Introduction
Seeing a full Wi-Fi signal but no internet access on Windows is one of the most common (and frustrating) problems. This issue usually isn’t your ISP — it’s often a local network, DNS, or Windows configuration problem. Below are practical, low-risk fixes, ordered from fastest to deeper solutions.
Step 1: Restart Router and Modem
Sounds basic, but it clears IP conflicts and stale routes.
- Unplug router and modem
- Wait 60 seconds
- Plug modem first → wait until fully online
- Plug router next
If internet works on your phone afterward, the problem is on the PC.
Step 2: Disable and Re-enable Wi-Fi Adapter
This forces Windows to renegotiate the connection.
- Press Win + X → Device Manager
- Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Disable
- Wait 10 seconds → Enable again
Step 3: Flush DNS Cache
Corrupt DNS entries often cause “connected but no internet”.
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
ipconfig /flushdns
Restart the browser and test again.
In many cases, this issue is caused by a DNS error rather than a Wi-Fi problem:.
DNS Server Not Responding on Windows 10/11: How to Fix It Step by Step
Step 4: Set DNS Manually (Very Effective)
Your ISP DNS may be slow or broken.
- Settings → Network & Internet
- Advanced network settings → More network adapter options
- Right-click Wi-Fi → Properties
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4)
- Use these DNS servers:
- 8.8.8.8
- 8.8.4.4
Click OK and reconnect.
Step 5: Reset Network Stack
Fixes broken TCP/IP and Winsock settings.
Command Prompt (Admin):
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
Restart the PC.
Step 6: Disable VPNs and Network Filters
VPNs, firewalls, and traffic filters often break routing.
- Turn off VPN completely
- Temporarily disable third-party firewall software
- Test connection
If internet works → VPN configuration is the issue.
Step 7: Update or Roll Back Network Driver
Bad driver updates are common.
- Device Manager → Network adapters
- Right-click Wi-Fi adapter
- Try Update driver
- If problem started recently → Roll Back Driver
If only websites fail to load while apps still work, the issue may be more specific than a full connection failure: Wi-Fi Connected but Websites Won’t Load? Here’s What to Check First
When Nothing Works
If:
- Other devices work
- Ethernet also fails
- Problem persists after reset
Then your Windows network profile may be corrupted — a full network reset or new Windows user profile usually fixes it.
Final Thoughts
“Wi-Fi connected but no internet” is almost never a hardware failure. In most cases, DNS, drivers, or VPN software are responsible — and the fixes above solve it permanently.
