Windows Featured

How to Fix No Internet Access on Windows

✅ Quick Answer

If your PC shows “No Internet” or “Limited Connectivity”, the issue is usually caused by a wrong network configuration, corrupted DNS cache, outdated network drivers, or a router problem. The fastest fix is to restart the router, reset the network adapter, flush DNS cache, and update network drivers. Most cases are solved within 10 minutes without reinstalling Windows.


❓ Why Does Windows Show “No Internet” or “Limited Connectivity”?

Windows can show “No Internet” even when your router is working. This happens because Windows is unable to communicate with the DNS server or the internet gateway. In some cases, the network adapter fails to obtain an IP address, or the network settings get corrupted.

Common causes include outdated drivers, incorrect DNS settings, VPN conflicts, weak Wi-Fi signal, or a temporary issue from your ISP. Sometimes a Windows update changes network settings, causing the problem to appear suddenly.


🔧 Fix 1: Restart Router + PC

This is the quickest fix and works in most cases. Restarting the router clears temporary issues and resets the connection.

  1. Turn off your router and modem.
  2. Wait 60 seconds.
  3. Turn on the modem first, then the router.
  4. Restart your PC.
  5. Check if internet is working.

If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, move closer to the router or remove physical obstacles.


🔧 Fix 2: Reset Network Adapter

Resetting the network adapter removes incorrect settings and restores default network configuration.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
  4. Click Network reset.
  5. Click Reset now and restart your PC.

This will reinstall network adapters and reset all network settings.


🔧 Fix 3: Flush DNS Cache

DNS cache can become corrupted, causing websites not to load. Flushing DNS refreshes the cache.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one:
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
    

After running these commands, restart your PC and check the internet again.


🔧 Fix 4: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause network failure. Updating drivers often fixes the issue.

  1. Press Windows + X and open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
  4. Click Update driverSearch automatically.
  5. Restart your PC after update.

If updating doesn’t work, uninstall the driver and restart Windows. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.


🔧 Fix 5: Set DNS to Google DNS

Sometimes your ISP DNS is slow or down. Switching to Google DNS can solve “No Internet” issues.

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
  2. Right-click your network connection → Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)Properties.
  4. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.
  5. Enter: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
  6. Click OK and restart your PC.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Windows show “Limited Connectivity”?

Limited connectivity means Windows connected to the router but cannot access the internet. It happens due to incorrect DNS, missing IP address, or router issues.

How do I check if my internet is working?

Check other devices (phone, tablet). If other devices work, the issue is with your PC. You can also open Command Prompt and run ping 8.8.8.8.

Do I need to reinstall Windows?

No. Most “No Internet” issues are fixed with network reset, DNS flush, or driver update. Reinstalling Windows is rarely needed.


🔗 Related Guides