Problem with my computer connecting to the internet

Ahmer Naveed 0 Reputation points
2026-09-17T18:08:05.5966667+00:00

Hi Microsoft,

I'm having a problem with my computer and connecting to the internet. It only connects to my private internet at home and the internet at my workplace. Other than that, it won't connect to anything. I can't connect to free Wi-Fi at the library, and I can't even use my phone's 4G hotspot.

This wasn't a problem before, but now I can only use the internet on my computer at home or at work, which is really frustrating.

I've already tried forgetting the networks, turning off hardware addresses, and restarting my computer, but nothing seems to work.

I don't understand why this is happening. Could there be something blocking my computer from connecting to other networks? I'd really appreciate your help figuring out what's wrong and how I can fix it. Is there any way you can help me fix this remotely?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity

2 answers

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  1. Ivan B 123.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-17T18:43:50.1033333+00:00

    Hi,

    In addition to the procedure mentioned by @franco d'esaro , do you have any third-party antivirus software installed? Also, when you connect to the smartphone's Wi-Fi network and try to access the internet, what error code appears?

    Thanks.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-17T18:08:26.61+00:00

    Since forgetting networks, disabling hardware addresses, and restarting did not help, use this order of checks:

    1. Run the Windows network troubleshooter
      • In Windows 11, start with the automated Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app.
      • On Surface devices, the path is Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network Adapter > Run.
      • Follow the prompts and check whether Windows detects a configuration problem.
    2. Test whether the problem is the PC or the network type
      • Try connecting the same Wi-Fi network on another device.
      • If other devices can connect to the library Wi-Fi and phone hotspot, the issue is likely on the PC.
      • If they cannot, the issue is likely with that network or hotspot.
    3. Restart the network equipment when possible
      • For the phone hotspot, turn the hotspot off and back on.
      • For home or other routers, restart the modem/router by unplugging power, waiting at least 30 seconds, then powering the modem back on first and the router after that.
      • This helps create a new connection.
    4. Try a different connection path
      • If Wi-Fi fails, test with Ethernet if the PC has an Ethernet port, or use a USB to Ethernet adapter.
      • This helps confirm whether the issue is specific to Wi-Fi.
    5. Reset the network stack from an elevated Command Prompt
      • Open Search, type Command prompt, then select Run as administrator.
      • Run these commands in order: 
             netsh winsock reset
     netsh int ip reset
     ipconfig /release
     ipconfig /renew
     ipconfig /flushdns
      • Then restart the PC and test the library Wi-Fi and phone hotspot again.
    6. Use Network reset as the last step
      • Warning: this removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings to default. VPN clients, virtual switches, and similar networking software may need to be reinstalled or reconfigured afterward.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
      • Select Reset now > Yes.
      • After restart, reconnect to the affected networks.
    7. If Wi-Fi networks do not appear at all during setup or connection attempts
      • Reinstall the Wi-Fi adapter driver.
      • If needed, download the correct Wi-Fi adapter driver from the PC manufacturer on another device, copy it to a USB drive, and use that to reinstall.

    A remote fix is not provided here. The supported self-service path is local troubleshooting on the PC using the steps above.

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

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