Fix “WiFi connected but no Internet” on Windows 11 with this step-by-step guide. Simple, fast, and advanced solutions to restore your connection in minutes.

Introduction

You’re connected to WiFi.
Everything looks normal.
But the moment you open Chrome or Edge—nothing loads.

This “WiFi connected but no internet” Windows 11 issue is one of the most frustrating problems because your laptop shows it’s online, yet the internet simply doesn’t work.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. This issue happens due to a variety of Windows, router, DNS, and driver glitches. The good news? You can fix it easily, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple-to-advanced fixes, step by step, just like you’d find on HowToGeek or WindowsReport.

Let’s get your Internet back.

Quick Fixes (For Fast Readers)

If you want the fastest possible solution, try these first:

1. Restart Your Router & PC

• Turn off router → wait 20 seconds → turn on
• Restart Windows 11

2. Forget & Reconnect WiFi

• Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi
• Manage known networks
• Forget → reconnect

3. Check Date & Time

• Wrong time causes SSL issues
• Settings → Time & Language → Sync time

4. Turn Off VPN

VPNs often block DNS routing.

If none of these helped, let’s move to full step-by-step solutions.

Why Windows 11 Shows “WiFi Connected but No Internet”

This problem appears due to:

Understanding the cause helps you solve it faster.

Step-by-Step Solutions (Easy to Advanced)

Below are tested and proven fixes that solve most “WiFi connected but no Internet Windows 11” problems.

Fix 1: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a smart built-in troubleshooter.

1. Press Win + I
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot
3. Click Other troubleshooters
4. Find Internet Connections
5. Click Run

If it finds the issue, Windows will fix it automatically.

Fix 2: Reset DNS & IP Configuration (CMD Method)

This fix solves:

• DNS issues
• IP conflicts
• “No Internet, Secured” errors
• Pages not loading even with WiFi connected

Steps:

1. Search cmd
2. Right-click → Run as administrator
3. Enter the commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

4. Restart your PC

This is one of the most effective solutions.

Fix 3: Change DNS to Google DNS or Cloudflare

Your ISP DNS may be down.

To change DNS:

1. Open Settings
2. Network & Internet → WiFi
3. Click your network
4. Scroll to DNS server assignment
5. Change to Manual
6. Enable IPv4
7. Enter:

Google DNS

Preferred: 8.8.8.8
Alternate: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS

Preferred: 1.1.1.1
Alternate: 1.0.0.1

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

This solves 90% of connectivity issues.

1. Press Win + I
2. Network & Internet
3. Advanced network settings
4. Scroll and click Network reset
5. Tap Reset now

Your PC will restart and reinstall all network drivers.

Fix 5: Update (or Roll Back) WiFi Drivers

Faulty drivers cause the “WiFi connected but no Internet” Windows 11 problem frequently after updates.

Update driver:

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter
4. Choose Update driver

If Internet broke after a Windows Update:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Right-click WiFi adapter
3. Select Properties → Driver
4. Click Roll Back driver

Fix 6: Disable Metered Connection

Metered mode can prevent background data usage.

1. Settings → Network & Internet → WiFi
2. Tap your network
3. Disable Metered connection

Fix 7: Turn Off Proxy Settings

Incorrect proxy = internet blocked.

1. Press Win + I
2. Go to Network & Internet
3. Click Proxy
4. Turn OFF all proxy options

Fix 8: Reset Your Router (Full Reboot)

If the problem is not in Windows, it’s in the router.

Do this:

1. Turn router OFF
2. Unplug from power
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Turn ON
5. Reconnect WiFi

If still not working, log in to router admin panel and update firmware.

Fix 9: Disable Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes Windows Firewall blocks connections.

1. Search Windows Security
2. Open Firewall & network protection
3. Disable Private network temporarily

If internet works after disabling, add an exception or reset firewall

Fix 10: Power Management Tweaks (Fix Sleep Mode Issues)

Some laptops disable WiFi to save battery.

Steps:

1. Search Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click WiFi adapter → Properties
4. Go to Power Management
5. Uncheck:
   Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power

This fixes the “WiFi works but drops after sleep” issue.

Advanced Fixes (For Persistent Issues)

If nothing worked, try these deeper solutions.

Advanced Fix A: Reset TCP/IP Stack Completely

Run CMD as admin:

netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

Restart PC.

Advanced Fix B: Reset Winsock Catalog

netsh winsock reset catalog

Advanced Fix C: Change Wireless Mode

1. Device Manager
2. WiFi adapter → Properties
3. Advanced tab
4. Find Wireless Mode
5. Change from Auto to 802.11 b/g/n or ac

Try each one.

Advanced Fix D: Create a New Network Profile

Old WiFi profiles can become corrupted.

1. Settings → WiFi
2. Manage Known Networks
3. Forget all networks
4. Reconnect manually

FAQs

1. Why is my Windows 11 WiFi connected but no Internet?

Most commonly due to DNS errors, driver issues, IP conflicts, or router malfunction.

2. How do I fix “No Internet, Secured” in Windows 11?

Reset DNS, renew IP, update drivers, or reset network settings.

3. Does changing DNS fix WiFi issues?

Yes. If your ISP DNS is slow or down, Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can fix it instantly.

4. Why is WiFi not working after a Windows 11 update?

Driver incompatibility. Rolling back or updating the driver usually fixes it.

5. My phone has Internet but my laptop doesn’t—why?

Your router is fine; the issue is inside Windows or your network adapter.