To fix a computer that won’t connect to the internet, first restart the router and the computer. If the issue persists, check that airplane mode is turned off and that there isn’t a physical Wi-Fi switch on your laptop. Then, try “forgetting” and reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network, or connect using an Ethernet cable if possible. If none of these solutions work, the problem might be with the network adapter, so you should try updating or reinstalling its drivers.
Basic and Quick Steps
Restart the modem/router and the computer:
Turn off the computer and unplug the router. Wait 30 seconds before plugging the router back in, then turn the computer back on.
Check airplane mode:
Make sure airplane mode is turned off in your computer’s network settings.
Check the Wi-Fi switch:
If you have a laptop, check if there’s a physical switch to turn Wi-Fi on or off, and make sure it’s enabled.
Advanced Solutions
Reset the network connection:
Go to network settings, find the option to “forget” the Wi-Fi network, then reconnect by entering the password.
Use an Ethernet cable:
If possible, connect directly to the router with a network cable. This will help determine if the issue is specific to the Wi-Fi connection and not your internet in general.
Check the network adapter drivers:
Disable and re-enable the network adapter in Device Manager.
If that doesn’t work, look for an option to update the driver from Device Manager.
If the issue continues, consider uninstalling the driver and restarting the computer so it reinstalls automatically, or download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Other Possible Solutions
Run the network troubleshooter:
Windows has a built-in tool to fix connection issues. You can find it in the Network Settings.
Consider your antivirus:
Some antivirus programs can interfere with internet connectivity. Temporarily disable it to see if the issue is resolved.
Try another device:
Check if another phone or laptop can connect to the same Wi-Fi network to rule out a problem with your router.