstall the Wi‑Fi adapter driver
    1. Download the latest Wi‑Fi driver from the PC manufacturer on another device and copy it to a USB drive (in case Windows does not reinstall automatically).
    2. On the laptop, select Search on the taskbar, type Device Manager, and open it.
    3. Expand Network adapters and locate the wireless adapter.
    4. Right‑click it and select Uninstall device.
    5. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
    6. Select Start > Power > Restart.
    7. After restart, Windows should reinstall the adapter automatically. If it doesn’t, install the driver from the USB.
  5. Disable power saving for the Wi‑Fi adapter
    1. Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
    2. Right‑click the Wi‑Fi adapter and choose Properties.
    3. Go to the Power Management tab.
    4. Clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. If Ethernet is also affected, use Network reset (last resort)
    1. Open Settings > Network & internet.
    2. On Windows 11, select Advanced network settings > Network reset.
    3. Select Reset now > Yes.
    4. The PC restarts and network adapters are reinstalled with default settings.
    5. Reconnect to Wi‑Fi and reconfigure any VPN or virtual switches if used.
  7. Check Windows Update
    1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
    2. Select Check for updates and install any available updates, then restart.

If Wi‑Fi still does not appear at all in Network & internet, or Settings crashes when opening Network, an in‑place repair upgrade of Windows 11 using the ISO (run Setup.exe and choose to keep files and apps) can repair damaged networking components while keeping data and apps.

References:

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  1. DaveM121 936.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-02T08:56:58.14+00:00

    If you are unable to see the WiFi connection in the Settings app or on the Taskbar, most likely, there is a problem with the WiFi drivers.

    1

    Right click your Start Button and open Device Manager.

    Expand the 'Network Adapters' section.

    Please provide a screenshot of that full Device Manager window.

    2

    Click your Start Button, then just type msinfo and press Enter, please provide a screenshot of the resulting System Information window.

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