Connected, no internet (or unidentified network): how to fix it on Windows 11

The network icon shows you’re connected, but it says “No internet” — or, over Ethernet, “Unidentified network”? That means the computer is connected to the router, but the path to the internet broke somewhere. The first step is finding out where.

Step 1: is it the router or the computer?

1. Test the internet on your phone, on the same network.
2. No device can browse: unplug the router (and the ISP modem, if separate) for 30 seconds and wait 2 minutes after plugging it back in. If it continues, it’s an ISP problem.
3. Only the computer can’t browse: follow the next steps.

Step 2: check whether the PC got an IP address

In Command Prompt or PowerShell, run ipconfig and find the adapter you’re using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

An address starting with 169.254 means the computer didn’t get an IP from the router. Request a new one:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

Step 3: forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect

Under Settings › Network & internet › Wi-Fi › Manage known networks, click Forget next to your network and reconnect by typing the password.

Step 4: reset Windows networking

In PowerShell as administrator, reset the network components and restart the computer:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

If that doesn’t help, use the full reset under Settings › Network & internet › Advanced network settings › Network reset:

Step 5: DNS, VPN and proxy

• Sites won’t load, but the IP is fine: it may be DNS — see DNS server not responding.
• VPN or proxy: disconnect the VPN and, under Settings › Network & internet › Proxy, turn off any proxy you didn’t set up.

FAQ