Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf your Wi-Fi says it is connected but you cannot get online, start with the affected device, then restart the modem and router, and test another device or a wired connection. Save a device-level network reset for later: restarting equipment is reversible, while Windows Network reset changes adapter configuration and can disrupt VPN or virtual-switch setup.
First, check the device that cannot connect
On Windows 10 or Windows 11, make sure Wi-Fi is on, Airplane mode is off, and the device is connected to the intended network. If the saved connection may be stale, forget the network and reconnect using its password. These client-side checks affect only that device. Microsoft’s Windows Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide covers these steps.
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Check a second phone, computer, or other device on the same Wi-Fi. If it works while the original device does not, focus troubleshooting on the original device rather than restarting or changing the whole network.
Restart the modem and router
A power cycle temporarily disconnects everyone using the network. Let household members know before you begin. If the modem and router are separate devices, Microsoft’s general sequence is:
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- Unplug power from both the modem and router. If the modem stays lit, it may have a backup battery; consult its instructions about removing it.
- Wait at least 30 seconds. Restore the modem battery if you removed one, then plug the modem back in.
- Wait for the modem lights to stop blinking or otherwise settle, then plug the router back in.
- Allow both devices a few minutes to start fully before reconnecting your device and testing internet access.
If the modem and router are one combined unit, restart that single device. Indicator lights and startup timing vary by hardware, so follow the equipment maker’s instructions for the exact model.
Modem-specific instructions may differ
Google Home and Nest Help gives a different procedure for a Google-supported modem: disconnect power and Ethernet, remove a backup battery if applicable, wait 2–3 minutes until all lights are off, reconnect, and wait for the Internet light to become solid. Google advises contacting the ISP if modem problems persist after restarting. Google’s modem restart instructions describe that procedure.
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- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
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Reconnect and find where the connection fails
Reconnect the affected device after the equipment has restarted. If your router exposes separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try the other band if the device supports it. Test another device on the same Wi-Fi, too; comparing devices helps distinguish a single-client issue from a network-wide one.
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On Windows, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig. Find the Default Gateway address for the Wi-Fi connection, then test it with ping [gateway address], substituting the address shown by ipconfig. A reply indicates the PC can reach the router. If internet access still fails, the modem or ISP may be responsible; a gateway ping does not prove that the modem or internet service is working.
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- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
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Use a wired connection as a diagnostic
If the gateway does not reply, and you have the right ports and an Ethernet cable, connect a computer directly to the modem and test internet access. A working direct modem connection when the Wi-Fi router test fails points toward the router. If several devices fail and a direct wired modem connection also cannot reach the internet after a restart, contact the ISP and ask whether there is an outage or a modem or service problem. Microsoft describes these comparisons in its Windows troubleshooting guide. The cable is optional; this test is only possible if your computer and modem support it.
When to use Windows network repair
If the problem appears limited to one Windows PC, try Windows-specific repair steps after the simpler checks. Microsoft lists commands to reset Winsock and TCP/IP, release and renew the IP address, and flush DNS. Follow the command sequence in its Windows Wi-Fi guide; these instructions are not universal steps for phones, Macs, or routers.
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- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Driver removal and reinstall, and especially Windows Network reset, are more disruptive measures. Before uninstalling a Wi-Fi driver, Microsoft advises having a backup driver available. Network reset removes network adapters and resets their configuration. It may require reinstalling or reconfiguring VPN software and Hyper-V virtual switches, and known networks may switch to a public profile. Microsoft says Network reset should be the last step to try.
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Restarting equipment is not the same as resetting network settings
Unplugging and reconnecting modem or router power is a reversible restart of the equipment. Windows Network reset changes settings on the PC itself. Neither procedure is the same as a router factory reset, which can erase configuration. The Microsoft and Google instructions cited here support restarting and diagnostic tests, but do not establish a universal factory-reset procedure; do not use a factory reset as an early troubleshooting step.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
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