[Solved] “WI-FI Connected but No Internet” Issue

When trying to connect to the internet, your operating system may detect a connection, yet it may not be able to establish that connection with your Wi-Fi router correctly.

The article below will cover the best solutions to utilize if your operating system has issues connecting to the internet service provider’s network.

Common Reasons for the No Internet Connection Error Message

In this section, we will discuss some of the most common reasons for experiencing a “no internet connection” issue even when you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Understanding these common causes can help you identify and resolve the problem more effectively.

1. Router or Modem Issues: Hardware problems with your router or modem can lead to no internet connection. Check if the router and modem are properly connected, powered on, and functioning correctly. You may need to restart or reset your router or modem to fix the issue.
2. Incorrect Network Settings: Incorrect network configuration on your device can cause problems connecting to the internet. Check your network settings, such as IP address, DNS, and gateway, to ensure they are correctly configured.
3. Outdated Network Drivers: Outdated or incompatible network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Make sure to update your network drivers to the latest version to avoid any problems.
4. ISP Outage or Service Interruption: Sometimes, the issue lies with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). They might be experiencing an outage or service interruption, which can result in no internet connection. Contact your ISP to check for any known issues or outages.
5. Wi-Fi Interference: Interference from other electronic devices, physical obstructions, or neighboring Wi-Fi networks can negatively impact your Wi-Fi signal, causing connectivity issues. Try repositioning your router or changing the Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference and improve your internet connection.
6. DNS Server Issues: Problems with the DNS server can prevent your device from connecting to the internet. You can try changing your DNS server address to a different one, such as Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4) to resolve the issue.
7. Firewall or Security Software: Overly restrictive firewall settings or security software can block your device’s access to the internet. Try temporarily disabling your firewall or security software to see if it resolves the issue. If it does, you can adjust the settings to allow internet access while maintaining your security.
8. Malware or Virus Infection: Malware or viruses on your device can cause connectivity issues, including no internet connection. Run a malware scan using a reliable security tool to identify and remove any malicious software.
9. Network Overload: If too many devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network, it can cause congestion and slow down your internet connection or cause no internet connection at all. Disconnect any unnecessary devices from your network to reduce the load and improve your internet connection.

By understanding these common reasons for no internet connection, you can more effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Remember to try different solutions and be patient, as resolving internet connectivity issues can sometimes take time and persistence.

Use Windows Network Troubleshooter

Are you trying to connect to the network? But if you cannot get the connection, then it is obvious you are in WiFi connected with no internet. The most obvious reason for this error is the internet access, whether you have access or not. But in case the internet access is appropriate, you must find out the root cause of this network connection error. The easiest way is to use the windows network troubleshooter. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the windows main menu. Right-click the windows icon and select settings from the list of options.

Step 2: Select the network and internet option in the settings window. 

Step 3: In the next window, click on the status tab from the left pane and click network troubleshooter.

Step 4: Let the troubleshooter complete and restart your device, and then connect to an internet connection to check if the error is resolved.

Disable VPN/Proxy

Suppose you have VPN (a virtual private network) enabled on the device.

A VPN or Proxy can protect your privacy when connecting to the internet. However, they can also prevent you from accessing the internet if they are not working correctly. If you are having problems connecting to the internet but are connected to WiFi, it is possible that your VPN or Proxy is not working correctly.

This internet error, i.e., connected but no internet connection can be resolved by disabling the VPN in the device. Here is how you can disable the feature.

Step 1: Launch settings with windows key+ I shortcut keys and select the Network & Internet Proxy option.

Step 2: In the Network & Internet Proxy window, toggle the switch off for the proxy server under the option of use a proxy server. 

Step 3: Once you disable the proxy server, reload the browser to check if the error is resolved.

Check Time Synchronization

Sometimes, internet connection or WiFi network errors may arise due to unsynchronized time settings in the device.

If you suspect you have no internet because you’re connected to WiFi, but your computer isn’t getting online, checking your time synchronization can help determine the root of the problem. If your clock is not accurately set, your computer will not be able to communicate correctly with the router, even if you are physically connected to it.

Setting the time of the device can resolve WiFi-connected no internet error. Here is how you can perform the action.

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar in the main menu and select the option of adjust date/time from the list of options. 

Step 2: In the set time automatically option, uncheck the box (turn it off). Set the time manually.

Step 3: Once the windows boot is complete, turn the time settings on. Try to launch the browser to check if the internet is available.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a feature introduced in Windows 8 and has continued to be included in all subsequent releases of the Windows operating system. The feature is designed to speed up the startup process by loading specific operating system components into memory before the system is booted. This can be helpful on systems with limited resources or systems with critical boot time.

However, there are some cases where Fast Startup can cause problems. One such issue is that Fast Startup can interfere with the ability of the operating system to detect whether or not a network connection is present. As a result, you may be able to see that you are connected to a WiFi network but still unable to access the internet.

If you are getting the error message, i.e., WiFi connected, no internet, and the fast startup feature is enabled on the device, then disabling the feature can help resolve the internet error.

Here is how you can fix the Wi-Fi connection issue.

Step 1: Launch the control panel from the main menu’s search bar—type control and double-click the option in the list.

Step 2: Select the hardware and sound option in the control panel window. 

Step 3: In hardware and sound options, select power. 

Step 4: In the next window, click and press the link. Choose what the power buttons do. 

Step 5: In the next step, select the link Change Settings that are currently unavailable. 

Step 6: Uncheck the box of turn on fast Startup. Select save changes to complete the action. 

Flush DNS cache Reset TCP/IP configuration

Like other network settings, DNS (domain name system) carries cache memory that burdens the storage space and interrupts the appropriate functioning of the feature. In the case of an internet access error message, the DNS cache could be one of the potential reasons. Removing the DNS cache with the command prompt can be a quick fix. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Run utility by simultaneously clicking the windows key+ R on the keyboard.

Step 2: In the command box, type cmd and click enter to launch the command prompt. 

Step 3: In the box, type ipconfig /flushdns and click enter to continue. If your device gets back in connection, close the command prompt and restart the device. Otherwise, continue following the prompt. 

For resetting TCP/IP:

Step 1: Launch run with windows key+ R and type cmd in the command box to launch a command prompt.

Step 2: In the prompt window, type the following command and click enter to complete the action. 

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /all

ipconfig /renew

netsh int ip set DNS

netsh winsock reset

Step 5: Restart your device and check if the device is connected to the network.

Update the Network Adapter Driver

Outdated network adapters drivers can result in various internet connection issues like WiFi connected no internet error.

If you’re having problems connecting to the internet, or if you think there might be a problem with your network adapter driver, then updating the driver could be the solution. Updating the network adapter driver can help fix various problems, including;

• No internet access, but you’re connected to WiFi.
• You can’t connect to a particular website or server.
• Slow internet speeds.
• Dropped connections or errors while using the internet.

To update your adapter driver, here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the device manager by right-clicking the main menu or clicking the windows key+X simultaneously on the keyboard. 

Step 2: Select the network adapters option in the device manager window. A list of all adapters will appear on the screen. Select the one you are currently using.

Step 3: Right-click the specific driver to select the option of update drivers. In the next window, choose the method of update, i.e., search automatically for drivers.

Step 4: Repeat the process for all network adapters available on your device.  

Check IP address validity

If you are constantly getting the wifi network but no internet access error, then it could be the IP address that is the root cause. When your computer is unable to connect to the internet, the first thing you should do is check your IP address.

You won’t be internet-connected if your IP address automatically reads identified as invalid. There are a few reasons why this might happen, such as your modem or router not being turned on. Another reason could be a problem with your network configuration. By checking your IP address validity, you can determine whether or not the problem is with your computer or your network.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the windows main menu and select the network and internet option. 

Step 2: In the status window, select the change adapter option. Then double-click the connection you are using from the list. 

Step 3: Click Enable to complete the action. 

Change your DNS Server Address if You aren’t able to Use Your Wi-Fi

When you can’t seem to access the internet, even though you’re connected to Wi-Fi, your DNS server address might be the culprit. Changing it could help you detect why you have no internet.

Your DNS (Domain Name System) server translates domain names into IP addresses. When you enter a website’s URL into your browser, your computer sends a request to the DNS server for the IP address of that website. The DNS server responds with the IP address, and your computer can connect to the website.

If your DNS server is not working correctly, you might not be able to access any websites, regardless of whether you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

Changing the DNS server address from IPv6 to IPv4 can resolve the internet error message. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the windows main menu and select the network and internet option.

Step 2: In the next window, select the option of Change adapter options. 

Step 3: Right-click the network connection option and select properties from the context menu. 

Step 4: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the properties section. Again right-click the option and select properties.

Step 5: In the option of Preferred DNS box, enter the particular address, i.e., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8, or 8.8.4.4. Restart your device and launch your internet browser to check the internet connection.

Turn off 5 GHz bandwidth

Most of the time, internet connection frequency is the real case for Wifi-connected no internet error.

There are many benefits to disabling the 5 GHz frequency on your WiFi adapter. You may want to disable it if you’re having trouble connecting to the internet. By disabling the 5 GHz frequency, you can help troubleshoot the problem and determine if it’s an issue with your adapter or the network itself.

Disabling the 5 GHz frequency can also improve signal strength and connection stability if you have a dual-band WiFi adapter. This is because the 2.4 GHz frequency is less congested and has a more extended range than the 5 GHz frequency. Hence, changing the bandwidth from the computer’s wifi adapter can help resolve the internet access problem. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings with windows key+ I shortcut keys from the keyboard. In the settings menu, select the option of network and internet.

Step 2: In the network and internet window, select the option of change adapter options in the status tab.

Step 3: From the list of network adapters, select the specific adapter and right-click the option to select properties from the context menu.

Step 4: In the properties window, click the option of configure.

Step 5: In the next step, move to the advanced tab and select wireless mode.

Step 6: In the next window, click the value and set it to 802.11b/g. Click ok to complete the action. Restart the device to check if the error persists.

Run a Malware Scan after a Network Reset

Malware scans can help you detect why you have no internet but you’re connected to WiFi. If your computer is infected with malware, it can cause problems with your internet connection, including preventing you from accessing the internet. A malware scan can help you detect and remove any malware causing these problems.

These potential viruses or malware can result in internet access problems like Wifi connected with no internet error. Hence running the scan with windows defender can resolve the issue. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch Settings from the Windows main menu. Right-click the Windows icon and select Settings from the list. 

Step 2: In the settings menu, select the option of windows security followed by selecting virus and threat protection from the left pane. 

Step 3: In the virus and threat protection section, navigate to the scan option and click it. It will launch the scan menu.

Step 4: Select the mode of the scan, i.e., click the option of full scan and click scan now to initiate the action. Let the scan complete. Once completed, restart the device to check if the device gets internet access.

Keep Your Operating Systems Updated Regularly

Operating system updates can be vital in detecting and resolving internet connection issues. By keeping your operating system up-to-date, you may be able to identify and fix any problems that are preventing you from having a working internet connection. In some cases, an outdated operating system may not include the necessary updates or drivers to connect to the internet properly.

By keeping your operating system up-to-date, you can ensure that you have the latest fixes and internet connection features. Many operating system updates also include security patches that can help protect your computer from online threats.

Here are 5 Additional Tips to Maintain a Strong Internet Connection

The following are five tips to help you maintain a strong internet connection and improve your online experience:

1. Check your router’s settings. Routers come with default settings that may not be ideal for your home network. Check the settings and make changes as needed to improve performance.
2. Optimize your computer. Make sure your computer is optimized for use with the internet. This includes updating the operating system and all software and ensuring a good antivirus program is installed.
3. Use an Ethernet cable. If you are using a laptop, try using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi whenever possible, this will give you a stronger connection and improved performance.
4. Reboot your modem and router periodically. This will clear out any built-up congestion and help improve performance.
5. Invest in a quality Wi-Fi router. If you are having trouble with a weak or spotty Wi-Fi connection, consider investing in a quality router that will better serve your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions