Solutions for PC Connected to Wi‑Fi but No Internet

Jul. 21, 2025 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

pc-connected-to-wifi-but-no-internet-solutions

Many Windows users often face a frustrating issue: the computer is connected to Wi‑Fi but cannot access the internet. This network issue can be caused by various factors such as incorrect DNS settings, IP conflicts, driver errors, and more.

This article provides practical solutions to help you quickly restore your internet connection.

1. Common Causes

Before troubleshooting, it's important to understand the common reasons for the "Connected to Wi‑Fi but no internet" issue:

Incorrect DNS settings: May cause unstable network or web pages not loading.
IP address conflict: Multiple devices using the same IP can result in network failure.
Driver issues:Wireless adapter drivers may be incompatible or corrupted.
Firewall or antivirus interference: Security software may block internet access.
Router/modem problems: Hardware failure may prevent successful connections.
Windows network service errors: Services like DHCP or WLAN AutoConfig may not be running.

2. Step-by-Step Solutions

Method 1: Restart Network Devices

Turn off Wi‑Fi on your computer and disconnect.

Restart your router and modem; wait for 2–3 minutes.

Reconnect to Wi‑Fi and check if the internet is accessible.

Tip: Restarting your router regularly can clear cache and improve performance.

Method 2: Update Wireless Drivers

Driver issues are one of the main causes of this problem. If you're not familiar with manual driver updates, it's recommend to use Driver Talent, a professional driver management tool. It automatically scans for outdated or missing drivers and provides one-click fixes.

Download Driver Talent

Download and install the latest version of Driver Talent, then launch the software and click "Scan".
After scanning, it will list problematic drivers. Locate the wireless adapter driver and click "Update".

driver-update

Once updated, restart your computer to apply changes.

Method 3: Flush DNS Cache

Press Win + S, type "cmd", and run Command Prompt as Administrator.

Enter the following commands one by one:

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart your computer and try reconnecting to the network.

Method 4: Check IP and DNS Settings

Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

Right-click your Wi‑Fi connection and select "Properties".

Double-click "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)".

check-IP-and-DNS-settings

Select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically".

Click "OK" and reconnect to the network.

Method 5: Reset Network Settings

Open Settings (Win + I) > Network & Internet.

Select Status on the left pane, scroll down and click "Network reset".

click-network-reset

Click "Reset now" and confirm.

After reboot, reconnect to Wi‑Fi and test your connection.

Method 6: Ensure WLAN Service is Running

Press Win + R, type "services.msc" and hit Enter.

Locate "WLAN AutoConfig" in the services list.

Make sure the Startup type is set to "Automatic" and the service is Running.

ensure-WLAN-service-is-running

If not, right-click and select "Start".

Method 7: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, built-in firewalls or third-party antivirus software may block internet access.

Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall or any installed antivirus.
Recheck your internet connection.
If it works, adjust firewall rules to allow trusted network connections.

3. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why can my phone access the internet but my PC cannot?

A: This usually means the Wi‑Fi network is working fine. The issue likely lies in your PC's network settings or drivers.

Q2: The network icon shows "Connected but no Internet", what should I do?

A: This may be due to DNS errors or router issues. Try flushing the DNS cache or restarting your router.

Q3: I lose internet access every time I restart my PC—why?

A: Your network driver may be incompatible or outdated. Consider updating or replacing your wireless adapter.