Connection to the internet not working

PAOLA BORTOLOTTI-VAN LOON 0 Reputation points
2026-09-04T14:24:15.37+00:00

My computer disconnected from the Internet and cannot reconnect. How do I reconnect to the Web?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity

2 answers

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  1. Ivan B 122.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-04T14:59:09.96+00:00

    Hi,

    If the Q&A Assist steps didn't work, could you please let me know if you are trying to connect via Wi-Fi or a cable?

    If you are connecting via Wi-Fi and have no internet access when using the browser, please let me know the error code that appears.

    Thanks.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-04T14:24:32.4166667+00:00

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check the physical connection.
      • Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into both the PC and the router.
      • On the router, make sure the cable is in an Ethernet port, not the Internet port used between the modem and router.
      • If available, try a different Ethernet cable.
    2. Check Windows network status.
      • Open Settings > Network & internet.
      • Check the Ethernet status at the top.
      • A working connection should show Connected or You're connected to the Internet.
      • If it shows Action needed, select Ethernet to review the connection settings.
    3. Restart the modem and router.
      • Unplug the router power cable.
      • Unplug the modem power cable.
      • Wait at least 30 seconds.
      • Plug the modem back in and wait for its lights to stop blinking.
      • Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes for it to fully start.
      • Try the connection again.
      • Note: everyone using that Wi‑Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.
    4. Try Wi‑Fi instead, if the router supports it.
      • This can help confirm whether the problem is only with Ethernet.
    5. Run Windows network reset commands.
      • Open Search, type Command prompt, then select Run as administrator > Yes.
      • Run these commands one at a time in this order:
        • netsh winsock reset
        • netsh int ip reset
        • ipconfig /release
        • ipconfig /renew
        • ipconfig /flushdns
    6. Run the Network Adapter troubleshooter.
      • Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
      • Select Network Adapter > Run.
    7. Reinstall the network adapter driver if the problem started after an update.
      • Risk: this temporarily removes the adapter until Windows reinstalls it.
      • Before uninstalling, download a backup driver from the PC manufacturer if possible.
      • Open Device Manager.
      • Expand Network adapters.
      • Right-click the Ethernet adapter and select Uninstall device.
      • If shown, select Attempt to remove the driver for this device > Uninstall.
      • Restart the PC.
      • Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

    If Wi‑Fi also fails on other devices, the issue may be with the modem or router rather than the PC.

    References:

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