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

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. 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:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. 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.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.