The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If Wi‑Fi isn’t working on your Windows 11 PC, start with Microsoft’s Network and Internet troubleshooter in the Get Help app, then work through the checks below in order. They help distinguish a Windows or adapter problem from a router, modem, or internet-provider issue; no single step fixes every cause.
1. Run the Get Help network troubleshooter
Open the Get Help app, search for the Network and Internet troubleshooter, and follow its prompts. Microsoft recommends this automated troubleshooter as the starting point for Windows 11 network problems; it attempts to diagnose and fix common issues. Microsoft’s Wi‑Fi troubleshooting guide also covers Windows 10.
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2. Check Wi‑Fi and Airplane mode
Open Quick Settings from the taskbar and check that Wi‑Fi is on, Airplane mode is off, and the expected network shows as connected. If Wi‑Fi is connected but one app or website still fails, the wireless connection may be working: the problem could instead be specific to that app, site, or a firewall.
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3. Forget the network and connect again
A saved network profile can sometimes prevent a fresh connection. Remove the profile and join the network again:
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- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks.
- Select the affected network and choose Forget.
- Return to the Wi‑Fi network list, select that network, and enter its password.
4. Restart the modem and router
Restarting network equipment can clear a temporary fault, but it disconnects everyone using that network until service returns. For separate modem and router devices:
- Unplug both devices and wait at least about 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the modem and wait for it to settle.
- Reconnect the router and allow it to finish starting up.
If you have a single combined modem/router, restart that device instead. Use its normal power connection and follow any device-specific restart instructions.
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5. Try the other Wi‑Fi frequency band
If your router shows separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network names, try connecting to the other band. This is a comparison test, not a guaranteed fix: whether either band works depends on the router, the PC’s Wi‑Fi adapter, and conditions where you are connecting.
6. Check whether another device can connect
Try the same Wi‑Fi network with another laptop or phone. If the other device connects, Microsoft says the problem is likely with the original PC. If neither device can connect or get online, investigate the router, modem, or service before concentrating on Windows settings.
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Also distinguish joining Wi‑Fi from reaching the internet. A PC can show a Wi‑Fi connection while internet access is unavailable; continue with the gateway check in step 9 to test the path to the router.
7. Reset Windows network components with commands
If the simpler checks have not helped, run these commands in an administrator Command Prompt, in the order shown. The commands reset Winsock and TCP/IP, release and renew the PC’s IP address, and clear the DNS resolver cache.
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- Open Start, search for Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
- Run each command and wait for it to finish before entering the next:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdnsRestart Windows if prompted or if the connection remains unavailable after the commands complete.
8. Reinstall the Wi‑Fi adapter driver only if needed
If earlier steps fail—particularly if the problem began after a driver update—Microsoft suggests uninstalling the network adapter driver and restarting so Windows can try to reinstall it. Prepare first: download and keep a backup driver from your PC manufacturer. If the affected PC cannot get online, download the driver on another PC and transfer it with a USB drive. Then use Device Manager to uninstall the Wi‑Fi adapter and restart Windows. Without a backup, Windows may not reinstall a working driver automatically.
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9. Test the connection to the router
A gateway ping checks whether the PC can reach its router. First find the Wi‑Fi adapter’s default gateway, then ping that address:
- Open Command Prompt and run
ipconfig. - Under the Wi‑Fi adapter, note the Default Gateway address.
- Run
ping <DefaultGateway>, replacing<DefaultGateway>with the address you noted. For example, if it is192.168.1.1, runping 192.168.1.1.
If you receive replies, the PC can reach the router. If internet access is still unavailable, the modem or ISP may be at fault; check whether your provider reports an outage or contact it. If there is no reply, connect the PC directly to the modem by Ethernet if possible, using a cable you already have. Microsoft says that if the wired connection works, the Wi‑Fi router connection is the problem.
10. Check for updates, then use Network reset last
Check Settings > Windows Update for available updates, and restart the PC when appropriate. If the connection is still broken, Network reset is a last resort. Microsoft Support states, “Using network reset should be the last step you try.”
Network reset removes installed network adapters and settings. After the restart, Windows reinstalls adapters with default settings. You may need to set up VPN or virtual-switch software again, and known network profiles can be changed to Public. Use it only when you are prepared to restore any network configuration you rely on.
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