If Windows 11 shows Wi-Fi: Connected but websites don’t load, the Wi-Fi signal is fine—your PC is usually failing at DNS, IP routing, proxy/VPN, driver, or the Windows network stack. Follow these steps in order. Most issues are solved quickly.
Start here (hub):
Windows 11 Troubleshooting Guide
Related guides (common side-problems):
- Updates failing or stuck: >Fix Windows 11 update stuck
- PC slow + fans loud: >Windows 11 high CPU usage fixes
Quick checks (30–60 seconds)
Before deeper changes:
- Check if other devices (phone) work on the same Wi-Fi.
- Restart the router: power off 2 minutes, then power on.
- Toggle Airplane mode: ON → wait 10 sec → OFF.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi and test again.
If your phone works but Windows 11 still has no internet, continue.
Fix steps (do these in order)
1) Forget the network and reconnect
A broken saved profile can cause “Connected, no internet.”
- Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi
- Manage known networks → select your network → Forget
- Reconnect using password
2) Turn off VPN and proxy (very common cause)
VPN: disconnect and test.
Proxy: Settings → Network & internet → Proxy → turn Use a proxy server OFF.
3) Restart the Wi-Fi adapter
- Win + X → Device Manager → Network adapters
- Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter → Disable (10 sec) → Enable
4) Run Windows troubleshooters
- Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Run: - Internet Connections
- Network Adapter (if available)
5) Reset DNS + network stack (best fix for most people)
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
Restart PC and test.
6) Set DNS manually (Cloudflare or Google)
DNS issues are a top reason for this problem.
- Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → your connected network
- Edit DNS
Use one: - Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
- Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
Save and test.
Advanced fixes (if it still says “no internet”)
7) Disable IPv6 (test only)
Some routers/ISPs have broken IPv6 routing.
- Control Panel → Network Connections
- Right-click Wi-Fi → Properties
- Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
Reconnect and test.
8) Update (or roll back) Wi-Fi drivers
Driver problems can break routing/DNS.
- Device Manager → Wi-Fi adapter → Properties → Driver
Try: - Update driver
If issue started after a recent update: - Roll Back Driver
Best practice: install the latest driver from your laptop/motherboard brand website.
9) Disable power-saving for the Wi-Fi adapter
Windows may “sleep” the adapter.
- Device Manager → Wi-Fi adapter → Properties
- Power Management tab
Uncheck: Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power
Restart and test.
10) Network reset (last resort but effective)
- Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings
- Network reset → Reset now
PC restarts → reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Quick diagnosis (optional but useful)
Run these:
ping 8.8.8.8
ping google.com
- If ping 8.8.8.8 works but ping google.com fails → DNS problem (use DNS fix above).
- If both fail → IP/gateway/driver/router problem (use reset/driver steps).
FAQs
- Why does Windows 11 say “Connected” but there’s no internet?
Because Wi-Fi association is fine, but DNS, routing, proxy/VPN, or the network stack is failing. - Should I restart the router or Windows settings first?
If other devices work, troubleshoot Windows first. If all devices fail, router/ISP is the problem. - Is changing DNS safe?
Yes. It only changes how domain names resolve. You can revert anytime. - Can a VPN cause “connected but no internet”?
Yes—especially if the VPN kill-switch is enabled or VPN DNS is misconfigured. - Will Network Reset delete my files?
No. It only resets networking settings. You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords. - Why does this keep happening after sleep mode?
Often power management or driver issues. Disable adapter power saving and update drivers. - What if the issue happens only on one Wi-Fi network?
It’s likely router settings, DNS at router level, or ISP routing. Try mobile hotspot to confirm.
Summary
Start with forgetting the network, disabling VPN/proxy, then reset DNS/network stack. If it still fails, update drivers, disable power saving, and use Network Reset as a strong last step.
