problem solving internet access

Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows

Troubleshooting network problems in windows.

If you can’t get email, browse the web, or stream music, chances are you’re not connected to your network and can’t get onto the internet. To fix the problem, here are some things you can try.

Things to try first

Try these things first to help you fix or narrow down the connection problem.

Run Get Help to troubleshoot and fix common connection problems. Right click the network icon in the right side of the taskbar and select Diagnose network problems or open Get Help for Network & Internet

Make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on. Select the No internet icon on the right side of the taskbar, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. If it isn't, select it to turn it on. Also, make sure Airplane mode is turned off.

Select Manage Wi-Fi connections ( > ) on the Wi-Fi quick setting, see if a Wi-Fi network you recognize and trust appears in the list of networks. If it does, select the Wi-Fi network, and they try to connect to it. If it says Connected underneath the network name, select Disconnect , wait a moment, and then select Connect again.

Try connecting to a network on a different frequency band. Many consumer Wi-Fi routers broadcast at two different network frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. These will appear as separate networks in the list of available Wi-Fi networks. If your list of available Wi-Fi networks includes both a 2.4 GHz network and a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the other network. To learn more about the differences between 2.4 GHz networks and 5 GHz networks, check out Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Make sure the physical Wi‑Fi switch on your laptop is turned on. (An indicator light usually shows when it's on.)

Restart your modem and wireless router. This helps create a new connection to your internet service provider (ISP). When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected. The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps.

Note: If you have a cable modem/Wi-Fi router combo device, you only need to follow the steps for the single device.

Unplug the power cable for the router from the power source.

Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source. Some modems have a backup battery. If you unplug the modem and lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

Wait at least 30 seconds or so. If you had to remove the battery from the modem, put it back in.

Plug the modem back into the power source. The lights on the modem will blink. Wait for them to stop blinking.

Plug your router back into the power source. Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to fully power on. You can usually tell when they’re ready by looking at the status lights on the two devices.

On your PC, try to connect again.

Narrow down the source of the problem

Connection problems can be due to a variety of reasons—problems with the website, your device, the Wi-Fi router, modem, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Try the following steps to help narrow down the source of the problem.

If the "Wi-Fi connected" icon appears on the right side of the taskbar, visit a different website. If the website opens, there might be a problem with the specific website. If you can't connect to another website, go to the next step.

On another laptop or phone, try to connect to the same network. If you can connect, the source of the problem is likely due to your device—go to the section Network troubleshooting on your device . If you can't connect to the network on any device, continue to the next step.

Check to see if there is a problem with the connection to your Wi-Fi router. Do this by using a ping test.

Select Search on the taskbar, and type command prompt . The Command Prompt button will appear. To the right of it, select Run as administrator > Yes .

At the command prompt, type ipconfig , and then select Enter . Look for the name of your Wi-Fi network within the results, and then find the IP address listed next to Default gateway for that Wi-Fi network. Write down that address if you need to. For example: 192.168.1.1

At the prompt, type ping <DefaultGateway> and then select Enter . For example, type ping 192.168.1.1 and select Enter . The results should be something like this:

Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64

Ping statistics for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 5ms, Average = 4ms

If you see results like this and are getting a reply, then you have a connection to your Wi-Fi router, so there might be a problem with your modem or ISP. Contact your ISP or check online on another device (if you can) to see if there's a service outage.

If the results of the ping test indicate that you are not getting a reply from the router, try connecting your PC directly to your modem by using an Ethernet cable (if you can). If you can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable, it confirms the connection problem is due to the Wi-Fi router. Make sure you've installed the latest firmware and see the documentation for your router.

Network troubleshooting on your device

Run network commands

Try running these network commands to manually reset the TCP/IP stack, release and renew the IP address, and flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache:

At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order, and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

Type netsh winsock reset and select Enter .

Type netsh int ip reset and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /release and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /renew and select Enter .

Type ipconfig /flushdns and select Enter .

Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart

If the previous steps didn’t work, try to uninstall the network adapter driver, and then restart your computer. Windows will automatically install the latest driver. Consider this approach if your network connection stopped working properly after a recent update.

Before uninstalling, make sure you have drivers available as a backup. Visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC can't connect to the internet, you'll need to download a driver on a different PC and save it to a USB flash drive so you can install the driver on your PC. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Select Search on the taskbar, type device manager , and then select Device Manager from the list of results.

Expand Network adapters , and locate the network adapter for your device.

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), and then select Uninstall device > check the Attempt to remove the driver for this device check box > Uninstall .

After uninstalling the driver, select Start > Power > Restart .

After your PC restarts, Windows will automatically look for and install the network adapter driver. Check to see if that fixes your connection problem. If Windows doesn't automatically install a driver, try to install the backup driver you saved before uninstalling.

Check if your network adapter is compatible with the latest Windows Update

If you lost your network connection immediately after upgrading to or updating Windows 11, it's possible that the current driver for your network adapter was designed for a previous version of Windows. To check, try temporarily uninstalling the recent Windows Update:

Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates .

Select the most recent update, then select Uninstall .

If uninstalling the most recent update restores your network connection, check to see if an updated driver is available:

Select the network adapter, press and hold (or right-click), then select Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software , and then follow the instructions.

After installing the updated driver, select Start > Power > Restart if you're asked to restart, and see if that fixes the connection issue.

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Do one of the following:

If you couldn’t download and install a newer network adapter driver, hide the update that’s causing you to lose your network connection. To learn how to hide updates, see Hide Windows Updates or driver updates .

If you could successfully install updated drivers for your network adapter, then reinstall the latest updates. To do this, select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates .

Use network reset

Using network reset should be the last step you try. Consider using it if the steps above don’t help to get you connected.

This can help solve connection problems you might have after upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It can also help to fix the problem where you can connect to the internet, but can't connect to shared network drives. Network reset removes any network adapters you have installed and the settings for them. After your PC restarts, any network adapters are reinstalled, and the settings for them are set to the defaults.

Select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset . Open Network & Internet Status settings

On the Network reset screen, select Reset now > Yes to confirm.

Wait for your PC to restart, and see if that fixes the problem.

After using network reset, you might need to reinstall and set up other networking software you might be using, such as VPN client software or virtual switches from Hyper‑V (if you're using that or other network virtualization software).

Network reset might set each one of your known network connections to a public network profile. In a public network profile, your PC is not discoverable to other PCs and devices on the network, which can help make your PC more secure. However, if your PC is used for file or printer sharing, you’ll need to make your PC discoverable again by setting it to use a private network profile. To do this, select Start > Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi . On the Wi-Fi screen, select Manage known networks > the network connection you want to change. Under Network profile type , select Private .

Additional troubleshooting steps

Check your Wi-Fi settings

Wi-Fi adapter manufacturers might have different advanced settings you can change based on your network environment or connection preferences.

Check the Wireless Mode setting for your network adapter and make sure it matches the capabilities of the network you’re trying to connect to. If it doesn’t match, you won’t be able to connect, and the network might not appear in the list of available networks. The Wireless Mode will often be set to Auto or something similar by default, which enables connection for every kind of network that’s supported.

To find the wireless mode setting

In Device Manager, select Network adapters , and then double-click the network adapter name.

Select the Advanced tab and look for a Wireless Mode setting. Make sure it’s set to the mode your network is using.

Wi-Fi profile settings

Windows uses the Wi-Fi profile to save the settings that are needed to connect to a Wi-Fi network. These settings include the network security type, key, network name (SSID), and so on. If you can’t connect to a Wi-Fi network that you could connect to before, it’s possible that the network settings might have changed or the profile is corrupted.

To fix this, remove (or "forget") the network connection, then reconnect to the network. When you forget a network connection, it removes the Wi-Fi network profile from your PC.

To forget a network

Select Start > Settings > Network & internet .

Select Wi-Fi , then select Manage known networks .

Select the network you want to forget, then select Forget .

Afterwards, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar and try to reconnect to the network to renew the network connection.

Check your home layout

Your Wi-Fi network might be affected by the network's frequency band, channel congestion, and/or signal strength. For more info, see Wi-Fi problems and your home layout .

Check for additional symptoms for the "No internet connection" icon.

There may be additional troubleshooting steps you can try, depending on which symptoms you're having. To view these steps, check out Wi-Fi connection icons and what they mean .

Check the basics on your PC

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, select Settings , then select the Network icon.

Turn on Wi-Fi .

Make sure your PC isn’t in airplane mode.

Turn off Airplane mode .

Move closer to the router or access point if you can.

If you don’t see the network name at all, the router or access point might not be set to broadcast the network name. In this case, you’ll need to connect to it manually.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, and then select Settings .

Select the Network icon, and then select Hidden network .

Type the network name and select Next .

Type the password and select Next .

Follow any additional instructions to get connected.

The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to when your computer is in range of the network. To connect to the network, follow these steps:

Open Connect to a Network by selecting the network icon in the notification area.

Select Unnamed Network , select Connect , and then type the network information. The network will be added to your list of networks and will be available to connect to in the future when your computer is in range of the network..

Use the Network Troubleshooter

Let Windows try to help you fix the problem. Try running the Network troubleshooter to see if it can diagnose and fix the problem.

Select the Start button, start typing Network problems , and then select Identify and repair network problems in the list.

Run network commands after using the Network Troubleshooter

The Network Troubleshooter (mentioned above) can help diagnose and fix common connection problems. After using that, try running the network commands below because the combination of doing these two things can help you get connected.

If your problem isn’t fixed after running the Network troubleshooter, try to:

Reset the TCP/IP stack.

Release the IP address.

Renew the IP address.

Flush and reset the DNS client resolver cache.

Here's how to run networking commands in a command prompt:

Select the Start button, start typing cmd , right-click Command Prompt in the list, select Run as Administrator , and then select Yes .

At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order and then check to see if that fixes your connection problem:

Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Restart your modem and router

This helps create a new connection to your Internet service provider (ISP). When you do this, everyone that is connected to your Wi-Fi network will be temporarily disconnected.

The steps you take to restart your modem and router can vary, but here are the general steps:

Unplug the power cable for the modem from the power source. Some modems have a backup battery. So if you unplug the modem and lights stay on, remove the battery from the modem.

See if it's a problem with your modem or your ISP

Make sure it’s not a problem with your cable modem or Internet service provider (ISP). If it is, contact your ISP.

At the command prompt, type ipconfig . Look for the IP address listed next to Default gateway . Write down that address if you need to. For example, 192.168.1.1.

At the prompt, type ping <Default gateway> and press Enter . For example, type ping 192.168.1.1 and press Enter . The result should be something like this: Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Reply from 192.168.1.1: bytes=32 time=5ms TTL=64 Ping statistics for 192.168.1.1: Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss), Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds: Minimum = 4ms, Maximum = 5ms, Average = 4ms

If the ping is successful and you see results similar to the results above, but you can’t connect to the Internet on your PC, there may be a problem with your modem or Internet service provider (ISP).

Check your network adapter

If you’re still having trouble connecting to a network, it might be related to your network adapter.

Try using the Network Adapter troubleshooter to automatically find and fix some problems. This troubleshooter will disable and re-enable the adapter, and try some other common repairs. Select the Start button, start typing Troubleshooting , and then select Troubleshooting in the list. Select View all > Network Adapter .

Update the network adapter driver. An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver can cause connection problems. Check to see if an updated driver is available.

Select the Start button, start typing Device Manager , and then select it in the list.

In Device Manager, select Network adapters , right-click your adapter, and then select Properties .

Select the Driver tab, and then select Update Driver .

Select Search automatically for updated driver software .

If Windows can’t find a new driver for your network adapter, visit the PC manufacturer’s website and download the latest network adapter driver from there. If your PC can't connect to the Internet, you'll need to download a driver on a different PC and save it to a USB flash drive so you can install the driver on your PC. You’ll need to know the PC manufacturer and model name or number.

Other steps to try on your router

Here are some things to check and try with your router if you’re at home and having trouble getting connected.

If you don't see the network name, sign in to your router and check to see if it’s set to broadcast the network name.

Connect your PC to your router using an Ethernet cable.

Open your web browser and type the IP address for your wireless router. (For example, 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0—check the documentation for your router to find the default IP address.)

Sign in with your user name and password, then make sure an option labeled Enable SSID Broadcast , Wireless SSID broadcast , or something similar is turned on. This setting is often on a Wireless Settings page.

Check to see if your Wi-Fi network uses Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering for security. If it does, you’ll need to add the MAC address for your PC to the access list on your router before you can connect.

Select the Start button. Start typing cmd and right-click Command Prompt in the list. Select Run as Administrator , and then select Yes .

At the command prompt, type ipconfig /all . Write down the address that appears next to Physical Address for your wireless network adapter. This is the address you’ll need to add to the access list on your router.

To add the MAC address to the access list on your router:

Add the MAC address you wrote down for your PC to the access list and save your changes.

On your PC, try to connect to the Wi-Fi network again.

Look in the Wireless Network section. If Wi-Fi is on, the button should say Turn wireless off .

Check and make sure your PC isn’t in airplane mode.

Select Add , and then select Manually create a network profile .

Type the network information.

If you want Windows to automatically connect when the network is in range, select the Start this connection automatically check box.

Select the Connect even if the network is not broadcasting check box, select Next , and then select Close .

Open the Network troubleshooter by right-clicking the network icon in the notification area and then selecting Troubleshoot problems .

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
This Or That Game New
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Computers and Electronics
Computer Networking
Internet Access

9 Solutions If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Can’t Access the Internet

Last Updated: April 10, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was written by Luigi Oppido and by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,913 times.

Are you connected to a network but don't have internet access? If you're on your phone or computer, you can notice the Wi-Fi icon is enabled, but the website you're trying to visit isn't loading. This wikiHow article lists fixes to resolve the issue and get the internet working again through your network.

Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access?

Restart your router for an easy fix that usually solves the problem.
Check the network settings on your devices to make sure everything is correct.
Disable and re-enable Wi-Fi in your phone's Settings.

Restart your router.

The easiest and most common solution is to turn it off and on again.

To restart your router, unplug it from the wall, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in.

Check the hardware.

A damaged wire can prevent you from connecting to the internet.

Every router is different, but there are standards for lights. You can see if the internet network is working with your router if the light is blinking white or is solid green. If the light is yellow or something else, however, check with your router's manual.
Maybe something is wrong with the wireless aspect of your network. Connect your device to your router with an ethernet cable to test your connection. If there's still no internet access, you can rule the problem out of your router or network and instead call your ISP to figure out what's wrong with the internet connection.

Check and reset network settings.

Make sure you're connected to the correct network with the right password.

If you previously changed the password , your phone will still use the original password to connect. The connection will fail and you'll notice that the Wi-Fi is working for everything else, except your phone.
You should also check if you're connected to the 5 or 2.4 GHz frequency on your router. Your device might have poor connection on the 5 GHz frequency, so connect to the 2.4 GHz frequency instead.
As the last step in this troubleshooting step, reset your network settings to connect with a fresh connection. You can search your device for "Reset network" to find the option to reset your settings.

Re-connect to your network.

Forget the network and re-connect to refresh your connection.

Check for interference.

There can be objects and signals interfering with your router and phone.

Upgrade your router.

Older routers may not be compatible with newer technology.

Update your drivers on your Windows computer.

Out-of-date drivers can be responsible for not getting the internet.

Flush the DNS cache on your computers.

Temporary files can fill up and clog up your system.

On Mac, open "Terminal" and enter " sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder " and press Enter .

Check for outages or other issues.

Your internet connection might be experiencing an outage due to weather, maintenance, scheduled downtime, or many other reasons. If you've done everything else on this list, call your ISP to see what's going on.
If you have lots of technical issues with your ISP, you might need a new one.

Expert Q&A

Why Does Your Phone Keep Disconnecting from WiFi

About This Article

Send fan mail to authors

Is this article up to date?

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

GTA 5 Cheats
What is Discord?
Find a Lost Phone
Upcoming Movies
Nintendo Switch 2
Best YouTube TV Alternatives
How to Recall an Email in Outlook

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Wi-Fi not working? How to fix the most common problems

Wi-Fi problems can strike anyone at any time, no matter how much networking experience you may have. But if you’ve not come across a particular Wi-Fi issue before, there’s no need to worry if you don’t know how to fix it. All you need are the right tools and a few tips, and you’ll be able to solve your Wi-Fi problem in no time.

Basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist

Quick fixes for common problems, slow or no wi-fi or internet access in certain rooms, slow internet everywhere.

One device can’t connect to the Wi-Fi

Nothing can connect to Wi-Fi

Connections drop at random times, wi-fi network disappears entirely, unknown devices on my wi-fi network, a recent update broke wi-fi.

The satellite routers on my mesh network aren’t connecting
My smart device isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi
My console can’t connect to Wi-Fi
Can’t connect to wireless printer
Can’t connect to a guest Wi-Fi network that I set up
Wi-Fi 6 or 6E isn’t working, even with a Wi-Fi 6 router
Can’t find a router with Wi-Fi 7

Whether you’re experiencing problems with slow internet, Wi-Fi signal dropping, or you just can’t connect to Wi-Fi at all, here are some of the quickest and easiest fixes you can try. We’ll also cover some advanced advice on more troubling issues that would definitely result in your Wi-Fi not working at all, or at slower speeds.

If you have a non-specific problem with your Wi-Fi or don’t consider the problem serious enough to investigate more in-depth problems, consider the items on this list as a great way to start fixing your problem.

Make sure your device’s Wi-Fi is on — Most laptops have a shortcut key that will turn off their Wi-Fi and it can be easy to press accidentally. Similarly, there is a quick toggle on most phones that will turn off the phone’s Wi-Fi capabilities.
Restart your router — A quick restart of your router (achieved by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds to 1 minute, and plugging it back in again) can fix many Wi-Fi difficulties.
Check for an outage — Most ISP’s will have an outage map available on their website. Try using your phone’s data to check and see if an outage is reported in your area.

Forgot the Wi-Fi password

If you really can’t remember your Wi-Fi password, and there are no notes or cards with it written down somewhere, you’ll have to reset your router . Use a paperclip to press the hidden switch in the pinhole on the back of your router for 30 seconds. It should then default to factory settings.

The most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them
The most common GoTo Meeting problems and how to solve them
How to change your router’s Wi-Fi password

Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

Wi-Fi connection lost when logging back into the computer

This problem can crop up on Windows 10 due to an issue with Fast Startup. Fast Startup keeps certain processes running so you can log back in very quickly. However, this can sometimes cause a bug with the wireless driver that prevents it from reconnecting to Wi-Fi properly. In the short term, you can turn off Fast Startup to prevent this problem . Search for Power Option s in your Windows 10 or Windows 11 search bar and go to this section of the Control Panel. Select Choose What the Power Button Does on the left-side menu, and then look at the new section Shutdown Settings . Find the option to Turn On Fast Startup and make sure it is deselected.

In the long term, you may need to update the driver for your wireless network adapter to fix any bugs causing this issue. You can follow our guide on how to update Windows 10 drivers for more information.

The network connects, but there’s no internet access

It might sound like a tired tip, but try resetting your modem by unplugging it and plugging it back in. If that’s no good, you can connect a laptop or desktop to your router with an Ethernet cable ( these are the best ones ) to see if it’s the router or your Wi-Fi that’s not working. If this works, then your best bet to get Wi-Fi working again is to reset your router . If there’s still no internet, though, you may have an outage. Contact your ISP.

Router crashes regularly and only restarting it helps

If your router needs to be restarted regularly, you should give your router a full reset . On most routers, you’ll find a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default from factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

If that doesn’t work, your router may be on its way out. Your only real option is to return it if it is within its warranty period or to buy a new one.

Wi-Fi is made up of radio waves, meaning your Wi-Fi router broadcasts in all directions from a central location. If your router is in a far corner of your house, then you’re covering a great deal of the outside world unnecessarily. If you can, move your router to a more centralized location. The closer you can put your router to the center of your coverage area, the better reception will be throughout your home.

If you have external antennas, you can try adjusting those, too. Alternating between fully vertical and fully horizontal positions can help it reach in multiple directions.

If you live in an apartment building, other routers might be interfering with yours. Free software, like NetSpot on Mac, Windows, and Android, or Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android, can show you every wireless network nearby and what channel they’re using. If your router overlaps with nearby networks in particular rooms, consider switching to a less congested channel. If you need help switching, here’s our guide on how to change your Wi-Fi channel .

If none of that helps, your home might be too much for one router to handle. Consider purchasing a wireless repeater or setting up an old router to serve as one to extend the range of your main router. Upgrading to a whole-home mesh wireless system can also help with dead spots in certain areas of your home. Either way, it might be time to go and buy a new router .

If your Wi-Fi speed is slow no matter where you are, try plugging a laptop into your router directly and test your internet speed using one of the best internet speed tests . If speeds are still down, the problem is likely with your internet connection, not your router. Try some of these ways to improve your internet speed and contact your ISP.

If that’s not the issue, it could be that your current wireless channel is overcrowded by your devices or by those of other nearby networks. Consider changing the channel on your router in your router settings, by accessing the admin settings .

If that doesn’t help, performing a factory reset on your router and setting it up again may help. On most routers, there’s a Reset button that you can hold down with a paperclip. Do so for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured, and see if that helps.

If none of that works and your internet is fine on a wired connection, your router might be dying. Consider buying a new one: Here are the best routers we’ve reviewed and why they’re great picks. If the router seems fine, then it might instead be your modem, which could suffer connectivity issues if it’s on its way out, too. If you’re looking to upgrade your modem as a fix, we also have a guide on some of the top modem-router combos . Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router can also help ease issues with congestion and support faster speeds, provided that your broadband plan is capable of these boosted speeds.

One device can’t connect to the Wi-Fi

Sometimes you run into a Wi-Fi issue with one particular device. It’s probably just a momentary network issue, which is an easy fix. Try turning off the Wi-Fi on your device, then re-enabling it — or unplugging and replugging your Wi-Fi dongle. If that doesn’t work, restart the device and try again. Then try restarting the router itself.

If that doesn’t help, or if the problem reoccurs, consider deleting your current network from the list of saved networks on your device, then reconnect again.

If you’re running Windows 10 or 11, search for “wifi troubleshooting” and open the result, which should be Identify and Repair Network Issues . That will go through a series of diagnostics that may restore connectivity. On MacOS, you can run Wireless Diagnostics . Hold the Options key and click the AirPort (Wi-Fi) icon on the menu bar. Find Open Wireless Diagnostics , and then follow the on-screen instructions.

If you can’t connect to your Wi-Fi at all, plug your laptop into the router directly using an Ethernet cable, and see if you can connect that way. The particular type of Ethernet cable doesn’t matter, but there are some Ethernet cables that are better than others . If that works, your Wi-Fi is the problem and you should try some of the other fixes listed here. If it doesn’t work, then your internet may be down altogether. Check your ISP’s webpage and social accounts, or give them a call to see if they are reporting problems. Sometimes providers can be a little slow to note issues, so you can also check with a monitoring site like Downdetector and see if other users in your region are reporting problems.

Resetting your router can fix a myriad of issues, too, and an inability to connect is one of them. Press the Reset button on the back of the router with a paperclip for 30 seconds, and the router should default to factory settings. Use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured.

If that’s no use, you may need to consider buying a new router.

Is there some sort of pattern? Do connections drop whenever you use the microwave? Have you just installed a fish tank? It may sound weird, but some routers have trouble with these and other home hardware. The 2.5GHz band is readily interfered with by other devices, and 5GHz and 6GHz are notorious for being interrupted by physical objects. It could also be that you’re experiencing interference from other networks or devices. If your neighbors are heavy Wi-Fi users at a particular time each day, this could be slowing you down.

Changing your router’s channel might help. You can use NetSpot on Mac and Windows and Wi-Fi Analyzer for Android to show you every wireless network nearby. If yours overlaps with nearby networks, switching to a less congested channel in your router settings can help. We have a guide that will walk you through changing the channel on your router .

You can also try moving your router to a more accessible location so that there’s less distance (and interfering devices) between you and the router.

If that doesn’t work, try performing a factory reset on your router by pressing a paperclip into the miniature hole on it and following the reset steps as outlined in your manual.

If you lose track of your Wi-Fi network on any device, it’s possible that your router reset itself. Do you see an unprotected network named after your brand of router? That might be yours. Connect a laptop or desktop to it via an Ethernet cable, then use our guide to setting up a wireless router to get everything properly configured again.

If you don’t see such a network, plug your laptop into the router with an Ethernet cable, and see if you get a connection. Use our guide to finding your router’s IP address and login information for more help. Also, if you don’t have a cable, check out our guide on how to choose the right Ethernet cable .

Log into your Wi-Fi app or administrator settings (which you can find by searching your IP address on your browser ). Look for a list of currently connected devices and pinpoint the ones you don’t recognize.

First, make sure these don’t represent connections you didn’t realize you had — each smart device will have its own connection, for example, and they can have some strange titles if you didn’t name them. Game consoles and TVs may also be connected, and if you’ve had friends and family over recently they may have connected with unfamiliar devices.

If you’ve ruled out all familiar devices and there’s still a connection or two you don’t recognize, it’s possible someone else is hijacking your Wi-Fi network. In this case, look in your settings for an option to block these devices on your Wi-Fi and ban their MAC addresses, if possible. Then change your Wi-Fi password, and reboot your router. This may not stop especially determined hackers, but it’s usually enough to kick unwanted guests off your network.

If you want to take more drastic action, here are some steps for how to deal with someone stealing your Wi-Fi .

This can happen with some operating system updates. Windows 10 updates in mid-2020 had bugs that stopped some users from connecting to their Wi-Fi networks or even seeing a Wi-Fi connection at all. Similar updates to iOS, Android, and other platforms also have created bugs in the past that disrupt Wi-Fi connections.

When something like this happens, it’s best to wait for a patch that fixes the problem. In the meantime, remove the update and roll back your system to an earlier version to help get your online connectivity back.

While routers can last for years without needing a replacement, keep in mind that some problems can develop with age — a router may start lacking support for new device updates and similar issues that prevent it from working properly (as seen when Apple discontinued the AirPort Extreme, for example). That’s a sign that it’s time to look for a new router.

The satellite routers on my mesh network aren’t connecting

Make sure that your satellite devices are powered up and turned on. If they are, try unplugging and replugging the problematic device and see if it will connect to your network then. If your router app allows you to restart a Wi-Fi point (Google’s Home app, for example, allows this), then reboot that point and see if this helps, too.

Google also allows you to run a test to make sure the network is set up properly. You can find Wifi points on the Home app, under Test mesh . If the test comes back with a weak or failed connection, you should try repositioning your satellite routers to be closer to your primary router. This also is a good tactic for any mesh system that keeps dropping its satellite points — they could be too far away from the primary point.

You can also double-check to make sure that your satellite router devices have a different SSID than your primary router. If they were accidentally all assigned the same SSID, then the mesh network may not be able to coordinate properly.

If your router still seems unable to connect, then make sure that nothing significant has changed for your network settings. For example, if your ISP WAN (wide-area network) type changed for some reason, you may have to go back into the settings for the router and make sure that the right WAN setting is chosen.

There are additional special cases where certain Wi-Fi technology can interfere with mesh networks, so it’s also a good idea to contact router support directly and explain your situation if nothing is working.

My smart device isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi

First, make sure that your smart device and your router are both updated. Then try resetting your router and rebooting your smart device. You can either unplug and plug in the smart device or check its app for a reboot option — the Google Home app, for example, has a Reboot tool under each device section that you can use.

If the device still isn’t connecting properly, try moving it next to the router and seeing if it connects then — distance and interference can make a difference, especially for smaller smart devices. You should also double-check to make sure that your smart device doesn’t need a Zigbee hub to operate , which is more common among older smart devices but a problem that still occasionally crops up.

If your smart device keeps dropping a Wi-Fi signal, especially during busy times of the day, check to see if your router supports automatic band switching for devices. If it does, try turning this feature off. Sometimes a router will try to switch a smart device to a different band, but the device isn’t ready for that, causing it to lose a connection. There may also be issues with connecting to a mesh router, and you may have to be very specific about your network connection to make smart devices work.

It’s also a good idea to check if your particular device is suffering from temporary bugs that make connecting to Wi-Fi difficult or impossible. Nest minis and HomePod minis have both encountered such errors in the past. In these cases, a fix is usually patched in before too long, so keep making sure that your device is updated. Sometimes operating system updates, like a new iOS patch , also can affect smart device performance.

There are a number of other router settings that may block smart devices, but they are manufacturer dependent. If you can’t find what’s wrong, contact your router manufacturer’s support and explain that you think your router is having trouble connecting.

My console can’t connect to Wi-Fi

Check social media and Downdetector to make sure nothing is wrong with your gaming platform — sometimes your Xbox or PlayStation can get online just fine, but Xbox Live or Playstation Network is down for any number of reasons, but they’re typically back up again after a short period.

If everything looks all right there, reboot both your router and your game console and see if they can successfully connect. This is also a good time to test your internet connection. Major systems like Xbox and PlayStation have an option in their Settings menu to test your internet connection. On PlayStation, head to Settings , then Network , then select Test Internet Connection . On Xbox, go to Profile & System , select Settings , and in the General section, select Network Settings , where you will find an option to Test Network Speed & Statistics . This can provide more information about what’s going wrong and even tips on what you may need to change.

If your console and router seem to be acting properly but Wi-Fi keeps dropping, you may want to try moving the two devices closer to each other to see if the Wi-Fi signal improves. Try to remove any material or objects between the console and router: Placing both in a high, clear location often brings the best results. You can also try reducing the number of other devices on the network, especially if they’re streaming.

Can’t connect to wireless printer

First, make sure you are trying to connect to your Wi-Fi and not via Wi-Fi Direct — they are two different technologies. We also highly suggest the traditional routine of turning everything off and back on again, especially if your printer has connected to Wi-Fi successfully in the past. If your printer is far away from your router and keeps running into Wi-Fi errors, try moving it to a closer position.

If it looks like your printer is connected to Wi-Fi but you can’t get it to work, head into your printer settings on your computer and make sure the correct default printer is selected. Microsoft also has some troubleshooters you can run to see if they pick up on anything obviously awry.

It’s also a good idea to check your router security, firewalls, and VPN security to see if any of them are identifying the printer as a strange device and refusing a wireless connection. You may need to disable certain firewalls or reconfigure security protocols to use your printer successfully. When all else fails, uninstall your printer drivers and reinstall the more recent versions to see if this makes a difference.

And if your printer isn’t wirelessly enabled, consider upgrading to one that is. We have some recommendations for the best printers , laser printers , and multifunction printers that can be used wirelessly and connect to your home network.

Can’t connect to a guest Wi-Fi network that I set up

Guest Wi-Fi networks allow you to share your Wi-Fi with others in a secure way that helps prevent security issues. You’ve probably seen it on business routers, but it can be set up on home routers, too. If someone is having trouble connecting to the guest network but otherwise the Wi-Fi seems to be working, there are a few things you can try.

First, if you just set up your guest network, wait a few minutes. It may take a little time for the network to show up. If the guest network is visible, take a minute to head into your router app and check settings. Settings like Public Wi-Fi Active and Allow Guests to Access My Local Network should always be enabled. If it’s still not working, reset your router and try again.

Keep in mind, some guest networks have a stricter limit on how many devices can use them. If you have over a dozen people already on the guest network, others may not be able to log on.

Wi-Fi 6 or 6E isn’t working, even with a Wi-Fi 6 router

Wi-Fi 6 offers a host of improvements from older Wi-Fi standards, including improved performance, less latency, and better security. But if you don’t think you’re getting Wi-Fi 6 features from a router that supports it, something could be wrong with your setup.

Do you have any extenders on your network? If those aren’t compatible with Wi-Fi 6, you won’t be able to enjoy Wi-Fi 6 speed and features. If your device has picked up the signal from an extender, Wi-Fi 6 benefits may not be making the trip.

Additionally, most devices will need at least partial support for Wi-Fi 6 features to be able to use them. Devices that are several years old may not be compatible with any Wi-Fi 6 changes. That includes your phone and laptop, as well as smart devices that you might be using.

Even desktop computers may struggle with this. Internal Wi-Fi adapters may struggle to pick up on Wi-Fi 6 benefits when you switch to a new router, even if they are technically compatible. You should update your Wi-Fi drivers to fix any potential issues.

Can’t find a router with Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7 is the next generation of wireless technology, and it’s technical name is 802.11be. It’s the successor to existing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers, and will offer much greater performance, with up to 36 Gbps data transfer rates — that’s more than three times faster than Wi-Fi 6 speeds. It also lets devices use multiple frequencies simultaneously to better utilize available network bandwidth.

The only downside to this is that Wi-Fi 7 routers aren’t yet available at competitive prices. There are some Wi-Fi 7 routers, like the impressive TP-Link Deco BE85 , but that’s a $1,500 mesh router system and complete overkill for just about anyone.

You can expect to see more Wi-Fi 7 routers with more approachable price tags in the coming months.

Editors' Recommendations

The most common Skype problems and how to fix them
The most common Microsoft Teams problems and how to fix them
The most common Zoom problems and how to fix them
The 5 best Wi-Fi adapters for PC in 2024
The most common GPU problems and how to fix them
Work From Home

Your computer’s motherboard is one of the most vital components in your PC’s chain of command. Think of it as the brain of your entire system, handling everything from processors and graphics cards to power distribution and local memory. If your computer’s been running slower than normal, and you’ve done everything you can to clear your cache, cookies, and other digital debris, then there’s a good chance your motherboard may be the culprit.

Fortunately, there’s a couple of methods you can use for getting your motherboard back in working order, and we’re going to walk you through each part of the process.

Chromebooks are great alternatives to MacBooks and Windows 10 laptops, but they aren’t perfect. Any laptop computer is bound to have issues, and some of the most common problems faced by Chromebook users can feel difficult or even impossible to solve on their own.

From issues with updates to internet connectivity, troubleshooting common Chromebook problems doesn’t have to ruin your day. Read on to discover easy fixes for the most frequent issues Chromebook users face. If you've got a fancy Pixelbook, consider checking out our companion guide to common Pixelbook problems. The Diagnostics app

The Meta Quest 3 is an awesome VR headset with a fast processor and great mixed reality, but that doesn't mean it's free of trouble. Below, we've listed the most common problems and how to fix them so you can solve any issues and get back to gaming, browsing, or spatial computing with your Quest 3. Reset the Quest 3 Boundary Meta's graphic representation of breaking a Quest virtual boundary. Meta

Meta keeps improving the spatial awareness of its Quest headsets. The Quest 3 includes a depth sensor that automatically scans your room to create a boundary.

Connected to Wi-Fi, but No Internet Access in Windows? What to Do

Seeing the annoying "connected but no internet" error on your Windows PC? Follow these steps when you have no internet access.

Seeing the dreaded Windows 10 or Windows 11 internet connection icon proclaiming that you have No Internet Access ? You're probably wondering how to fix this frustrating Windows error.

We'll show you the steps to follow when you have no internet access but are still connected to Wi-Fi in Windows.

How to Fix "No Internet Access" Errors in Windows

Let's first quickly outline the steps to resolve "connected but no internet access" errors. We'll then go into detail on each one:

Confirm other devices can't connect
Reboot your PC
Reboot your modem and router
Disable any VPN connections
Run the Windows network troubleshooter
Check your IP address settings
Check your ISP's status
Try a few Command Prompt commands
Disable security software
Update your wireless drivers
Reset your network

What Does It Mean When You're Connected With No Internet?

Before we proceed, we should explain what exactly happens on your network when you're connected to Wi-Fi but have no internet. To do so, it's necessary to explain some basics of home networking .

Wireless devices, like a laptop, connect to your router. The router is a device that handles the network connections for the devices in your home. Your router plugs into a modem , a device that bridges the traffic on your home network to the wider internet.

When you see error messages like Connected, no internet access or Connected but no internet on your computer, it means that your computer is connected to the router correctly, but can't reach the internet. Conversely, if you see Not connected, no internet or No internet connection messages, it means that your computer is not connected to a router at all.

This gives you some clues about what the issue is, as we'll see below.

1. Confirm Other Devices Can't Connect Either

Before you do any troubleshooting, it's important to determine whether your PC is the only device with no internet connection. Grab your phone or another computer that's connected to your Wi-Fi network and see if it's online properly—try streaming a YouTube video or similar to check.

On many Android versions, you'll see an X icon over the Wi-Fi symbol in your status bar and notice you're connected to your mobile network for data. iPhone and iPad users can visit Settings > Wi-Fi and check for a No Internet Connection message under your network name.

If your computer won't connect but others will, this is likely due to a misconfigured setting on just your PC. But if you have no internet on every device, the problem lies with your network equipment and you can thus skip some of the PC-only steps below, as noted.

Before you proceed, if the problem affects all your devices, you should perform a quick test. Disconnect the Ethernet cable that connects your modem to your router, and use it to connect your PC to the modem directly instead.

If you can get online with this setup, the problem lies with your router. In case you proceed through the following troubleshooting and don't find the fix for your issue, your router is likely faulty.

2. Reboot Your PC

This step isn't necessary if your connection issue is affecting multiple devices.

As with many issues, rebooting your computer is the first troubleshooting step you should try. If you're lucky, you might clear up some temporary glitch by restarting, which will fix your network connection issue.

Most of this advice assumes you're using a Wi-Fi connection, since they run into problems more often. However, if you connect to your router with an Ethernet cable, you should also try another cable at this time to confirm that yours isn't faulty.

3. Reboot Your Modem and Router

Since most network issues involve your modem and/or router, rebooting them next makes sense. While some routers offer the option to reboot through an interface, you don't necessarily need to do this. Simply pull the power plug from both devices and leave them unplugged for a few minutes—or use the physical power button if there is one.

Plug the modem in first, let it boot up, then plug in your router again. Wait a few minutes for them to start back up fully. While you're doing this, confirm that your router and modem are working properly. If you don't see any lights on one of the devices, or the lights appear red or flash in an irregular pattern, you may have a bad piece of network hardware.

If your computer says "no internet" even after this, continue on—your issue is more complex than a basic reboot.

Note that you're simply rebooting, not resetting, your equipment. Resetting means putting the device back to its factory default settings; you don't need to do that yet!

4. Disable Any VPN Connections

Using a VPN can provide several benefits, but they also add a layer to your internet connection setup. As a result, what you think is an issue with your home network connection could actually be a problem with your VPN. Sometimes a VPN will time out if you're connected for too long while your PC is idle, or you could be using an overloaded server that can't handle your connection.

If you're running a VPN, whether it's through an app or a manual connection in Windows, disable it and try to get online again. If that doesn't fix it, keep the VPN turned off for the duration of your troubleshooting to reduce the number of variables.

5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

If you're only having an issue with your Windows PC, something is likely wrong with your computer's network settings. While the built-in Windows troubleshooter usually doesn't fix issues, it's worth a try before you move onto more advanced steps.

To access the network troubleshooter on Windows 10, visit Settings > Network & Internet > Status . Select Network troubleshooter and follow the steps to see if Windows can rectify the problem. On Windows 11, you'll find this same tool at Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections .

6. Check Your IP Address Settings

Next, you should walk through one of the key steps for diagnosing network issues : confirming that your computer has a valid IP address. In most home networks, under normal circumstances, the router hands out an address to devices when they connect. If your computer's IP settings aren't correct, it can cause this "no internet access" problem or even the "Wi-Fi doesn't have a valid IP configuration" error .

Review IP Settings on Windows 10

When using Windows 10, head back to Settings > Network & Internet > Status . Click the Change adapter options entry and then double-click the connection you're using.

Once you have a window open with information about your connection, click the Properties button. Find Internet Protocol Version 4 in the list and double-click that.

There, make sure you have Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically both selected. Setting an IP address manually is for advanced users; chances are if you have something entered here, it's invalid.

Click OK after telling these to both use automatic values, then try to get online again.

Check IP Options on Windows 11

If you're using Windows 11, open Settings again and go to Network & Internet . Click Advanced network settings at the bottom of the list, then select the network connection you're using. In the expanded list, choose View additional properties at the bottom.

On the resulting menu, make sure IP assignment and DNS server assignment are both set to Automatic (DHCP) . If not, click the Edit button next to these and change them both to Automatic . Once you confirm this, try connecting again.

7. Check Your ISP's Status

At this point, if you can't get any devices online, it's worth checking if your internet service provider (ISP) is having an issue. Though this is rare, it could explain why you have no internet access at all.

Use your phone's data connection to see if Comcast, Verizon, or whoever provides service in your area has reported outages. DownDetector is a great site for this. A quick Google or Twitter search can reveal whether others are having a problem, too.

8. Try Networking Command Prompt Commands

Windows offers several networking commands in the Command Prompt . You should run a few of them if you still have no internet access in Windows at this point. To do that, type cmd into the Start Menu, then right-click on it and choose Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt window.

To reset some of the files Windows keeps to access the internet, use these two commands:

If that doesn't work, try releasing your computer's IP address and obtaining a fresh one from the router with these two commands, one at a time:

Finally, refresh your computer's DNS settings with this command:

It doesn't hurt to reboot your PC again at this point. If you still have no internet access, there are a few more steps to try.

9. Disable Security Software

Another uncommon, but plausible, scenario is that you have some security software on your PC preventing access to the internet. Avast and other antivirus suites have had problems in the past where glitched updates block some websites, or even the entire internet, for no good reason.

Disable any third-party antivirus apps you may have installed and see if your connection comes back. If it does, you may need to change the settings in your antivirus app or consider using an alternative solution.

While we're on the topic of security, it's worth running a malware scan with an app like Malwarebytes . A malicious program could have knocked out your internet connection.

10. Update Your Wireless Drivers

Normally, you don't need to update most of your computer drivers, as doing so can cause more problems than it's worth. But if you're still having this network connection issue, you should check for driver updates for your computer's wireless chip.

If you have a manufacturer update app (like HP Support Assistant or Lenovo System Update) installed on your PC, open that up and check for wireless driver updates. Otherwise, follow our guide to updating your Windows drivers manually.

11. Reset Your Network

At this point, if you've proceeded through all these steps and still have the "no internet access but connected" problem, there's not much you can do other than reset your network settings.

If your Windows PC is the only device you can't connect with, you can reset its network configuration on Windows 10 by visiting Settings > Network & Internet > Status . Click the Network reset text at the bottom of the screen, then Reset now . On Windows 11, go to Settings > Network & internet , then click Advanced network settings and choose Network reset .

Following the prompts in these menus will completely remove all network adapters and set all your network settings back to the defaults. You'll have to set everything up again, including VPN software, but it might be the fix you need.

When you can't get online with any devices in your home, your best bet is resetting your router (and modem, if needed). Look for a small pinhole on the back or bottom of your router and hold it in (using a paper clip or similar object) for several seconds to reset it to factory defaults. If there's no physical reset button, you'll need to log in to your router and run a factory reset from there.

With everything reset, you can run through the initial setup and use the factory defaults to see if you can get online again. If you still have no internet connection after this, you likely have faulty equipment and will need to get a replacement. If anything you own is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer.

Don't Fear "Connected but No Internet" Any Longer

Hopefully, you don't have to factory reset anything to fix your connection issue. One of the earlier steps should take care of it, but there's no perfect formula for network issues. If you follow all the steps, you've confirmed that your devices are set up correctly and you don't have anything blocking the connection.

It's possible to jump into more comprehensive troubleshooting if you desire. However, it might be worth contacting a network-savvy friend for further help instead.

Compare Providers
Review Providers

5 Reasons Why Your Internet Keeps Disconnecting—and How You Can Fix It

How to fix a finicky internet connection.

Random internet disconnections and Wi-Fi drops aren’t just frustrating, they’re tricky. Because these issues tend to come and go, the causes are often difficult to pin down—but it’s not impossible if you know where to look. As a former broadband technician, I’ve encountered this problem countless times. Let’s go over the top five reasons why your internet is disconnecting and what you can do about it.

Fed up with internet problems? Check out your other options.

Enter your zip code below to see what’s available in your area.

Jump to: Top 5 reasons for disconnecting internet | How to fix disconnecting internet | Other reasons for disconnecting internet | FAQ

Top 5 reasons for disconnecting internet

We go deeper into each of these potential internet issues and how you can fix them further down the page. Click on an issue to auto-scroll to its solution.

Here are the most common causes of disconnecting internet service:

1. You need to restart your modem and router Always the first step when troubleshooting internet issues, an equipment restart is like internet WD-40; it gets things moving smoothly again by giving the equipment a chance to flush out any glitches.

2. You have a spotty or weak Wi-Fi signal A weak Wi-Fi signal can result from obstructions, a lack of range, or even interference from other Wi-Fi networks and electronic devices.

3. Your home network is congested A congested network usually means you’re trying to do too much with too little. To fix it, you need to either decrease your internet usage or upgrade your internet plan.

4. Your ISP is having intermittent outages and slowdowns Outages are usually the result of infrastructure issues that your ISP needs to resolve. This is entirely dependent on where you live, and there’s no reliable way you can prevent it. If you experience a lot of outages and the situation doesn’t improve, it may be time to switch ISPs.

5. Your network cables are damaged Damaged cables are difficult to spot because the damage isn’t always obvious from looking at the outside of the cable. An ISP technician is usually needed to diagnose the issue and make repairs.

Test your internet speed

Give your connection a quick health check to see if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for.

Download speed 000 Mbps

Upload speed 000 Mbps

Latency (ping) 00 ms

Jitter 00 ms

How to fix disconnecting internet

1. your modem and router need a restart.

The first thing to try when experiencing internet issues is a modem and router restart. It’s super quick, super easy, and super effective. This often solves the problem.

The restart process is the same for a modem, router, or gateway (modem/router combo unit):

Step 1: Unplug the equipment’s power cable from the back.

Step 2: Wait 60 seconds.

Step 3: Plug the power cable back in.

Step 4: Wait while the equipment reboots.

2. You have a spotty Wi-Fi signal

If you’re too far from your router, your internet may cut in and out as Wi-Fi signals struggle to reach your device. Obstructions between your device and router may also cause intermittent disconnections.

Pay attention to your device’s Wi-Fi signal meter to see where your Wi-Fi signal gets weak and disconnects. Take note of areas where you disconnect while moving around, and pay attention to what stands between you and your router in those areas.

Certain materials, like stone, metal, tile, and water are particularly hard on Wi-Fi signals. Try to avoid placing your router or devices in areas that force the Wi-Fi signal to pass through these materials. Some examples of things to avoid are placing your router undeath or behind metal furniture, right next to a tiled bathroom, or near a fish tank. Some electronic devices, such as microwaves, garage door openers, and baby monitors can also interfere with your Wi-Fi signal causing slowdowns and disconnects.

Wi-Fi can get tricky, but there’s a lot you can do to improve your signal. Check out our guides on the best place to put your router and how to improve your Wi-Fi range to get the most out of your Wi-Fi.

3. Your internet plan is too slow

If you’re trying to access more bandwidth than your internet plan allows, you’ll experience slowdowns that may seem like your internet is disconnecting. If your internet issues tend to happen when multiple people in your household are using the web, it’s even more likely you’ve reached the speed limit of your internet plan.

To find out if you need to upgrade your plan, first, find your internet plan’s advertised speed. Then, use our speed test below to see if your connection is as fast as it should be. If you get a speed reading that’s close to your plan’s advertised speed, then it’s probably time to upgrade your internet plan. Use our “How much internet speed do I need?” tool below to discover your household’s ideal internet speed.

How much internet speed do you need?

Use our free tool to discover the ideal internet speed for your household.

4. You’re having internet outages

Internet outages come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes your connection will be out for hours, other times it may flicker in and out like a dying light bulb. Your randomly disconnecting internet could indeed be caused by outages from your ISP.

You can check for outages via your ISP’s app, or web account, or by simply calling your ISP to ask. You can also ask for information on past outages to see if it really is the cause of your persistent disconnections. Most internet providers keep excellent records of their customers’ internet connections. A technical support representative should be able to see exactly how many outages your address has suffered and exactly when those outages happened. Hopefully, they can give you an estimate of when the service will be back to normal.

If you’re sick of dealing with disconnection issues, it may be time to consider switching ISPs. It’s always good to at least know your options. The internet landscape has been changing rapidly. With new services like fiber and 5G home internet, you may have a few more options than the last time you checked. Enter your zip code below to see which internet providers are in your area.

5. There’s an issue with your networking cables

The network cabling in your home can cause your internet connection to disconnect if it’s damaged, loose, or configured poorly.

Here’s what to look for:

Damaged cables Check all your networking cables for signs of damage. Look for tears, chew marks, and kinks. Make sure coaxial cables are screwed on snug to the modem and wall outlet. Don’t forget to check the Ethernet cable connecting your modem to your router or computer, too.
Loose cables Coaxial cables should be screwed on tight, and Ethernet cables should make an audible click when fully inserted. Loose cabling is a common culprit of intermittent internet issues because a loose cable may still pass signal, albeit poorly. But the signal may go out completely under any additional stress—like every time the cable moves slightly. Oftentimes, the springy clip that holds the Ethernet cable firmly in the port breaks or loosens. Ethernet cables should make an audible click when inserted into a port and shouldn’t come out without compressing the clip.
Unused, but active, coaxial lines When you have an active coaxial line in your home that isn’t connected to any equipment, the open line acts as an antenna that introduces radio interference into your home network. If you get a professional install, always ask your technician to close off any open coaxial outlets. Determining if you have an unused but active coaxial line is difficult without professional equipment.

Fixing cabling problems on your own can be difficult because of the specialized tools and skills required. If you suspect a cabling problem, it may be best to request a technician visit from your ISP.

Other reasons why your internet is disconnecting

If you’re still stumped, don’t worry—there are still plenty of fixes to try.

Restart your device

This works more for PCs than anything else. Restarting your device resets some of the networking which may help flush out stubborn glitches.

Update your device

Our computers and devices need to stay up to date to continue working as planned in the very fast moving world of modern technology. But sometimes, it’s easy to put off updates until something stops working. Before you spend any more time troubleshooting, it’s worth completing any needed updates.

Check if your device is auto-switching between two Wi-Fi networks

Your device may jump between known Wi-Fi networks, which you experience as a temporary loss of signal. When Wi-Fi signals are weak, your device may search for a stronger signal automatically.

Try disabling any Wi-Fi auto-joining or auto-switching functions on your affected devices, and connect to your preferred Wi-Fi network manually.

See if you’re on a crowded Wi-Fi channel

Your router broadcasts Wi-Fi on specific radio frequency channels. They can become overcrowded when too many networks use the same channels near each other. This is especially common in apartment buildings and other situations where multiple routers broadcast within range of one another.

If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can use a Wi-Fi analyzer app, like Netspot , to see all the available channels in your home and the usage on each. You could also log in to your router settings and switch the Wi-Fi channel to see if it fixes your dropping internet.

To change your Wi-Fi channel, you need to log in to your router and adjust the channel settings—you can usually find these settings under a tab labeled “Wi-Fi” or “wireless.”

Check for modem issues with your ISP

If your modem is failing to properly communicate with your ISP, perhaps because of an update or a change in compatibility, you’ll start experiencing all sorts of internet problems. For example, if something isn’t quite right with the registration, the modem or ISP may be continuously trying to authenticate one another, causing slowdowns. You’re more likely to experience these problems if you supply your own modem.

You need to contact your ISP to diagnose and fix these issues. They can check if the modem is successfully checking in and updating, that it’s still compatible, and that it’s properly registered. Sometimes, the customer service reps won’t have the ability to run the appropriate test, in which case you need to request a technician visit or an escalation of your issue up the tech support ladder.

To truly complete this step, you need straight answers to the following questions:

Is my modem registered?
Is my modem still compatible with the service?
Is my modem communicating with the network properly?

Update your network adapter drivers

Your computer’s network adapter (sometimes called a network card) drivers update automatically unless you disabled auto-updates in your operating system. Still, it’s worth checking just to make sure.

Follow these steps to update network adapter drivers in Windows 10:

Step 1: In the Windows search bar, type “device manager,” and press enter.

Step 2: Click “Network adapters” in the list of the devices.

Step 3: In the expanded dropdown menu, right-click your network adapter and select “Update Driver Software.”

Step 4: In the resulting dialog box, select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

Step 5: Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Step 6: Restart your PC.

Reset your computer’s network settings

Sometimes, giving your computer a clean networking slate can resolve strange disconnection issues and other hiccups that are difficult to diagnose outright. This is a serious move, though—it makes your computer forget all your network settings, so you have to reinstall all your networking software, like antiviruses and VPNs, and reconnect to your home network. So make sure you have all your login credentials before you continue.

To reset your network settings on Windows 10:

Step 1: Click the Start button.

Step 2: Click Settings.

Step 3: Click Network and Internet.

Step 4: From the Status tab, select Network Reset near the bottom of the menu.

Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Try your computer’s built-in network troubleshooter

Windows PCs have network troubleshooter apps built into the OS. These utilities can help you easily diagnose and solve internet connectivity issues on your computer.

Mac OS has a network utility that you can use to run tests and find info that can help diagnose network problems, but Mac OS has no automated network troubleshooter.

Run the network troubleshooter in Windows 10:

Step 1: Navigate to Settings by typing “settings” into the Windows search bar.

Step 2: In the Settings menu, select Network & Internet.

Step 3: Under the Advanced Network Settings heading, select Network Troubleshooter.

Step 4: Follow the prompts as the troubleshooter as it attempts to diagnose the issue.

Open Network Utility on Mac OS:

Step 1: Open Spotlight Search by pressing command + space bar.

Step 2: Type “network utility,” and press enter.

Investigate your computer’s background processes

Computer programs running in the background of your OS can sometimes slow your internet connection or drop it altogether. This can happen if a program hogs all your bandwidth for a short period or conflicts with your firewall. Cloud backup programs, auto-updater clients (think Adobe), and third-party utilities are notorious troublemakers.

On Windows 10, you can see some background programs by clicking the up arrow in the lower left corner of the screen in the taskbar.

You can review all your background processes in the task manager:

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Step 2: Select Task Manager from the menu.

Step 3: Navigate to the Processes tab.

Step 4: Click the Network column to organize the processes by network usage.

Step 5: Investigate any suspicious processes by right-clicking and selecting Properties.

If you find something you suspect may be causing issues, try closing the process’ host program (you can identify the host program in the properties menu from step five). If your internet disconnections stop, you’ve likely found your issue.

Update your antivirus software

Your antivirus software is the gatekeeper to your network. Its main function is to block risky internet traffic, but to do so, it needs to differentiate between good traffic and bad traffic—that means a lot of updates. Most antivirus software have an auto-update option that we recommend keeping switched on.

Temporarily turn off your antivirus

While we definitely don’t recommend spending much time on the web unprotected, the best way to check if antivirus is causing your problem is to temporarily shut it off. Your antivirus could be conflicting with a program and blocking your internet connection.

If turning off the antivirus software fixes your problem, turn it back on and then get in touch with tech support. You may need to disable the conflicting program or process—or try a different antivirus ASAP.

Programs that regularly update or check in with servers in the background are especially prone to creating intermittent internet disconnections. Look out for cloud services and programs suites with update and licensing clients (like Adobe).

Make sure your modem and router have the latest firmware

Your modem and router need regular firmware updates to function properly with your ISP. If your equipment is running on outdated firmware, your internet may periodically disconnect due to glitches or registration issues.

Your ISP automatically updates your modem, but it’s still worth double-checking to make sure the latest firmware is installed. If you have a separate stand-alone router, you should definitely make sure it’s up to date—especially if you didn’t get it from your ISP.

You can check for modem and router updates by logging into each device’s interface via a web browser. If you have a separate modem and router, complete the following steps for each piece of equipment:

Step 1: Open a web browser.

Step 2: Input your equipment’s IP address or login URL—you can usually find this printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the equipment.

Step 3: Enter the username and password—also usually printed on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of the equipment.

Step 4: Find the firmware version number—often labeled and displayed in the upper-right corner of your equipment’s initial settings page.

Step 5: Run a web search or check your equipment manufacturer’s website to make sure your firmware version number matches the version number of the latest update. This is usually as simple as googling your equipment’s manufacturer name and model number followed by the words “latest update.”.

See our more detailed instructions on logging into your router if you’re having trouble accessing your equipment’s settings interface.

Check your router log

Your router keeps a log of significant events on your network. Reviewing this information could lead you to the source of your internet connectivity problems.

You can access your router’s log by logging in to your router’s interface via a web browser. The location of the log will be a little different for different routers:

Step 1: Enter your router’s IP address or login URL into a web browser. You can usually find it on a sticker attached to the back or bottom of your router. See our full guide on how to log into your router for some additional help with this step.

Step 2: Log in with your router admin name and password, commonly on the same sticker as the IP address. If you never set your admin name or password, your login name is probably “admin,” and your password is probably “password.”

Step 3: Navigate to the router log, commonly labeled as “system log” or “network log.” This step is different for different routers, but it’s often under an “advanced” tab.

The log entries are a bit cryptic sometimes, but there’s usually some obvious term that gives away troublesome events. Look for words like “failed,” “malicious,” or “attack.” Google is your friend here—if you see anything suspicious, like the same entry popping up over and over, google it to see what’s going on.

Nothing worked. Now what?

Call your ISP. It’s better equipped to find and solve broadband issues. This might require a technician to come to your home to test the tap on the utility pole, check your signal levels, conduct advanced connectivity tests, and a ton of other things that you can’t do on your own. It’s annoying to schedule and wait for an appointment, but it’s the best way to get your issue resolved permanently.

Why is my internet dropping?

How can i extend my wi-fi range.

You can extend your Wi-Fi range by choosing a central and elevated spot for your router, or by using a Wi-Fi range extender, long-range router, or Wi-Fi mesh network. See our guide on how to extend your Wi-Fi range to learn more.

Additional internet troubleshooting resources

How to Troubleshoot Internet Issues
How to Fix Your Slow Internet
Can I install Internet by Myself?

Author - Austin Aguirre

Austin worked as a broadband technician installing and troubleshooting countless home internet networks for some of the largest ISPs in the U.S. He became a freelance writer in 2020 specializing in software guides. After graduating with a BS in technical communication from Arizona State University, he joined the team at HighSpeedInternet.com where he focuses on home network improvement and troubleshooting.

Editor - Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech product and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has found her niche writing about home networking, routers, and internet access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her work has also been featured on Top Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Central, Android Central, Best Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.

9 Free Online Earth Day Games for Kids
The Best Gadgets for The Beach or Pool

How to Fix It When There's No Internet Connection

If restarting the router doesn't help, confirm you've chosen the right network and that the password is valid. Ultimately, this could be an ISP problem

Queens College
Harvard University Extension School

Wichita Technical Institute

Why the Internet Is Down

When you have Wi-Fi but no internet access, the problem usually lies in your devices rather than your internet service provider (ISP) . The most likely culprit is a router or modem. The quickest fix is to restart one or both. If you still have no internet after restarting, you can try several other troubleshooting steps.

There's a giant list of possible reasons why a device has no internet access, from parental control settings to broken hardware and blocked websites. This article is about a very specific scenario where you're connected to the router but you still don't have internet. If you can't even connect to the router (you don't see any Wi-Fi bars), check out this guide instead: Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These Tips .

How to Fix It When You Have No Internet Connection

Follow these troubleshooting steps when you have Wi-Fi but no internet:

Reboot your router and modem . The first step in troubleshooting most tech problems, and especially networking hardware issues, is to restart. Rebooting these devices flushes the memory and resets background or lingering problems.

Rebooting is different than resetting . Rebooting shuts down and then starts back up the router/modem, while a reset reinstalls the router's firmware.

How to Reset a Home Network Router

Verify that you're connected to the correct network. Make sure your device isn't trying to reach a nearby network or a Wi-Fi repeater that isn't fully set up, either of which could be having its own troubles that block your access. In these instances, even if Wi-Fi is on and connected, you might still not have working internet.

To verify this, open the Wi-Fi settings and check the network name you're trying to connect to. If you don't recognize it, it's probably not your network.

Wi-Fi extenders will sometimes use the same network name as your router. If you think this is happening, reset the Wi-Fi extender or temporarily unplug it to see if you get Wi-Fi apart from that device. If you do get internet, the problem rests with the extender, and you can troubleshoot from there.

Re-enter the wireless password. Some operating systems won't warn you if you enter the wrong password to the Wi-Fi network. Your laptop, tablet, or phone might show that you have a strong signal, but if the password is incorrect, the router will refuse to communicate with your device.

If you're using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, you might be using an old password that used to work but has since changed, which is usually the case when you are trying to connect to a network you haven't used in a long time.

Disconnect from the VPN. Along the same lines, if your device is connected to a VPN server, you might see a full Wi-Fi connection despite having limited or no internet connectivity . Try a different VPN server or disconnect from the VPN to see if that fixes the problem.

Make sure you're getting an IP address . You can be connected to a router with full bars but still have no internet access if the problem isn't with your connection to the router but with your router's connection to your ISP.

When this happens, your router works on your network, but because it can't reach the internet, it doesn't have a valid public IP address , meaning you can't send or request data over the internet.

Another reason you might not have a proper IP address is if your device is set up to use a static IP address but the router isn't allowing that address on the network, something that can happen if you mix a static IP address with a DHCP network.

The easiest way to fix this issue is to leave DHCP enabled on the router and remove the static address from the device. Open the internet settings on your device and find the area that mentions DHCP; switch to it instead of the static IP address assignment.

Open your browser. If you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot at a hotel or airport, you might think you can check your email or browse the internet once you have a solid wireless signal, but that's usually not how most hotspots work.

When you launch your web browser, a page opens with basic information on the company providing the hotspot and what to do next. Agree to the terms or enter the password the business gave you.

For example, some hotels make you enter a password into the hotspot page, or your name and room number, to access the hotel Wi-Fi , and airlines often charge for internet access.

Wait for the hotspot page to finish setting up your connection or redirect you to another page where you can access the web normally.

Try a different DNS server. If your device is connected to a DNS server that has corrupted data or is offline, even the strongest Wi-Fi signal is useless for giving you internet access.

Pick a different DNS server and change the server settings on your device to see if the web pages finally load.

Check the router for MAC address filtering . Another reason you might be connected to Wi-Fi but not have internet access is if the router has MAC address filtering set up. This works by blocking devices from connecting to the router unless they have a specific MAC address .

So, while your device might have no problem showing that Wi-Fi is connected, any attempt to reach the internet or another network device is blocked.

Since this setup is usually seen only on business networks, your best bet to get around the MAC address filtering is to ask to have your device's address added to the approved list.

Contact tech support. If none of these troubleshooting steps fixes the problem, you need tech support from your ISP, company, router manufacturer, or computer or smartphone maker.

If your Wi-Fi network isn't showing up , your device might be out of the router's range, or there could be interference from physical objects or other signals. If you don't see any available networks, your device's network adapter could be disabled.

To fix slow Wi-Fi , stop running background programs that consume bandwidth, avoid signal interference, and make sure your network equipment is working properly. Regularly scan for viruses and look into upgrading your equipment or internet plan.

To see your saved Wi-Fi passwords on Windows, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > select the network > View . On a Mac, open Spotlight and go to Keychains > System > Passwords , choose the network, and select Show password .

To set up Wi-Fi calling , go to your Cellular settings on iPhone or Mobile Network on Android and turn on the Wi-Fi Calling toggle switch. All smartphones are different, so your iPhone or Android phone may not have these exact options.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

How to Fix it When a Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi
How to Fix a Wi-Fi Router
How to Fix It When a Laptop Isn't Connecting to a Mobile Hotspot
“Failed to Obtain IP Address”: How to Fix an IP Configuration Failure on Android
How to Fix It When a Connected Mobile Hotspot Has No Internet
How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android
What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network
How to Fix the PS5 'Cannot Connect to the Wi-Fi Network' Error
What Is the Effect of Using a Router?
How to Fix the PS4 'Cannot Connect to the Wi-Fi Network' Error
How to Fix It When Your PS5 Wi-Fi Is Slow
How to Fix an Xbox That Won't Connect to Wi-Fi
How to Share Wi-Fi Network Passwords in Windows 11
How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-3-6
How to Make the PS4 Download Faster
What Is an IP Address?

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows

Try each step before moving on

The internet is great, but what about when the internet doesn’t actually work? In most cases, a little bit of troubleshooting should help fix any unidentified network errors or no internet in Windows .

With this step by step guide, you’ll be able to take all of the necessary steps to fix your internet so that you can get back online as soon as possible.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 1

There are various causes for internet problems on Windows, so you’ll need to try each step until you find a solution.

Test The Internet

You should first test whether your internet is actually working or not. It’s a great starting point to ensure it’s not a problem related to a specific website or app. Open your browser and visit https://www.google.com/ . If the page loads, your internet is working fine but other websites you are accessing may be temporarily down.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 2

If the page doesn’t load, or it says you’re not connected to the internet, it’s time to start troubleshooting.

Resolve Issues With Your Router Or Modem

If you know your internet isn’t working , you should verify that there aren’t any issues with your router or modem. Every networking device will work slightly differently, so we can only offer a rough guide for these steps. You may need to check your router or modem manual for specific details.

Switching off your router or modem and switching it back on is a great start. Wait a few minutes for everything to come back online. Visit https://www.google.com/ to see if this resolves the unidentified network or no internet issue. If not, continue with the steps below.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 3

If You Are Using a Wired Connection:

Check that the ethernet cable is connected to your PC correctly.
Check that the same ethernet cable is connected to your router or modem.
Ensure there’s no damage to the cable.
Make sure all cables are secure in your router. Sometimes a loose cable is all it takes to lose internet access.
Ensure the cable for your modem or router is connected securely to the port on your wall.
If you’re using a wireless access point, powerline adapter , or other networking equipment, ensure the connections are working and correct.

If You Are Using a Wireless Connection:

Check the WiFi light on your router is turned on. If not, wait or call your ISP for assistance.
Click the arrow on the task bar and select the networking option to attempt to reconnect to your network.
If available, re-enter your WiFi password correctly.

After following these steps, attempt to visit Google again from your browser. If the connection still isn’t working, follow the next steps.

Update Your Network Card Driver

Windows 10 is great at automatically finding and installing the right drivers for your hardware. So if there is a potential driver problem, follow the steps below.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 4

Open the Start menu and search for Device Manager .
Open Device Manager.
Click the arrow on the Network adapters option.
Right click your network adapter.
Click Update Driver .
Click Search automatically for updated driver software .
Wait for the driver installation process to finish.

Next, try to visit Google in your browser again. Hopefully your internet will now work.

Don’t know which network adapter is the right one? Follow the steps below to find out.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 5

Open the Start Menu .
Type CMD and click on Command Prompt .
Type ipconfig /all and press enter .

You’ll see a number of results. There should be a single Ethernet or WiFi adapter, that will correspond with a name found in the device manager. Other results will most likely be for virtual ethernet devices like VPN s.

Disable Virtual Ethernet Devices

If you haven’t found a solution yet and are still receiving errors about an unidentified network or have no internet, you should try to remove any virtual ethernet drivers on your PC as these can cause major issues with how your PC connects to the internet. A virtual ethernet driver could be anything from a VPN to software designed to improve ping or packet loss.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 6

You can find virtual ethernet devices and disable them by following the steps below.

Type View Network Connections and click on the result that appears.
You will now see your ethernet devices.
Right click on each network device that belongs to software and click Disable .
If you’re unsure, you can Google the name of each network device to learn more before disabling them.

Both Ethernet and WiFi Adapters May Be Active

If two network adapters are active at the same time, this can cause issues with your connection. It’s always better to use a wired connection over WiFi, so you can simply disable your WiFi connection if this is a problem for you.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 7

Search for View Network Connections and click on the result.
Right click every adapter here and disable all of them except for your main ethernet adapter.

To access WiFi networks in the future, you must visit this page to enable your WiFi adapter again.

Reset TCP/IP Stack

Using this command will allow you to reset some of your networking settings back to default. It can resolve issues that may have appeared after installing certain software or making manual changes to your network settings.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 8

Type CMD and right click on Command Prompt .
Click Run as administrator .
In the Command Prompt window, type netsh int ip reset and press enter .
Restart your PC.

If you are still having issues, follow the next troubleshooting steps below.

Resolve Issues With Your Network Adapter

There may be some underlying issues with your network adapter that can be quickly diagnosed within the Windows control panel. If you’ve already updated your network adapter drivers, follow the steps below to try and diagnose other issues.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 9

Right click on your active network adapter.
Click diagnose and wait for the troubleshooter to finish.

By default, if your network adapter is set to use a static IP address but it should be using DHCP, this should fix it. However, it’s a good idea to check yourself too. To do this, click on Start , then Settings (gear icon) and then click on Network and Internet .

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 10

Next, click on Change adapter options under the Change your network settings heading.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 11

This will bring up another window that will show you all of the network adapters on your system. Depending on the one that is active, you just need to right-click on it and choose Properties .

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 12

This will bring up the Ethernet or Wifi Properties dialog box. Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties button.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 13

Finally, depending on your network, you either need to have the correct static IP info or you need to just select Obtain IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically .

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 14

Hopefully this can resolve your issues, but if not move onto the next step below.

Disable Firewalls In Your Antivirus

Firewalls are designed to stop bad traffic or actors from accessing your network, but because they deal with network access at an administrative level, they can sometimes cause some network connectivity issues for simple tasks like browsing online.

To find out if your antivirus firewall is causing issues with your internet connection, you should temporarily switch it off to test it. Note that once it’s switched off, you could be vulnerable to attack, so only visit trusted websites.

Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows image 15

You must search online for how to disable your firewall for your specific antivirus. Usually, you’ll need to search for your antivirus through the start menu, open the antivirus and click on the firewall option. There will be options to disable the firewall for a set period of time.

Once disabled, open your browser and visit a website like Google.com. If your internet is working, you should uninstall that antivirus and try another one.

We hope that our guide has helped you to solve any problems with an unidentified network on your Windows PC. If you still need help, leave a comment below.

Ollie stumbled upon writing online whilst participating in a mobile network forum back in 2011. Since then, he has developed an incredible passion for writing about all sorts of tech from smartphones, PC hardware, software, and everything in between. Read Ollie's Full Bio

12 Step by Step Fix to WiFi Connected But No Internet Access

It’s often a confusing and dreaded moment when you get the Wi-Fi connected but no internet access error. It could be an issue with your operating system settings or even the router. Over the years, we have often encountered this ‘ No internet on connected Wi-Fi issue ’ and finally put together a step-by-step guide to help you fix this problem.

Note: We are focusing on troubleshooting on the desktop in this article. In case, you are facing issue on your Android, check out our other article on Android connected to Wi-Fi but no internet .

Where to look?

There are usually two places to look at if you are facing network issues:

The device itself

If the Internet is not working on all the devices connected to the network, then chances are there is a problem with your Router/Modem. You can also have a quick look at the ADSL cable to see if it’s broken or twisted.

If the internet is not working on a single device, chances are there is an issue with the device’s WiFi adapter which is causing the device a hard time communicating with the router. Here are 9 steps to fix Wi-Fi connected but no internet error.

Fix Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access Error

1. restart device.

I know how it sounds and chances are most of you have already done this couple of times, but if you haven’t then you should.

The good old reboot forces the network devices to refresh their IP tables and reload the configuration files. Turn off both the router and the modem (in case you have one). Next, wait for 30 seconds before restarting them again. Additionally, you should also restart your PC to ensure things are clean. Once all the devices are reset, try connecting again to see if it works.

2. Check Modem Lights

There might be a problem with your internet connection instead of the devices connected. To confirm, check the WAN light on the router and make sure it’s blinking. Make sure the WAN light is not constantly on or completely off.

Ideally, the DSL lights should be ON or green in few cases, and the Wi-Fi indicator lights should blink. If you are not sure how to check, contact your ISP’s customer care service and confirm the ongoing internet issue. Ask them how much time will it take to fix the problem.

Related: Find out who is stealing your WiFi

3. ISP Is Down

Visit Downdetector from your mobile data and search for your ISP. Let’s say that its AT&T. You can search for most popular ISP here and check if their servers are down or whether they are facing an outage. This handy site tracks coverage worldwide so you can also check it based on your location.

Click on the Live Outage option to know whether it is down in your part of the world. A simple search on social media sites like Twitter may also help understand if other users are facing similar issues where Wi-Fi is connected but there is no internet.

4. Antivirus or Other Security App

Antivirus software are known to cause internet problems in the past. Disable your antivirus and other security apps like malware temporarily and check if it resolves the Wi-Fi connected but no internet error. If it does, you know where to look next. If not then continue with the next step.

At this point, I would also recommend you to run a complete or full antivirus and Malwarebytes scan to make sure you are not infected with something dangerous that’s causing this error.

5. Use Built-in Troubleshooter

If the intenet is fine on ISP’s end and is working on at least one of the connected devices, then chances are there is a problem with the Wi-Fi adapter. This can be easily fixed with the built-in troubleshooter that comes with Windows and Macs.

Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar and select ‘Troubleshoot problems’. Windows will automatically look for network problems and fix them. If it cannot fix it then it will at least let you know what the problem is. You can search for the solution online or even ask in the comments below.

The same option is available for Mac OS X and Ubuntu as well.

6. Flush DNS

Sometimes, DNS cache conflict can lead to Wi-Fi connected but no internet access error. You can flush DNS to ensure it isn’t causing any trouble. Go to the Windows start menu and type ‘cmd’ to open Command Prompt and run it with admin rights. Type the following command and press enter to flush the DNS.

command-to-flush-IP-DNS-in-command-prompt

Here are some more Command Prompt commands that might help resolve the Wi-Fi and other network error issues.

Reset files stored by Windows for accessing the internet:

Release your old IP address and set a new one automatically.

If this doesn’t work, give the following commands one at a time but right one after the other.

7. Change Wireless Mode on Router

This is an exceptional case and happens only if you have an old Wi-Fi card or device installed. If you are getting internet access on your PC by connecting to the router via ethernet cable, chances are there is a communication barrier between these two devices. And one way to fix that is by changing the wireless mode.

There are several wireless modes on a router. For instance, you might have seen something like — 802.11 b or 802.11 b/g or 802.11 b/g/n, etc. This b, g, n, and ac are different wireless standards. Usually, the wireless mode is set to 802.11 b/g/n/ and it works fine for most users. Sometimes, old devices like smartphones are not compatible with this mode and result in network issues.

Log in to your router dashboard and look for the ‘Wireless Mode’ option . It should be under the Wireless settings where you set Wi-Fi SSID and password. Select 802.11 b in the drop-down menu next to Wireless Mode and save changes. Restart the Wi-Fi and see if this fixes the problem. If this doesn’t work then try 802.11 g instead. Check again if the Wi-Fi connected but no internet access error is resolved or not.

Also Read: How to Remotely Access your Router

8. Obtain IP and DNS Automatically

Can you connect the same computer/smartphone to another Wi-Fi network? Try using a mobile hotspot to check. It can be a DNS or IP address conflict. Another way to check that is by pinging your router from the command line. If you get a timeout response or destination host unreachable, then it’s probably an IP address conflict.

Open Command Prompt with admin rights and give this command:

Ideally, you should set network settings to automatically obtain the IP address and DNS settings from the router to ensure minimum conflicts. However, sometimes assigning a static IP address to your devices or changing the DNS server helps fix Wi-Fi connected but no internet access error.

The following are the steps to change IP settings in Windows. If you are running macOS or Android, then check out our article on how to change DNS on all platforms and how to assign static IP addresses on all platforms.

On Windows, we need to change the network adapter settings to obtain an IP Address automatically. To do that, click on Start menu and find Network and Sharing Center.

Once the network window opens, then click on Change Adapter Options.

change adapter options in network settings

On the Network Connections window, right-click on your current network adapter or Wi-Fi and choose Properties.

right click wifi adapter to get properties

Select Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties in the pop-up.

Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS Server address automatically here and click on OK to save changes.

set automatic ip address in ipv4 properties

You should connect automatically and if not, try restarting your PC to start using automatic IP Address setting.

9. Fix Network Driver Issues

Sometimes a corrupted network driver can lead to bad internet. Press Window+R keys and enter ‘devmgmt.msc’ to open Device Manager.

Expand Network adapters and find your Wireless Network Adapter. Irrespective of whatever brand you have got, it should be suffixed by ‘Wireless Network Adapter’. Right-click on the network adapter and click on the ‘Update drivers’ option.

You will see two options now. You can update the driver manually or automatically (online). Try connecting your PC to the router using an Ethernet cable. If there is no problem with the router or internet connection, you should connect flawlessly. Once you are connected, click on “ Search automatically for updated driver software” and Windows will automatically find and install the right driver.

In case you can’t connect, you will have to manually download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website on another internet-connected device and move it to your PC. Once you have the latest driver, use the “ Browse my computer for driver software ” option to manually install the driver software.

10. Reset Router

This option can solve all types of router-related problems. You can reset the router to factory settings to force reset all the new changes that may be causing the issue. This also means you will have to again password protect your router and change basic settings according to your needs.

Although you can reset the router from its settings, an easier way is to press the physical reset button on the router itself. The reset button is usually hidden inside a tiny hole, so you will have to check the router carefully to find the button. Once found, use a paper clip or mobile SIM tray opener to press the button inside and hold it for 5-15 seconds, or until all the lights blink and the router restarts. You should be able to connect to the internet when the router restarts.

Before you reset your router, make sure to log in to your router’s web interface and note down the username and password used to login to ISP’s server.

Related: What to do if You Forget Your Wi-Fi Password

11. Reset Your Network

As the name suggests, “Network Reset” disables and then reinstalls network adapter and set other networking components back to their original settings. Windows will forget your Ethernet network, Wi-Fi networks, VPN connections, etc. This is why resetting your network should be your last resort.

To do that on Windows, type Network Reset in the Start Menu search.

A new window will open warning you about what will happen when your network is reset. Click the “ Reset now ” button to continue and restart your PC.

reset-now-button-on-network-reset-settings

12. Call the ISP

Ultimately, it is the job of your Internet Service Provider to ensure you are connected to the internet all the time, especially if they have provided the router and modem. If none of the above tips worked, call your ISP and tell them the exact problem. They should be able to provide on-call instructions to fix the problem. If they are unable to fix the problem on call, you can ask them to send an agent to physically inspect the device.

Wrapping Up: Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access

There is no single answer to the Wi-Fi connected but no internet access problem. The above tips should be able to fix most of the software related problems. However, if there is a hardware problem — like a damaged network card or router — then you will have to contact a technician.

Karrar Haider

Karrar has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn't feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.

How to Troubleshoot Windows Network Connections

Get your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection up and running.

Without a working Internet connection, most Windows devices really can’t work the way they should, nor allow users to function completely or well. That makes fixing network issues extremely important. Here’s how to get that done.

Arguably, Windows without a working network connection isn’t really worth much. That’s because access to email, social media, the Web – and even Windows updates and apps – doesn’t work without network (and Internet) access. That’s probably why Microsoft has put a lot of time and effort into making networking issues easy to recognize, diagnose and fix as part and parcel of how Windows works.

Getting Network Troubleshooting Started

The views from the more recent Windows 11 and Windows 10 builds appear in Figures 1 and 2 following. What they show is that by right-clicking on the network symbol in the notification area of the Task Bar (right-hand side, by default) you can jump straight into troubleshooting your Windows network connection.

Figure 1: Right-click on the Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) symbol (bottom center) and “Diagnose network problems” pops right up in Windows 11 Insider Preview

Figure 2: In all current Windows 10 versions, right-click on the active network symbol to get “Troubleshoot problems” instead.

Either way, it’s a one-click maneuver to start the network troubleshooting process in Windows 10 and in Windows 11 recent builds. Older Windows 11 versions aren’t quite as accommodating, as shown in Figure 3.

How to Troubleshoot Windows Network Connections

In older versions of Windows 11, however, network troubleshooting is never too far away. Click on Start 🡪 Settings, then enter “Trouble” into the Settings search box. As you can see in Figure 4, a number of options pop up in response, click the “Troubleshoot Other problems” item to continue.

When you follow that “Other problems” entry, the “Network and Internet” item finally appears. That’s what you want (and that’s where the other Windows versions take you more directly). Click the “Run” button at the right to proceed from here.

This approach works for all Windows 10 and 11 versions, actually (with some minor differences in Windows 10 for wording, but the pathway is pretty much identical).

Stay on the Cutting Edge

Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox.

The Windows Network Troubleshooters

Because Windows networking mostly revolves around two kinds of networks, there are two kinds of troubleshooters to match: one for wired Ethernet, the other for wireless Wi-Fi, in all its many forms. Figure 6 shows the results of running the Wired Ethernet troubleshooter, with all options expanded in a “no trouble” situation:

Figure 7 shows the same troubleshooter when run on a Wi-Fi attached system instead. Iconography and minor terminology changes aside, it’s identical to the version shown in Figure 6.

The various actions suggested in the troubleshooters cover a wide array of possible problem sources. Let’s walk through those items to discuss what the troubleshooters look for, what they might find, and related fixes.

Try a different website : Any given website is, of course, somewhere on the Internet. But because websites go down, too, changing to a different one helps determine if the “other end” of the attempted connection is itself having problems. In the background, the troubleshooter checks local network access, Internet gateway access and then actual Internet access through a series of “reachability checks.” You can do the same thing at the command line using the PING command as follows:

1. Ping loopback (this checks that TCP/IP is working, and looks for a response from a synthetic address that’s always available).

2. Ping localhost (this checks that the current network interface device is up and running)

3. Ping the nearest router or gateway (Use ipconfig to look up the IP address for the “Default Gateway” – on my network it’s at 192.168.1.1, so that means ping 192.168.1.1 is the command to use)

4. Ping a known working Internet address ; for whatever reason MS often uses ping Microsoft.com as its check). See this sequence in Figure 8.

Restart the network adapte r (Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet, depending…): this basically turns off the network interface and then turns it back on. In some situations, signaling or traffic issues can cause the network interface to stop working temporarily. Turning it off, then back on, will usually clear such temporary glitches. Notice the button that reads “Restart adapter.” This performs the same actions you could do yourself in Device Manager by disabling the adapter, then re-enabling it after a short wait (usually 30 seconds or so).

Restart your modem, router, or access point (all three apply to Wi-Fi, and the first two to wired Ethernet). Anyone who uses a device at their network boundary to get off the LAN and onto an ISP’s network will see issues present at this device occasionally. I’ve seen power glitches, signaling issues, and even service outages show up as a boundary device issue. In many cases (except when a service outage persists) restarting the boundary device will set things back to rights. This is often signaled at the device itself (my Arris SAC2V1A has a status light that changes from blue to red to signal a connection problem, for example).

Restart your PC: In the DOS and early Windows days this was sometimes called the “three-fingered salute” and worked if the key combination CTRL-ALT-DEL was entered. Nowadays, if you use that same key combo, you’ll get the logout screen, from which you can indeed get to the restart button. But sometimes, Windows gets itself into a state where some things don’t work – including networking, in this context. But a restart will often clear whatever’s causing problems, so this is always worth a try if the network troubleshooter can’t fix what’s ailing your Windows network connection.

Other Sources of Network Difficulty

There are three basic ways in which networking can go wrong. This applies equally to Windows PCs and other devices, but the details will differ. First, the hardware that lets information come and go from the device might have issues (these span a wide range of possibilities including outright failure, shorts, partial or intermittent malfunctions, incorrect set-up or configuration, or incompatibility with local network capabilities and connections).

Second, the TCP/IP networking protocol (and wireless support, where applicable) may have issues with the software, or the addresses and services used to make it work – such as DHCP for local addresses, DNS for name resolution, and so forth. Third come all the various protocols used to support email, web, file transfer, and all the other Internet services that let users do things with networks they wish to access and use, along with the applications that support them (Outlook for email, Chrome or Firefox for Web access, and on and on).

The Windows network troubleshooter does a pretty thorough job of checking all of these things as it runs through its various tests. But if you find your PC still disconnected from the network (and/or the Internet) after it’s put through its paces, you can – and probably should – check on some (or all) of the following issues:

1. Make sure ipconfig shows a valid network address scheme and configuration.You can check this by entering “ipconfig” at the command line. One sure sign of IP troubles is PCs that present Microsoft Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) addresses. These IPv4 addresses fall in the range from 169.254.0.1 – 169.254.255.254 (basically the tail end of the 169.254 Class B address. They show up automatically when other sources of addressing aren’t working. This usually indicates some kind of trouble with local DHCP services (not working or unavailable). Fixing this often requires restarting (or sometimes, replacing) the local router, gateway or wireless access point.

2. Make sure that DNS is working and points to the correct DNS server . Improper name resolution can cause all kinds of Internet access problems (and may indicate security is compromised). Run ipconfig /all and check DNS information for the network adapter in active use. On my network, for example, the default address comes from Spectrum my ISP and shows up as 1.0.0.1. It’s tied to CloudFlare, which is a well-known, well-respected, and highly secure DNS provider. See LifeWire’s Best Free and Public DNS Servers (June 2023) for a list of reliable public DNS providers.

3. Keep an extra network interface handy. I always have one or two extra hardware devices around, so I can try a different network interface if the one on any particular PC appears to be acting up. On the wired (GbE) Ethernet side, I’ve got an USB 3.0 to GbE adapter ( US$20 -35 ): it plugs into any USB 3.0 (or better) port and provides an RJ-45 from which I can cable into my nearest switch. On the Wi-Fi side, I’ve got a USB 3.0 to 802.11ax adapter ( US$20-60 ). If a PC’s existing adapter stops working, or has trouble, I simply need to plug one or the other in. That’s usually all it takes to get networking back (with an RJ-45 cable into the switch for GbE as well). In a pinch, in fact, I’ve used the USB-to-Wi-Fi device with my iPhone as a hotspot to keep working on the Internet even during ISP outages, some extended for days.

Bottom Line

Should one (or all) of your Windows PCs run into networking difficulty, turn to the Windows Network and Internet Troubleshoot as your first point of action in attempting to diagnose and fix whatever’s wrong. In the vast majority of cases – over 90% in my personal experience – it will also be the last tool you need to use to help figure out what’s wrong and get started on a fix. Indeed, except for situations that require hardware changes, or working with ISP boundary devices, or similar third-party issues, this will probably also be the last tool you need to use to get networking and Internet access working again.

Ed Tittel is a long-time IT writer, researcher and consultant, and occasional contributor to Tom’s Hardware. A Windows Insider MVP since 2018, he likes to cover OS-related driver, troubleshooting, and security topics.

Microsoft lifts two-year-old block that prevented some users from upgrading to Windows 11 — fix finally arrives after a long wait for Rocket Lake CPUs

How to identify which application is hogging your camera in Windows 11 and 10

Nvidia Blackwell and GeForce RTX 50-Series GPUs: Rumors, specifications, release dates, pricing, and everything we know

Most Popular

How to fix internet access after updating Windows 11

Did you update Windows 11 and now can't access the internet? Here are the steps to fix this issue.

Fix network issues after update
Fix internet with Troubleshooter
Reset network stack with CMD
Reset adapters with Settings
Fix network driver problems
Disable security apps to fix internet
Uninstall update to fix network issues

On Windows 1 1, Microsoft proactively releases updates to patch bugs, improve security and performance, and occasionally add new features. However, sometimes, system updates can also cause unwanted problems, and many times are connectivity issues.

For example, a lot of times, updates can make speeds and connections unreliable, especially with wireless adapters. Also, they can break connectivity entirely to the network and internet, cause network driver problems, and more.

If you cannot connect to the internet after installing a system update, Windows 11 offers several methods to resolve the issue and get back online quickly.

This guide will walk you through the steps to fix network issues after installing a Windows 11 update.

How to fix network problems after installing update

If the device was recently updated and the network connection breaks, you can try these basic troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. If the problem persists, continue with the more advanced instructions outlined below.

Reboot device

Sometimes, you can fix most problems by restarting the computer since this process clears the data in memory and restarts all the applications and system services.

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

To reboot a Windows 11 computer, use these steps:

Open Start .
Click the Power option.
Select the Restart option.

Once you complete the steps, open the web browser and load at least two or three websites to confirm the internet is working.

If only one of the sites isn't opening, it could be a problem with the website or the page and not the internet connection.

Network connection test

If the restart didn't solve the issue, you want to check whether the problem lies with the connection between the computer and the home router.

To check the network connectivity on Windows 11, use these steps:

Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the console.
Type the following command to find out the IP address of the router and press Enter : ipconfig

Confirm the "Default Gateway" address that should be the address of the local router.
Quick tip: Usually, home routers use the 192.169.1.1 or 192.168.2.1 address.
Type the following command to determine whether the router is reachable and press Enter : ping ROUTER-IP

This example tests the connection between the computer to the router with the 192.168.1.1 address: ping 192.168.1.1 In the command, remember to change the 192.168.1.1 for the router's IP address.

Quick tip: You can also use the ping 127.0.0.1 command to test whether the networking stack is installed correctly.
Confirm successful replies without packet loss in the output.

After you complete the steps, if you see "4" successful replies in "Packets," the connection between the computer and router is working.

If this is the case, the problem could be something happening with your internet provider. However, if you can still access the internet from another device in the same network, it could be another problem with the computer.

Turn on wireless connection

If you have a laptop and there isn't a connection to the internet, the wireless adapter may be disabled.

To enable the Wi-Fi adapter on Windows 11, use these steps:

Open Settings .
Click on Network & internet .
Turn on the Wi-Fi toggle switch.

Alternatively, you can turn on the wireless adapter by opening the Quick Settings flyout (Windows key + A keyboard shortcut) and clicking the Wi-Fi button.

Also, ensure the physical wireless switch is turned on if you have a laptop. Otherwise, you won't be able to see or connect to any network.

Connect to wireless network

If there's a connection problem, you may be able to get around this problem by disconnecting and connecting the device to the access point.

To reconnect to the wireless network on Windows 11, use these steps:

Turn off the Wi-Fi toggle switch.
(Optional) Click the Wi-Fi setting if the computer doesn't connect automatically.
Select the wireless network under the "Show available networks" setting.
Click the Connect button.

Windows 11 reconnect to wireless network

Continue with the on-screen directions to connect.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to connect to the internet.

If you're on a network with a router that offers different frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz), you can try to switch bands to make a reliable connection.

Re-enable network adapter

On Windows 11, an update can inadvertently change settings without your consent, including disabling the network adapter or turning on Airplane mode.

If the network adapter is suddenly missing, it could be an issue with the drive, or the adapter might be disabled.

To enable a Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter on Windows 11, use these steps:

Click the Advanced networks settings page on the right side.

Under the "Network adapters" section, click the Disable button for the adapter connected to the network.

Windows 11 disable and enable network adapter

Click the Enable button.

After you complete the steps, the network adapter will enable and reconfigure automatically to connect to the internet.

Disable Airplane mode

When Airplane mode is turned on, Windows 11 won't be able to connect to the internet. If this is the case, make sure to disable the feature.

To turn off Airplane mode on Windows 11, use these steps:

Turn off the Airplane mode toggle switch on the right side.

Windows 11 disable Airplane mode fix internet

You can also turn off the feature from the Quick Settings flyout available through the Taskbar.

Reset wireless profile

The system creates a profile with connection details and credentials as you connect to a wireless network. If the profile gets corrupted during an update or due to another action, the computer won't connect to the network. In this case, you can delete and recreate the profile to fix the problem.

To recreate a wireless profile on Windows 11, use these steps:

Click the Wi-Fi page on the right side.
Click the "Manage known networks" setting.

Click the Forget button for the profile that isn't working.

Click the Back button to return to the Wi-Fi page.

Once you complete the steps, the computer should once again connect to the network and the internet.

You can refer to this guide for more details on how to manage wireless settings on Windows 11 .

Restart home router

It can also be a coincidence that your home router stops working soon after updating to the most recent maintenance patch of Windows 11. If this is the case, restarting the network device may fix the connection and other networking issues.

To reboot the router (also referred to as modern or firewall), use these general steps:

Locate the router.
Unplug the power cord.
Wait at least 60 seconds.
Reconnect the power cord.

After you complete the steps, allow three to five minutes for the device to boot and check the connection.

How to fix internet access with Troubleshooter

On Windows 11, you can also use a specific troubleshooter to resolve networking issues on your computer.

To fix an internet connection with the network troubleshooter on Windows 11, use these steps:

Click on System .
Click the Troubleshoot page on the right side.

Click the Other troubleshooters setting.

Under the "Most frequent" section, click the Run button for the "Internet Connections" troubleshooter.

Select the "Troubleshoot my connection to the internet" option.

Troubleshoot my connection to the internet

Select the "Try these repairs as an administrator" option (if applicable).
Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the troubleshooter will scan and resolve any connectivity problem.

How to reset networking stack with Command Prompt

If the recently installed update messed up the Windows 11 networking stack, you can reset it to fix the problem on your laptop or desktop computer.

To reset the TCP/IP networking stack on Windows 11, use these steps:

Search for Command Prompt , right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following command to reset the components that handle network requests and press Enter : netsh winsock reset
Type the following command to reset the internet protocol (IP) stack and press Enter : netsh int ip reset

Type the following command to clear the current networking configuration and press Enter : ipconfig /release
Type the following command to reconfigure the network settings automatically and press Enter : ipconfig /renew
Type the following command to clear the Domain Name System (DNS) information cached and press Enter : ipconfig /flushdns
Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, open multiple websites with your preferred web browser to confirm whether the internet connection is working.

How to reset network adapters with Settings

At this point, if nothing seems to resolve the issue, you can reset all the network adapters' drivers and settings to the factory defaults to fix the connection problem.

To reset the Wi-Fi and Ethernet network adapters on Windows 11, use these steps:

Click the Advanced network settings page on the right side.
Under the "More settings" section, click the Network reset setting.

Click the Reset now button.
Click the Reset now button again.

Windows 11 reset network adapters fix internet

After you complete the steps, you should be able to connect to the network and the internet.

Resetting the networking adapters means you must re-enter the security key when connecting to the wireless network. Also, you will have to reconfigure other networking software, such as VPN clients (if applicable).

How to fix network driver problems on Windows 11

On Windows 11, it's common that a network adapter driver may cause compatibility problems after installing a feature or quality update. If this is the case, you have three options. You can update the network adapter driver, if applicable. You could uninstall the drive if a recent update damaged it. And you can try rolling back to a previous version of the driver since the device may still work with an older driver.

Update adapter driver online

If the computer doesn't have a reliable connection, but it's still possible to connect it to the internet, you can use Windows Update to check for driver updates.

To update the network driver on Windows 11, use these steps:

Click on Windows Update .
Click the Advanced options page on the right side.

Under the "Advanced options" section, click the Optional updates setting.

Click the Driver updates setting.
Check the device driver update to install.
Click the Download & install button.

Once you complete the steps, the update will download and install, hopefully fixing the problem in question.

Update adapter driver offline

In the case that the network connection doesn't work, you will have to download the latest network driver available from the manufacturer support website using another computer. If you have a branded device (such as from Dell, Lenovo, or HP), the best option is to download the driver from their websites. If the computer manufacturer driver doesn't work or you cannot find an updated version, you can try downloading the driver from the network adapter manufacturer's website.

To update a wireless or wired adapter manually, use these steps:

Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the app.
Expand the Network adapters branch.
Right-click the adapter with the problem and select the Update driver option.

Click the "Browse my computer for drivers" option.
Click the Browser button.

Select the folder location with the driver package.
Click the OK button.
Click the Next button.

After you complete the steps, the update will install, fixing the compatibility problem on Windows 11.

Rollback previous driver

If the issue appeared after applying a driver update, rolling back to the previous version may fix the problem.

To roll back a driver update to a previous version o Windows 11, use these steps:

Right-click the adapter with the problem and select the Properties option.

Click the Driver tab.
Click the Roll Back Driver button.

Quick tip: If the button is grayed out, the system does not have a backup of the driver.
Click the OK button.
Select a reason why you are rolling back (select any option).
Click the Yes button.

Once you complete the steps, confirm whether the internet is working again on Windows 11.

Uninstall network adapter

If you started noticing issues after installing a system update, the update or installation process might have corrupted the driver or made changes to the settings without your consent. This action may fix your problem if you uninstall and reinstall the driver.

To remove the network adapter driver on Windows 11, use these steps:

Right-click the Wi-Fi or Ethernet network adapter and select the Uninstall device option.

Click the Uninstall button.

After you complete the steps, the driver will be removed from the computer, and after the restart, the system will detect and reinstall the hardware again.

How to disable security apps to fix internet access

If you use third-party security software for malware and firewall protection, sometimes, these solutions can prevent you from accessing the internet in some way or another. By disabling them and testing connectivity, you can confirm whether the security software is causing problems.

This guide outlines the steps to disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Firewall. If you have another application, check the software support website for more details.

Disable antivirus

To disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 11, use these steps:

Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the app.
Click on Virus & threat protection .
Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, open the web browser and try to load several pages to see whether the internet is working.

It's never recommended to use a computer without an active antivirus. If you want to activate the anti-malware feature, restart the computer or turn on the Real-time protection option again.

Disable firewall

To disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall, use these steps:

Click on Firewall & network protection .
Click the (active) network.

Turn off the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, try to connect to the internet or the network resource you want to access to confirm the connection is working.

You can enable the firewall again using the same instructions outlined above, but on step 5 , make sure to turn on the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle switch.

How to uninstall update to fix network issues

Microsoft proactively pushes system updates to fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities, and improve the experience with changes and new features. However, nowadays, updates are known to cause a lot of problems. If you know or suspect that a recent update is causing network connection problems, you can uninstall the update to mitigate the issue until there's an update for the system or drive that fixes the problem.

To uninstall a quality update on Windows 10, use these steps:

Click the Update history button.

Click the Uninstall updates option.

Select the most recent update causing the network problem on Windows 11.
Click the Uninstall button.

Click the Yes button.
Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will remove the update, fixing the network adapter.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

2 Why THIS Kickstarter-backed game is the must-play Xbox Game Pass title this month
3 From new Xbox games to AR glasses, here are my favorite things I saw at my very first GDC
4 How to turn down brightness on Windows 11
5 Microsoft News Roundup: Xbox takes over PlayStation Store, Fallout tops charts, and Microsoft's project Stargate

FIX: Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access in Windows 10 (Solved)

This tutorial contains instructions to fix the "Wi-Fi Connected but no Internet Access" problem in Windows 10, 8 or 7 OS. So, if your device is connected to a Wireless network and can access other devices on your local network, but cannot be able to reach the Internet, then continue reading below to find out how to resolve the problem.

How to FIX: WiFi is Connected But No Internet access.

The "WiFi connected with no Internet access" problem, can be caused for several reasons, but before you continue to the methods below to fix the problem, perform these steps:

Step 1 . Verify that other Wi-Fi devices can connect to the same wireless network and access the Internet.
Step 2 . Turn off the Router/Access point for at least one (1) minute. Then start the router and after one (1) minute restart the computer and see if you have Internet access.
Step 3. If you 're using a third-party Security/Firewall software, temporarily disable it and check if Internet access has been restored.
Step 4. Check if you can fix the problem, with the Network Troubleshooter wizard. To do that:

1. From Start menu, select Settings and select Network and Internet . 2. Select Status on the left pane, and then click Troubleshoot. At next, select to diagnose the Wi-Fi network adapter, click Next, and then follow the onscreen instructions to fix the problem.

Method 1. Forget and re-Add the Wireless Network.

Method 2. reset dns address settings., method 3. change advanced dns settings., method 4: reset tcp/ip parameters., method 5. set custom dns server addresses., method 6. uninstall and reinstall the wireless adapter driver., method 7. update wireless adapter drivers from manufacturer's site..

2. Select Wi-Fi on the left side and click Manage known networks.

3. Select the Wireless network and click Forget.

4. Connect to the Wireless network again and check if you have Internet access.

1 . Open Command Prompt as Administrator. to do that:

In the Search box type: cmd or command prompt
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

2. In the command prompt window, type the following command & press Enter:

ipconfig /flushdns

3. Restart your PC and check the Internet connection.

3. Right-click at the Wi-Fi Network Connection and choose Properties

4. Then select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties again.

5. Click Advanced.

6. Uncheck the Register this connection's addresses in DNS checkbox and click OK twice and Close to close all windows.

7. Restart your computer. 8. Forget and re-add the wireless network. (see Method-1 above)

The "Wi-Fi Connected but no Internet access" issue may appear if the TCP/IP settings have improperly configured. To reset the TCP/IP settings:

1 . Open Command Prompt as Administrator . 2. At command prompt, type the following command and press Enter .

netsh winsock reset

3. Then type the following command and press Enter .

netsh int ip reset

4. Close the command prompt window and restart your computer. *

* Note: If after restart, you still haven't Internet access, do the following:

1. Follow the steps 1-3 from the method-3 above and open the Properties of your Wi-Fi Adapter . 2. At 'Wi-Fi Properties' window:

Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) checkbox.
Then click to select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties

3. Here, make sure (as in the screenshot below) that the " Obtain IP address automatically " and " Obtain DNS server address automatically " options are checked, and that there are no numbers in any of the fields. (IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway & DNS Server).

4. When done, click OK twice and then check if the problem is fixed.

5. Select " Use the following DNS server addresses " and type the following Google DNS Server addresses:

6. Press OK (twice) to close network properties.

7. Restart you computer.

The error "Wireless is Connected but no Internet access" problem " can be caused by faulty network driver. So, proceed to uninstall the wireless adapter driver and then let the Windows to reinstall it automatically the next time you restart your system. To uninstall your Wi-Fi network driver, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to Device Manager . To do that:

Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open the device manager.

2. In device manager, expand the Network adapters. 3. Right click on the Wireless adapter and choose Uninstall.

4. Mark the checkbox "Delete the driver software for this device" (if it appears) and click OK on the confirmation window.

5. Restart your PC. 6. After restart let Windows to reinstall the WiFi driver and then try to connect to Internet. *

* Note: If Windows doesn't install the drivers automatically, continue to next method.

1. Download the latest driver for the Wi-Fi adapter from manufacturer's support site. To download the driver, use one of the following options:

a. Connect your PC to Internet via the Ethernet Adapter (LAN Cable), or… b. Download the driver, from another working computer and use a USB drive to transfer the Wi-Fi driver on the PC with the Wi-Fi connection error.

2. If the driver, comes on an ".exe" file, then run it to install the driver, otherwise use the device manager to install the driver. To install the driver for Device Manager:

1. Navigate to Device Manager . 2. Right click on the Wireless adapter and choose Update Driver Software .

3. Choose Browse my computer for driver software.

4. Click Browse and choose the location (folder) of the downloaded driver.

5. If Windows can found an updated version of the driver, click Next to install it.

6. When the driver installation is completed. restart your computer.

That's it! Which method worked for you? Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

We're hiring

We're looking for part-time or full-time technical writers to join our team! It's about a remote position that qualified tech writers from anywhere in the world can apply. Click here for more details.

Recent Posts

How to Disable Device Encryption in Windows 11/10. - April 17, 2024
How to View Permissions on Shared Folders on Windows 10/11. - April 15, 2024
FIX 0x80070643 error in KB5034441 update (Solved) - April 10, 2024

Konstantinos Tsoukalas

How to Disable Device Encryption in Windows 11/10.

How to , Tutotial , Windows , Windows 10 , Windows 11

How to View Permissions on Shared Folders on Windows 10/11.

How to , Tutotial , Windows , Windows 10

FIX 0x80070643 error in KB5034441 update (Solved)

Was this information helpful?

What we can do to improve the article?

Above information might be partly or entirely quoted from exterior websites or sources. please refer to the information based on the source that we noted. Please directly contact or inquire the sources if there is any further question and note that ASUS is neither relevant nor responsible for its content/service
This information may not suitable for all the products from the same category/series. Some of the screen shots and operations could be different from the software versions.
ASUS provides the above information for reference only. If you have any questions about the content, please contact the above product vendor directly. Please note that ASUS is not responsible for the content or service provided by the above product vendor.
Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.

The Inventory

How to Tell If Your Internet Provider Is Ripping You Off

The fcc is forcing isps to break down the costs of their internet bills, including hidden fees, to customers thanks to its new "nutrition labels.".

Those who have long been upset about their opaque data bills might finally get a glimpse of what they’re really paying for. Starting Wednesday, the Federal Communications Commission’s “nutrition labels” we’ve been promised for years are now fully enforced. Every ISP with 100,000 or more customers must document everything that goes into users’ monthly service bills. Though big broadband originally complained about the undue “burden” on their time to list every hidden fee for every service, most of the major ISPs in the U.S. have already started listing them. So what does this mean for you, dear reader?

How to Read the ISP ‘Nutrition Label’

The ISP fact sheet is meant to be read from the top down, so first note the name of the brand and the type of plan right under the “ Broadband Facts’ label. The major telecom companies list these as the name of their plan, but what we’re really interested in is underneath.

This is a sample nutrition label meant to show what you’ll see when shopping for internet plans.

The most important parts of the puzzle are the price and the speeds provided. These will help you determine whether or not the service you’re looking at is actually worth it. The section will also list if there’s any early termination fee, which could be very important if you don’t end up liking your internet service and want to switch. The nutrition label likely won’t specify the exact nature and period of early termination, so you should look that information up in the full Terms of Contract, which ISPs are required to put in the facts sheet toward the top.

The “ Monthly Price” is what you would be paying each month after the first. It will include installation, insurance, and other potential add-ons that are used to make buying your internet plans such a gamble. However, this monthly fee likely doesn’t take into account things like activation fees or other one-time payments when you first pick your plan, so note anything like that under the Additional Charges & Terms section.

Next, you’ll want to look at the “ Speeds Provided with Plan” section. This will show your plan’s download and upload speeds, typically in megabits per second or Mbps. Now, what a good or bad download speed is might be determined by the number of folks living in your household, though the fact sheet itself won’t tell you what’s considered “high-speed internet.” Nowadays, you can survive on something like 25 Mbps, especially if you live alone. Some services like cloud gaming want you to have a minimum of around 20 Mbps, but really, you’ll want something like 50 Mbps. A small household should expect a minimum of 100 Mbps download speeds to support multiple users trying to use up a lot of internet at the same time without throttling.

Depending on the type of plan, you could include minimum data usage in the monthly plan. The service will charge you extra per GB for more data, which could be as low as $5 per gigabyte or potentially much more. In the same vein, you should also check to see how the company might manage your data. The company is forced to list if it conducts any data throttling, prioritization, blocking , or anything else that restricts your internet access.

A few links are provided in the facts sheet, including information on their privacy policy that might be worth checking out in case you’re concerned about the ISP using your information. However, perhaps the most important for consumers is the links provided under the Discounts & Bundles section . This will help give you an idea about ways you might be able to save on the bill, something ISPs aren’t usually super keen to provide. This could be through bundling your internet services with wireless, or you could save some money if you’re willing to use your old modem or router.

Some labels will also include a link to the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is a federal program managed by the FCC meant to offer people living on low-income assistance with their internet bills. Of course, we can’t all have nice things. On Tuesday, the FCC said that since Congress has not approved new funding, the agency has had to make massive cuts that will mean far fewer people receiving aid for high-speed internet. The cuts also mean the message is no longer required on the new nutrition labels, so you might not see it on every new plan that comes out.

You should be able to read the label and immediately compare it to a competing service by judging speeds and costs and calculating both monthly and one-time costs. It might not be the easiest and most clear way of taking in all the associated costs of buying data plans, but it’s far more transparent than letting each ISP display the information they want without any set standard.

What is a ‘High Speed’ Download or Upload Speed?

Last year, FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel proposed that the new standard for “broadband” should be 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload. The FCC voted last month to confirm the new expected speed, raising it from the paltry 25 Mbps that had long been the broadband standard.

Still, that doesn’t mean you’ll have any guaranteed access to fast broadband speeds, depending on where you live. The FCC noted that 45 million people in the U.S. still lack access to 100 Mbps broadband and even 5G cell service.

You should also look at the latency. Normally, you’ll see a range of around 20 to 60 ms. Depending on what you normally use your internet for, more latency could hamper you in online gaming or when trying to connect with friends and family through video chat.

Need More Help?

How To Use the Google Password Manager on Any Device Here Are Some Easy Ways to Make Windows More Secure How to Access Netflix Games on iPhone 8 Ways to Extend Your iPhone’s Battery Life Six Ways to Speed Up Your iPhone

Want more of Gizmodo’s consumer electronics picks? Check out our guides to the best phones , best laptops , best TVs , and best headphones . If you want to learn about the next big thing, see our guide to everything we know about the iPhone 16 .

Join Pilot Waitlist

Home » Blog » Lesson Plans » Social Skills Classroom Posters for Middle School

Social Skills Classroom Posters for Middle School

Middle school is a formative period where students not only grow academically but also develop essential social skills that serve them throughout life. Special educators play a critical role in this development, particularly when it comes to supporting students who face unique challenges. Visual aids can be a powerful tool in this educational journey, providing clear, consistent reminders of learning goals and expectations. Today, we spotlight an invaluable resource: Social Skills Classroom Posters for Middle School. Today, we’ll highlight the “Staying Calm” and “Solving a Problem” posters.

Why Use Social Skills Classroom Posters?

Classroom posters are not just decorative; they are functional tools that reinforce learning and help maintain a positive classroom environment. Visual goal posters specifically designed for teaching social skills provide students with constant, gentle reminders of the behaviors and strategies they are working to adopt. These posters can serve as focal points during lessons and discussions, and as standalone guides students can refer to independently when needed.

Everyday Speech has developed a series of visual goal posters that focus on critical social skills areas, each designed to support specific learning objectives within the social communication curriculum. Let’s explore two of these posters:

Staying Calm

The “Staying Calm” poster is an essential tool for any middle school classroom, particularly in special education settings where students may struggle with emotional regulation. This poster visually breaks down the steps and strategies involved in staying calm, such as muscle relaxation, using deep breathing techniques, or finding quiet spaces to take a break. By regularly referring to this poster during lessons, students can start to internalize these strategies, making it easier for them to apply them during real-life situations.

Solving a Problem

Similarly, the “Solving a Problem” poster provides a step-by-step guide to effective problem-solving, which is a critical skill for all students. This poster might illustrate how to identify a problem, think of possible solutions, weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision. For middle school students, who often face complex social situations, having a clear, visual reference can help demystify the problem-solving process and encourage a more structured approach to conflicts or challenges.

Integrating Visual Goal Posters into the Classroom

Here’s how you can make the most out of these visual goal posters:

Strategic Placement

Place the posters in areas of the classroom where they are easily visible to all students. Consider areas where students frequently gather or where conflicts may arise, such as near the group work tables or the classroom library.

Lesson Integration

Incorporate the posters directly into your teaching plans. For instance, when introducing a new topic related to emotional regulation or problem-solving, use the posters as a visual aid to help explain concepts and steps. This reinforcement helps students link theoretical knowledge with visual cues, enhancing understanding and retention.

Interactive Activities

Use the posters as a basis for interactive activities. Have students role-play scenarios that might require them to refer to the poster for guidance. Additionally, you could create small groups where students must use the steps outlined in the posters to navigate hypothetical situations.

Regular Reinforcement

Refer to the posters regularly, not just when issues arise. This ongoing reinforcement ensures that students become familiar with the content, reducing the cognitive load required to recall these strategies during stressful situations.

Unlock ALL of Everyday Speech’s goal posters by signing up for your free trial today – no credit card required!

Access social skills posters here.

Instant access to thousands of no-prep social skills activities, over 1000+ video lessons, and engaging games designed to enhance learning and development.

Goal posters like “Staying Calm” and “Solving a Problem” offer more than just visual appeal; they provide support for teaching. By integrating these posters into your classroom, you can create a more supportive, effective learning environment that empowers students. With these tools, educators can help cultivate the next generation of thoughtful, skilled, and emotionally intelligent individuals.

Sample Video

Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video lesson. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 14 days here !

Looking for Free Social Skills Samples? Click here!

FREE MATERIALS

Better doesn’t have to be harder, social skills lessons students actually enjoy.

Be the best educator you can be with no extra prep time needed. Sign up to get access to free samples from the best Social Skills and Social-Emotional educational platform.

Get Started Instantly for Free

Complete guided therapy.

The subscription associated with this email has been cancelled and is no longer active. To reactivate your subscription, please log in.

If you would like to make changes to your account, please log in using the button below and navigate to the settings page. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it using the button below.

Unfortunately it looks like we’re not able to create your subscription at this time. Please contact support to have the issue resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience. Error: Web signup - customer email already exists

Welcome back! The subscription associated with this email was previously cancelled, but don’t fret! We make it easy to reactivate your subscription and pick up right where you left off. Note that subscription reactivations aren't eligible for free trials, but your purchase is protected by a 30 day money back guarantee. Let us know anytime within 30 days if you aren’t satisfied and we'll send you a full refund, no questions asked. Please press ‘Continue’ to enter your payment details and reactivate your subscription

Notice About Our SEL Curriculum

Our SEL Curriculum is currently in a soft product launch stage and is only available by Site License. A Site License is currently defined as a school-building minimum or a minimum cost of $3,000 for the first year of use. Individual SEL Curriculum licenses are not currently available based on the current version of this product.

By clicking continue below, you understand that access to our SEL curriculum is currently limited to the terms above.

How-To Geek

Internet problems here's how to tell if it's your isp's fault.

Do your own investigation to find out if it's really your fault.

Quick Links

If it's not you, it's them, ruling out user-side problems, diagnose your cable signal quality, prepare your list of findings and demand a line inspection.

No one likes internet downtime. It can make you feel completely crippled in your ability to work or communicate, control your home, or monitor your security system. But in those situations, how do you tell who's to blame?

As remote work and smart home setups become more prevalent, our tolerance for connection failure is shrinking fast. Connection loss is a common intermittent occurrence, but what do you do when the problem becomes incessant and unmanageable? If your issues become persistent, it is possible that the root of the problem has nothing to do with your equipment or settings, but rather is due to a problem on the side of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and may require a special line technician to intervene.

That may be easier said than done.

Home technician appointments almost never occur on the day you call in a complaint. In fact, chances are that appointments are booked as far as a month out, and getting a line technician to make an appearance is particularly tricky. Line technicians are different than the home technicians that typically answer house calls. Line techs address problems stemming from the main connection to the cable line outside your home.

In cities, these main connections, or "drops" usually terminate near high voltage power lines and transformers, not to mention the seemingly endless intersecting tangles of cables, lines, and wires. The height, danger, and complexity of line servicing mean that line techs require special licensure and are very costly. Your ISP won't be too keen on sending out the big guns for any old internet problem.

Related: How to Make Your Phone Useful When There's No Internet

Before you start down the path of pursuing a line repair, it is important you take a calculated approach to ensure that the problem is, in fact, a problem that needs addressing by your provider and not something on your end. ISP customer support agents and home technicians will try and say most anything to avoid taking on the blame if you aren't prepared with an exhaustive list of user-side troubleshooting steps you have already checked. We will start from square one.

You may have tried several, or all these already, but the checklist below will make sure you've examined your issues from all angles before tackling the task of getting a line tech to come out. Document your findings as you progress through this list.

Check Connectivity on Another Device

If you're experiencing a connection problem, try connecting and testing your connection on another device of the same kind. To get fine-tuned results, use SpeedTest.net to get a gauge of your download and upload speeds.

Try Power Cycling the Problem Device

You will be able to quickly tell if the whole network is down, but if the issue is isolated to one device, shut it down completely, unplug it from power, and remove any batteries if possible. Wait at least 30 seconds and power the device back on. If the issue persists, move on to the next step.

Power Cycle Your Router

Unplug the router from power, wait at least 30 seconds, and power it back on. If that doesn't fix the issue, move to the next step.

If you have any local file sharing or network storage devices, you should still be able to use them normally even if there is no internet connection to the outside world. If these protocols work fine, it further points to an issue with cabling, modem, or main line connection.

Power Cycle Your Modem

Follow the same routine as power cycling the router. Unplug for 30 seconds and power back on.

If you rent your equipment from your ISP, your modem and router are likely combined into one device.

Check the Modem Lights

Your modem will likely have at least four lights on the front that flash during the powering-on process. These lights indicate the status of four important parameters: Power, Downlink, Uplink, and Internet connection. They indicate success by lighting solid. If one of these lights doesn't light solid and remains blinking, it may indicate to you the source of your incoming signal.

Power: Indicates that the modem is connected to power and turned on.
Downlink: This light is typically symbolized as an arrow pointing downward and indicates that the modem has established a connection to a downstream channel . This channel(s) brings data from the internet into your home/business.
Uplink: This light is typically an upward pointing arrow and indicates attempted/successful connection to an upstream channel . This carries data from your home/business out to the web.
Internet: This light is typically stylized as a globe and indicates that the internet is available. This light will not go solid if there is a failure of any of the previous three light confirmation.

If the previous steps yielded no improvement, you can assess its cable connection quality via the modem's graphic user interface (GUI). This interface is accessed using a normal web browser. It is here where you can find information about signal quality and power levels.

If you have a device with an ethernet port, use that to connect directly into one of the available ports on your modem. If you don't have an ethernet-capable device, try using your WiFi connection. The following instructions are for a standalone modem. If you are using a router/modem combo rented from your ISP, you may be redirected to a web page prompting you to input your account login info.

Depending on your network configuration, accessing the modem GUI via WiFi may not be possible. Contact your ISP for more information.

Now open any web browser. Type your modem's IP address into the address bar. This address varies between manufacturers, but the most common addresses are

. Once you've entered the correct IP, you will be greeted with a web page displaying the logo of your modem's manufacturer. Use the page to navigate to the status page. Once there, you can analyze your power levels.

Ideal power levels can vary based on your router's DOCSIS specifications. However, the modem used for this example is the Arris Surfboard 8200 . It is one of the most popular modems in the world, and its firmware is used in the majority of ISP-leased modem/router combos. So, chances are that these target values apply to you

Downstream power levels should be between -7 to +7 dBmV.
Upstream power levels should be between 38-48 dBmV.

Interpreting Your Level Readings

Any power levels outside of the above ranges should be noted, particularly excessive upstream power values. Contrary to what instinct might tell you, high upstream power values indicate low power levels. Once your upstream power value increases past 48 dBmV, it means that your modem is having to work harder to output adequate upstream power. Once this value reaches 53 dBmV, the modem will automatically power cycle and retry the connection. This often results in a boot loop that leaves the modem unable to connect for hours or even days.

This is the most common cause of repeated modem connection failure due to power issues.

To learn more, check out how to read modem diagnostics.

Whether or not your power level investigation yielded any significant findings, you will still want to assess your environment to look for any last-ditch fixes. First, check for outages. Visit your ISP's Twitter and check for any posts concerning service interruptions or system maintenance.

If that turns up nothing, sites like Downdetector can provide more info. These sites are online communities where service users can report disruptions. If your issues pertain to a larger local outage, you may just need to wait it out. If there is not a larger outage, continue by checking your modem and cabling environment.

Rule Out Overheating Issues

Your modem should be stationed in a cool, dry place with access to open air. Like any electronic device, your modem can be prone to overheating if placed on carpet or in small, enclosed spaces. Ensure that your modem is not placed directly in the sun.

Environmental Signal Interference

Your modem and the cable that provides your broadband should be positioned a safe distance from any possible sources of radio interference. This includes microwaves, air conditioners, refrigerators, and other large appliances. Take note if your connection seems to be affected when using a certain appliance.

Inspect Your Cable Run

Lastly, you will want to trace and inspect the placement and physical quality of the cable line itself. This may not be possible if your cabling is hidden in your walls. However, if your cable runs along the outside of your building as mine does, trace back along its entire length as far as you safely can.

Keep a sharp eye out for things that may indicate a damaged cable. Physical deformities like cracked insulation, chew marks from animals, or sharp bends may be the source of your internet problems. In this case, you would likely need a new cable run.

Connection points should be dry and free of corrosion. Along with physical deformities, keep an eye out for any unnecessary splitters along your cable run. Splitters are small metal devices used to create two cable outputs from one input. They are commonly used to provide cable TV to multiple televisions in the home. Their usefulness is fading as the world moves toward more internet-based entertainment access.

While splitters are fine for multiplying incoming television signal, they can produce unstable broadband signal. Remove any splitters from your cable run if possible. To do this, simply unscrew the connectors just like you would on a modem or cable television. You will be left with two male coaxial connectors. To bridge them together, be prepared with a coaxial coupler .

With this checklist at the ready, you are equipped with some knowledge and terminology to force your ISP to take further action in rectifying your connectivity issues and compensating you for prior downtime. This can be a lengthy and trying effort. Be persistent, and good luck!

Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

A.I.’s Original Sin

A times investigation found that tech giants altered their own rules to train their newest artificial intelligence systems..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Today, a “Times” investigation shows how as the country’s biggest technology companies race to build powerful new artificial intelligence systems, they bent and broke the rules from the start.

My colleague Cade Metz on what he uncovered.

It’s Tuesday, April 16th.

Cade, when we think about all the artificial intelligence products released over the past couple of years, including, of course, these chatbots we’ve talked a lot about on the show, we so frequently talk about their future their future capabilities, their influence on society, jobs, our lives. But you recently decided to go back in time to AI’s past, to its origins to understand the decisions that were made, basically, at the birth of this technology. So why did you decide to do that?

Because if you’re thinking about the future of these chatbots, that is defined by their past. The thing you have to realize is that these chatbots learn their skills by analyzing enormous amounts of digital data.

So what my colleagues and I wanted to do with our investigation was really focus on that effort to gather more data. We wanted to look at the type of data these companies were collecting, how they were gathering it, and how they were feeding it into their systems.

And when you all undertake this line of reporting, what do you end up finding?

We found that three major players in this race OpenAI, Google, and Meta as they were locked into this competition to develop better and better artificial intelligence, they were willing to do almost anything to get their hands on this data, including ignoring, and in some cases, violating corporate rules and wading into a legal gray area as they gathered this data.

Basically, cutting corners.

Cutting corners left and right.

OK, let’s start with OpenAI, the flashiest player of all.

The most interesting thing we’ve found, is that in late 2021, as OpenAI, the startup in San Francisco that built ChatGPT, as they were pulling together the fundamental technology that would power that chatbot, they ran out of data, essentially.

They had used just about all the respectable English language text on the internet to build this system. And just let that sink in for a bit.

I mean, I’m trying to let that sink in. They basically, like a Pac-Man on a old game, just consumed almost all the English words on the internet, which is kind of unfathomable.

Wikipedia articles by the thousands, news articles, Reddit threads, digital books by the millions. We’re talking about hundreds of billions, even trillions of words.

So by the end of 2021, OpenAI had no more English language texts that they could feed into these systems, but their ambitions are such that they wanted even more.

So here, we should remember that if you’re gathering up all the English language text on the internet, a large portion of that is going to be copyrighted.

So if you’re one of these companies gathering data at that scale, you are absolutely gathering copyrighted data, as well.

Which suggests that, from the very beginning, these companies, a company like OpenAI with ChatGPT, is starting to break, bend the rules.

Yes, they are determined to build this technology thus they are willing to venture into what is a legal gray area.

So given that, what does OpenAI do once it, as you had said, runs out of English language words to mop up and feed into this system?

So they get together, and they say, all right, so what are other options here? And they say, well, what about all the audio and video on the internet? We could transcribe all the audio and video, turn it into text, and feed that into their systems.

Interesting.

So a small team at OpenAI, which included its president and co-founder Greg Brockman, built a speech-recognition technology called Whisper, which could transcribe audio files into text with high accuracy.

And then they gathered up all sorts of audio files, from across the internet, including audio books, podcasts —

— and most importantly, YouTube videos.

Hmm, of which there’s a seemingly endless supply, right? Fair to say maybe tens of millions of videos.

According to my reporting, we’re talking about at least 1,000,000 hours of YouTube videos were scraped off of that video sharing site, fed into this speech recognition system in order to produce new text for training OpenAI’s chatbot. And YouTube’s terms of service do not allow a company like OpenAI to do this. YouTube, which is owned by Google, explicitly says you are not allowed to, in internet parlance, scrape videos en masse from across YouTube and use those videos to build a new application.

That is exactly what OpenAI did. According to my reporting, employees at the company knew that it broke YouTube terms of service, but they resolved to do it anyway.

So, Cade, this makes me want to understand what’s going on over at Google, which as we have talked about in the past on the show, is itself, thinking about and developing its own artificial intelligence model and product.

Well, as OpenAI scrapes up all these YouTube videos and starts to use them to build their chatbot, according to my reporting, some employees at Google, at the very least, are aware that this is happening.

Yes, now when we went to the company about this, a Google spokesman said it did not know that OpenAI was scraping YouTube content and said the company takes legal action over this kind of thing when there’s a clear reason to do so. But according to my reporting, at least some Google employees turned a blind eye to OpenAI’s activities because Google was also using YouTube content to train its AI.

So if they raise a stink about what OpenAI is doing, they end up shining a spotlight on themselves. And they don’t want to do that.

I guess I want to understand what Google’s relationship is to YouTube. Because of course, Google owns YouTube. So what is it allowed or not allowed to do when it comes to feeding YouTube data into Google’s AI models?

It’s an important distinction. Because Google owns YouTube, it defines what can be done with that data. And Google argues that it has a right to that data, that its terms of service allow it to use that data. However, because of that copyright issue, because the copyright to those videos belong to you and I, lawyers who I’ve spoken to say, people could take Google to court and try to determine whether or not those terms of service really allow Google to do this. There’s another legal gray area here where, although Google argues that it’s OK, others may argue it’s not.

Of course, what makes this all so interesting is, you essentially have one tech company Google, keeping another tech company OpenAI’s dirty little secret about basically stealing from YouTube because it doesn’t want people to know that it too is taking from YouTube. And so these companies are essentially enabling each other as they simultaneously seem to be bending or breaking the rules.

What this shows is that there is this belief, and it has been there for years within these companies, among their researchers, that they have a right to this data because they’re on a larger mission to build a technology that they believe will transform the world.

And if you really want to understand this attitude, you can look at our reporting from inside Meta.

And so what does Meta end up doing, according to your reporting?

Well, like Google and other companies, Meta had to scramble to build artificial intelligence that could compete with OpenAI. Mark Zuckerberg is calling engineers and executives at all hours pushing them to acquire this data that is needed to improve the chatbot.

And at one point, my colleagues and I got hold of recordings of these Meta executives and engineers discussing this problem. How they could get their hands on more data where they should try to find it? And they explored all sorts of options.

They talked about licensing books, one by one, at $10 a pop and feeding those into the model.

They even discussed acquiring the book publisher Simon & Schuster and feeding its entire library into their AI model. But ultimately, they decided all that was just too cumbersome, too time consuming, and on the recordings of these meetings, you can hear executives talk about how they were willing to run roughshod over copyright law and ignore the legal concerns and go ahead and scrape the internet and feed this stuff into their models.

They acknowledged that they might be sued over this. But they talked about how OpenAI had done this before them. That they, Meta were just following what they saw as a market precedent.

Interesting, so they go from having conversations like, should we buy a publisher that has tons of copyrighted material suggesting that they’re very conscious of the kind of legal terrain and what’s right and what’s wrong. And instead say, nah, let’s just follow the OpenAI model, that blueprint and just do what we want to do, do what we think we have a right to do, which is to kind of just gobble up all this material across the internet.

It’s a snapshot of that Silicon Valley attitude that we talked about. Because they believe they are building this transformative technology, because they are in this intensely competitive situation where money and power is at stake, they are willing to go there.

But what that means is that there is, at the birth of this technology, a kind of original sin that can’t really be erased.

It can’t be erased, and people are beginning to notice. And they are beginning to sue these companies over it. These companies have to have this copyrighted data to build their systems. It is fundamental to their creation. If a lawsuit bars them from using that copyrighted data, that could bring down this technology.

We’ll be right back.

So Cade, walk us through these lawsuits that are being filed against these AI companies based on the decisions they made early on to use technology as they did and the chances that it could result in these companies not being able to get the data they so desperately say they need.

These suits are coming from a wide range of places. They’re coming from computer programmers who are concerned that their computer programs have been fed into these systems. They’re coming from book authors who have seen their books being used. They’re coming from publishing companies. They’re coming from news corporations like, “The New York Times,” incidentally, which has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft.

News organizations that are concerned over their news articles being used to build these systems.

And here, I think it’s important to say as a matter of transparency, Cade, that your reporting is separate from that lawsuit. That lawsuit was filed by the business side of “The New York Times” by people who are not involved in your reporting or in this “Daily” episode, just to get that out of the way.

I’m assuming that you have spoken to many lawyers about this, and I wonder if there’s some insight that you can shed on the basic legal terrain? I mean, do the companies seem to have a strong case that they have a right to this information, or do companies like the “Times,” who are suing them, seem to have a pretty strong case that, no, that decision violates their copyrighted materials.

Like so many legal questions, this is incredibly complicated. It comes down to what’s called fair use, which is a part of copyright law that determines whether companies can use copyrighted data to build new things. And there are many factors that go into this. There are good arguments on the OpenAI side. There are good arguments on “The New York Times” side.

Copyright law says that can’t take my work and reproduce it and sell it to someone. That’s not allowed. But what’s called fair use does allow companies and individuals to use copyrighted works in part. They can take snippets of it. They can take the copyrighted works and transform it into something new. That is what OpenAI and others are arguing they’re doing.

But there are other things to consider. Does that transformative work compete with the individuals and companies that supplied the data that owned the copyrights?

And here, the suit between “The New York Times” company and OpenAI is illustrative. If “The New York Times” creates articles that are then used to build a chatbot, does that chatbot end up competing with “The New York Times?” Do people end up going to that chatbot for their information, rather than going to the “Times” website and actually reading the article? That is one of the questions that will end up deciding this case and cases like it.

So what would it mean for these AI companies for some, or even all of these lawsuits to succeed?

Well, if these tech companies are required to license the copyrighted data that goes into their systems, if they’re required to pay for it, that becomes a problem for these companies. We’re talking about digital data the size of the entire internet.

Licensing all that copyrighted data is not necessarily feasible. We quote the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz in our story where one of their lawyers says that it does not work for these companies to license that data. It’s too expensive. It’s on too large a scale.

Hmm, it would essentially make this technology economically impractical.

Exactly, so a jury or a judge or a law ruling against OpenAI, could fundamentally change the way this technology is built. The extreme case is these companies are no longer allowed to use copyrighted material in building these chatbots. And that means they have to start from scratch. They have to rebuild everything they’ve built. So this is something that, not only imperils what they have today, it imperils what they want to build in the future.

And conversely, what happens if the courts rule in favor of these companies and say, you know what, this is fair use. You were fine to have scraped this material and to keep borrowing this material into the future free of charge?

Well, one significant roadblock drops for these companies. And they can continue to gather up all that extra data, including images and sounds and videos and build increasingly powerful systems. But the thing is, even if they can access as much copyrighted material as they want, these companies may still run into a problem.

Pretty soon they’re going to run out of digital data on the internet.

That human-created data they rely on is going to dry up. They’re using up this data faster than humans create it. One research organization estimates that by 2026, these companies will run out of viable data on the internet.

Wow. Well, in that case, what would these tech companies do? I mean, where are they going to go if they’ve already scraped YouTube, if they’ve already scraped podcasts, if they’ve already gobbled up the internet and that altogether is not sufficient?

What many people inside these companies will tell you, including Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, they’ll tell you that what they will turn to is what’s called synthetic data.

And what is that?

That Is data generated by an AI model that is then used to build a better AI model. It’s AI helping to build better AI. That is the vision, ultimately, they have for the future that they won’t need all this human generated text. They’ll just have the AI build the text that will feed future versions of AI.

So they will feed the AI systems the material that the AI systems themselves create. But is that really a workable solid plan? Is that considered high-quality data? Is that good enough?

If you do this on a large scale, you quickly run into problems. As we all know, as we’ve discussed on this podcast, these systems make mistakes. They hallucinate . They make stuff up. They show biases that they’ve learned from internet data. And if you start using the data generated by the AI to build new AI, those mistakes start to reinforce themselves.

The systems start to get trapped in these cul-de-sacs where they end up not getting better but getting worse.

What you’re really saying is, these AI machines need the unique perfection of the human creative mind.

Well, as it stands today, that is absolutely the case. But these companies have grand visions for where this will go. And they feel, and they’re already starting to experiment with this, that if you have an AI system that is sufficiently powerful, if you make a copy of it, if you have two of these AI models, one can produce new data, and the other one can judge that data.

It can curate that data as a human would. It can provide the human judgment, So. To speak. So as one model produces the data, the other one can judge it, discard the bad data, and keep the good data. And that’s how they ultimately see these systems creating viable synthetic data. But that has not happened yet, and it’s unclear whether it will work.

It feels like the real lesson of your investigation is that if you have to allegedly steal data to feed your AI model and make it economically feasible, then maybe you have a pretty broken model. And that if you need to create fake data, as a result, which as you just said, kind of undermines AI’s goal of mimicking human thinking and language, then maybe you really have a broken model.

And so that makes me wonder if the folks you talk to, the companies that we’re focused on here, ever ask themselves the question, could we do this differently? Could we create an AI model that just needs a lot less data?

They have thought about other models for decades. The thing to realize here, is that is much easier said than done. We’re talking about creating systems that can mimic the human brain. That is an incredibly ambitious task. And after struggling with that for decades, these companies have finally stumbled on something that they feel works that is a path to that incredibly ambitious goal.

And they’re going to continue to push in that direction. Yes, they’re exploring other options, but those other options aren’t working.

What works is more data and more data and more data. And because they see a path there, they’re going to continue down that path. And if there are roadblocks there, and they think they can knock them down, they’re going to knock them down.

But what if the tech companies never get enough or make enough data to get where they think they want to go, even as they’re knocking down walls along the way? That does seem like a real possibility.

If these companies can’t get their hands on more data, then these technologies, as they’re built today, stop improving.

We will see their limitations. We will see how difficult it really is to build a system that can match, let alone surpass the human brain.

These companies will be forced to look for other options, technically. And we will see the limitations of these grandiose visions that they have for the future of artificial intelligence.

OK, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Glad to be here.

Here’s what else you need to know today. Israeli leaders spent Monday debating whether and how to retaliate against Iran’s missile and drone attack over the weekend. Herzi Halevi, Israel’s Military Chief of Staff, declared that the attack will be responded to.

In Washington, a spokesman for the US State Department, Matthew Miller reiterated American calls for restraint —

^MATTHEW MILLER^ Of course, we continue to make clear to everyone that we talked to that we want to see de-escalation that we don’t want to see a wider regional war. That’s something that’s been —

— but emphasized that a final call about retaliation was up to Israel. ^MATTHEW MILLER^ Israel is a sovereign country. They have to make their own decisions about how best to defend themselves. What we always try to do —

And the first criminal trial of a former US President officially got underway on Monday in a Manhattan courtroom. Donald Trump, on trial for allegedly falsifying documents to cover up a sex scandal involving a porn star, watched as jury selection began.

The initial pool of 96 jurors quickly dwindled. More than half of them were dismissed after indicating that they did not believe that they could be impartial. The day ended without a single juror being chosen.

Today’s episode was produced by Stella Tan, Michael Simon Johnson, Muge Zaidi, and Rikki Novetsky. It was edited by Marc Georges and Liz O. Baylen, contains original music by Diane Wong, Dan Powell, and Pat McCusker, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

April 22, 2024 • 24:30 The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu
April 19, 2024 • 30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness
April 18, 2024 • 30:07 The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial
April 17, 2024 • 24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
April 16, 2024 • 29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
April 15, 2024 • 24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
April 14, 2024 • 46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
April 12, 2024 • 34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
April 11, 2024 • 28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
April 10, 2024 • 22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma
April 9, 2024 • 30:48 How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall
April 8, 2024 • 30:28 The Eclipse Chaser

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Cade Metz

Produced by Stella Tan , Michael Simon Johnson , Mooj Zadie and Rikki Novetsky

Edited by Marc Georges and Liz O. Baylen

Original music by Diane Wong , Dan Powell and Pat McCusker

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

A Times investigation shows how the country’s biggest technology companies, as they raced to build powerful new artificial intelligence systems, bent and broke the rules from the start.

Cade Metz, a technology reporter for The Times, explains what he uncovered.

On today’s episode

Cade Metz , a technology reporter for The New York Times.

A three-story building with large windows, illuminated at night.

Background reading

How tech giants cut corners to harvest data for A.I.

What to know about tech companies using A.I. to teach their own A.I.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Cade Metz writes about artificial intelligence, driverless cars, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging areas of technology. More about Cade Metz

Help | Advanced Search

Quantum Physics

Title: solving combinatorial optimization problems with a block encoding quantum optimizer.

Abstract: In the pursuit of achieving near-term quantum advantage for combinatorial optimization problems, the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) are the primary methods of interest, but their practical effectiveness remains uncertain. Therefore, there is a persistent need to develop and evaluate alternative variational quantum algorithms. This study presents an investigation of the Block ENcoding Quantum Optimizer (BENQO), a hybrid quantum solver that uses block encoding to represent the cost function. BENQO is designed to be universally applicable across discrete optimization problems. Beyond Maximum Cut, we evaluate BENQO's performance in the context of the Traveling Salesperson Problem, which is of greater practical relevance. Our findings confirm that BENQO performs significantly better than QAOA and competes with VQE across a variety of performance metrics. We conclude that BENQO is a promising novel hybrid quantum-classical algorithm that should be further investigated and optimized to realize its full potential.

Submission history

Access paper:.

Other Formats

References & Citations

INSPIRE HEP
Google Scholar
Semantic Scholar

BibTeX formatted citation

Bibliographic and Citation Tools

Code, data and media associated with this article, recommenders and search tools.

Institution

arXivLabs: experimental projects with community collaborators

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs .

Donald Trump's attorney Alina Habba calls his hush money trial the 'epitome of a witch hunt' with taxpayers' dollars

M ANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Donald Trump 's attorney Alina Habba blasts "witch hunt" in Manhattan court as she unleashed a scathing critique against civil fraud and hush money cases involving the former president.

The former commander-in-chief who represented Trump in the civil fraud trial appeared at his hush money trial on Monday, April 22, and criticized the cases as unjust and politically motivated.

Alina Habba says Donald Trump's $175M bond hearing was a waste of time

In the court hallway, Habba said she had just left the hearing of Trump's $175 million bond in his New York fraud case where "we wasted time."

Referring to the judge in the case, she said, "He doesn't understand basic principles of finance."

"The attorney general and that judge realized quickly that they had no idea what they were talking about. We came to an agreement that everything would be the same, we would modify terms, and that was it," she explained.

"This is where your taxpayer dollars are going, America: right here. Witch hunt after witch hunt," she added.

Alina Habba says Donald Trump 'did nothing wrong'

Speaking about the 77-year-old politician's court appearance for the hush money trial, she said, "[Trump] should not even be here today because he did nothing wrong. It's the epitome of a witch hunt."

"Trump's company was worth more in that case than it is now. And now what? We're here because of something that happened when he was in the White House that wasn't even wrong. It was not wrong," she continued.

"You hire lawyers to solve problems, so they solve those problems, you pay them," she continued.

Calling the trial "a joke," Habba said, "It's an affront to our American Constitution, to our judicial system. and it's an affront to every lawyer who cares about their license, who cares about what's right and wrong."

"I am sick of coming in front of the press to say this, but you have to because you people need to understand what is going on. God forbid you put an accounting thing in for legal counsel. It's legal counsel," Habba said.

"And now our taxpayer dollars, my time, our attorneys' fees, are all here because they're afraid of 2024. And you know what, they should be. Because the American people are not stupid. They see what's going on. Thank you," she added, according to the New York Post .

Internet reacts to Alina Habba's rant outside hush money trial

After Habba railed against Trump's civil fraud, and hush money cases, netizens reacted to her rant outside the Manhattan court.

"I'm not impressed with her," a user wrote on X and another user wrote, "She is an utter embarrassment to the legal profession."

One user wrote, "I think her law degree was given sarcastically," and another user tweeted, "How is she a practicing attorney?"

"I'd say she's somewhat annoyed," a user commented while a netizen opined, "I love her for how fiercely she defends Trump."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

Donald Trump's attorney Alina Habba calls his hush money trial the 'epitome of a witch hunt' with taxpayers' dollars

IMAGES

Network Problem Solving with PathSolutions
Infographics
Common Home WiFi Problems and How to Fix Them
Can't Connect to the Internet? These 10 Tips Can Help
Network Troubleshooting
Internet Problems: Here is What You Should Do For Them

VIDEO

RSPs and your internet
Week 8
Network Engineer Life
8 Quick Solutions to Fix Internet Connection Problems in Windows 10
Internet Connected But Not Access, Network can't access, Network troubleShoot. Internet
วิธีแก้ไข No internet Access [สาเหตุเกิดจากIPชนกัน] แก้ได้10000000%

COMMENTS

No Internet Connection? How to Troubleshoot Internet Issues
4. Test a different website or online activity. The problem may be with the app, service, or website you're trying to access. If only one website or service is acting up, your connection is probably fine. 5. Check for an outage. If the problem is on your internet provider's end, you can't do anything to fix it.
Internet Connection Not Working? 10 Troubleshooting Tips
Check Your Cables. Try Restarting the Problem Device. Ensure That Network Hardware Is Working. Reboot Your Router. Check the Connection Status on Your Router/Modem. Try Another Device to Isolate the Issue. Finally: Contact Your Service Provider. It's useful to have a checklist of things to try when your internet is not working. Sometimes you ...
Fix network connection issues in Windows
Select Start > Settings > Network & internet, then turn on Wi-Fi. Next, select More options ( >) next to Wi-Fi, then select Show available networks. If a network you expect to see appears in the list, select it, then select Connect . Open Wi-Fi settings. See if you can use the Wi-Fi network to get to websites from a different device.
Getting "Your Internet Access is Blocked"? 10 Ways to Fix
Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter to launch the Control Panel. Select System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the left pane. On the next screen, select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both private and public networks.
How To Troubleshoot Internet Connection Problems
Ping. One of the first things to try when your connection doesn't seem to be working properly is the ping command. Open a Command Prompt window from your Start menu and run a command like ping google.com or ping howtogeek.com . This command sends several packets to the address you specify.
How to Fix Your Internet Connection: 19 Things to Try
Restart your modem and router. The easiest way to do this is by unplugging both your modem and your router from their respective power sources, waiting for a few seconds, and plugging them back in. Like restarting your computer, this can solve the bulk of minor Internet issues. 6. Perform a soft reset on your network.
Get Back Online: 13 Tips to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection
And clear your browser's cache and cookies. 2. Check the Wi-Fi Settings. (Credit: PCMag / Apple) Check the Wi-Fi settings on your device and make sure you are connected to the proper SSID. If not ...
Internet Troubleshooting Hub
Brand Guides. Welcome to the HighSpeedInternet.com troubleshooting hub. We're a team of internet experts who understand how frustrating it can be when your internet doesn't work properly. Our tools and guides are designed to help you solve your internet issues as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
Right click the network icon in the right side of the taskbar and select Diagnose network problems or open Get Help for Network & Internet. Make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on. Select the No internet icon on the right side of the taskbar, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. If it isn't, select it to turn it on. Also, make sure Airplane mode is turned off.
No Internet Access but Connected to Network: 9 Quick Fixes
Restart your router. Download Article. The easiest and most common solution is to turn it off and on again. It sounds too simple, but restarting your router can clear up glitches that prevented it from working properly. To restart your router, unplug it from the wall, wait a few seconds, and plug it back in. 2.
Wi-Fi not working? How to fix the most common problems
The network connects, but there's no internet access. ... Below, we've listed the most common problems and how to fix them so you can solve any issues and get back to gaming, browsing, or ...
Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access? 10 Tips to Fix It on Windows 11
Check How Widespread the Issue Is. Turn Off the VPN and Proxy Server. Disconnect Other Wi-Fi Networks. Remove the Data Limit. Run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter. Ensure the IP Address Isn't Invalid. Update the Network Adapter Driver. Perform a Network Reset. Run a Few Commands in the Command Prompt.
Connected to Wi-Fi, but No Internet Access in Windows? What to Do
To access the network troubleshooter on Windows 10, visit Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Select Network troubleshooter and follow the steps to see if Windows can rectify the problem. On Windows 11, you'll find this same tool at Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections .
5 Reasons Why Your Internet Keeps Disconnecting—and How You Can Fix It
Step 1: Navigate to Settings by typing "settings" into the Windows search bar. Step 2: In the Settings menu, select Network & Internet. Step 3: Under the Advanced Network Settings heading, select Network Troubleshooter. Step 4: Follow the prompts as the troubleshooter as it attempts to diagnose the issue.
How to Fix It When There's No Internet Connection
Make sure you're getting an IP address.You can be connected to a router with full bars but still have no internet access if the problem isn't with your connection to the router but with your router's connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).. When this happens, your router works on your network, but because it can't reach the internet, it doesn't have a valid public IP address ...
Fix Unidentified Network & No Internet In Windows
So if there is a potential driver problem, follow the steps below. Open the Start menu and search for Device Manager. Open Device Manager. Click the arrow on the Network adapters option. Right click your network adapter. Click Update Driver. Click Search automatically for updated driver software.
12 Step by Step Fix to WiFi Connected But No Internet Access
This option can solve all types of router-related problems. You can reset the router to factory settings to force reset all the new changes that may be causing the issue. ... There is no single answer to the Wi-Fi connected but no internet access problem. The above tips should be able to fix most of the software related problems. However, if ...
9 most common network issues and how to solve them
Here are nine of the most common network issues to troubleshoot. 1. Slow network. Users complain the network is too slow. There can be many reasons why a network that provided adequate performance in the past is now frustrating its users. For instance, a new application, such as video conferencing or online training videos, may have been added.
How to Troubleshoot Windows Network Connections
2. Ping localhost (this checks that the current network interface device is up and running) 3. Ping the nearest router or gateway (Use ipconfig to look up the IP address for the "Default Gateway ...
How to fix internet access after updating Windows 11
To enable a Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter on Windows 11, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Network & internet. Click the Advanced networks settings page on the right side. (Image credit: Future ...
FIX: Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access in Windows 10 (Solved)
Forget and re-Add the Wireless Network. 1. Click Start > Settings and select Network and Internet. 2. Select Wi-Fi on the left side and click Manage known networks. 3. Select the Wireless network and click Forget. 4. Connect to the Wireless network again and check if you have Internet access.
[Troubleshooting] Failed Internet access through router
Step 3. Check your devices connect to the router via RJ45 Cable could access internet successfully or not. A. If couldn't, please refer to Step 4 to do the troubleshooting. B. If connect to the router via cable could access internet, but when devices connect to the router wirelessly couldn't access internet, please refer to Step 5. Step 4.
Is Your Internet Provider Is Ripping You Off?
The FCC is forcing ISPs to break down the costs of their internet bills, including hidden fees, to customers thanks to its new "nutrition labels." The FCC has said that 100 Mbps download speed is ...
Social Skills Classroom Posters for Middle School
Access Social Skills Posters here! Instant access to thousands of no-prep social skills activities, over 1000+ video lessons, and engaging games designed to enhance learning and development. Conclusion. Goal posters like "Staying Calm" and "Solving a Problem" offer more than just visual appeal; they provide support for teaching.
Internet Problems? Here's How to Tell if It's Your ISP's Fault
Now open any web browser. Type your modem's IP address into the address bar. This address varies between manufacturers, but the most common addresses are. 192 .168.100.1. and. 192 .168.0.1. Once you've entered the correct IP, you will be greeted with a web page displaying the logo of your modem's manufacturer.
[2404.10952] Can Language Models Solve Olympiad Programming?
Computing olympiads contain some of the most challenging problems for humans, requiring complex algorithmic reasoning, puzzle solving, in addition to generating efficient code. However, it has been understudied as a domain to evaluate language models (LMs). In this paper, we introduce the USACO benchmark with 307 problems from the USA Computing Olympiad, along with high-quality unit tests ...
Are 'Forever Chemicals' a Forever Problem?
Featuring Kim Tingley. Produced by Clare Toeniskoetter , Shannon M. Lin , Summer Thomad , Stella Tan and Jessica Cheung. With Sydney Harper. Edited by Devon Taylor. Original music by Dan Powell ...
A.I.'s Original Sin
A Times investigation found that tech giants altered their own rules to train their newest artificial intelligence systems. Hosted by Michael Barbaro. Featuring Cade Metz. Produced by Stella Tan ...
Solving Combinatorial Optimization Problems with a Block Encoding
View PDF Abstract: In the pursuit of achieving near-term quantum advantage for combinatorial optimization problems, the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) and the Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) are the primary methods of interest, but their practical effectiveness remains uncertain. Therefore, there is a persistent need to develop and evaluate alternative variational ...
Internet reacts to Alina Habba's rant outside hush money trial
The former commander-in-chief who represented Trump in the civil fraud trial appeared at his hush money trial on Monday, April 22, and criticized the cases as unjust and politically motivated.

Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows

Things to try first

Narrow down the source of the problem

Network troubleshooting on your device

Additional troubleshooting steps

Check the basics on your PC

Use the Network Troubleshooter

Run network commands after using the Network Troubleshooter

Restart your modem and router

See if it's a problem with your modem or your ISP

Check your network adapter

Other steps to try on your router

Need more help?

Was this information helpful?

9 Solutions If You’re Connected to Wi-Fi But Can’t Access the Internet

Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet Access?

Restart your router.

Check the hardware.

Check and reset network settings.

Re-connect to your network.

Check for interference.

Upgrade your router.

Update your drivers on your Windows computer.

Flush the DNS cache on your computers.

Check for outages or other issues.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

Wi-Fi not working? How to fix the most common problems

Basic Wi-Fi troubleshooting checklist

Nothing can connect to Wi-Fi

Forgot the Wi-Fi password

Wi-Fi connection lost when logging back into the computer

The network connects, but there’s no internet access

Router crashes regularly and only restarting it helps

One device can’t connect to the Wi-Fi

The satellite routers on my mesh network aren’t connecting

My smart device isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi

My console can’t connect to Wi-Fi

Can’t connect to wireless printer

Can’t connect to a guest Wi-Fi network that I set up

Wi-Fi 6 or 6E isn’t working, even with a Wi-Fi 6 router

Can’t find a router with Wi-Fi 7

Editors' Recommendations

Connected to Wi-Fi, but No Internet Access in Windows? What to Do

How to Fix "No Internet Access" Errors in Windows

What Does It Mean When You're Connected With No Internet?

1. Confirm Other Devices Can't Connect Either

2. Reboot Your PC

3. Reboot Your Modem and Router

4. Disable Any VPN Connections

5. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

6. Check Your IP Address Settings

Review IP Settings on Windows 10

Check IP Options on Windows 11

7. Check Your ISP's Status

8. Try Networking Command Prompt Commands

9. Disable Security Software

10. Update Your Wireless Drivers

11. Reset Your Network

Don't Fear "Connected but No Internet" Any Longer

5 Reasons Why Your Internet Keeps Disconnecting—and How You Can Fix It

Top 5 reasons for disconnecting internet

Test your internet speed

How to fix disconnecting internet

2. You have a spotty Wi-Fi signal

3. Your internet plan is too slow

4. You’re having internet outages

5. There’s an issue with your networking cables

Other reasons why your internet is disconnecting

Restart your device

Update your device

Check if your device is auto-switching between two Wi-Fi networks

See if you’re on a crowded Wi-Fi channel

Check for modem issues with your ISP

Update your network adapter drivers