PC connected to Wi-Fi but no internet access — pages and apps won’t load

Understanding and Resolving the “Connected to Wi-Fi, No Internet Access” Issue in Windows 11

If you’re experiencing a common yet frustrating problem where your Windows 11 PC shows a connection to Wi-Fi but cannot access the internet, you’re not alone. This issue can impact browsing, application functionality, and overall connectivity, even though the network appears active. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and resolve the root cause.

Identifying the Problem

The symptoms typically include:
– The Wi-Fi connection status indicates “Connected” but no internet access.
– Browsers and applications fail to load pages or connect to online services.
– Other devices on the same network function normally, suggesting the issue is specific to your PC.

Popular Troubleshooting Steps

1. Restart Devices
   Begin by restarting both your PC and your router. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve temporary network glitches.

2. Renew DNS Settings
   Incorrect or outdated DNS configurations can prevent internet access. To address this:

3. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
4. Run the following commands:

ipconfig /flushdns
followed by

netsh int ip reset
– Set Google DNS as a preferred DNS:
– Navigate to Network & Internet settings.
– Open your Wi-Fi network properties.
– Choose IPv4 and set the DNS addresses to:
– Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
– Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

1. Reset Network Stack
   Network stack issues can cause connectivity problems. Resetting it using Command Prompt:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
netsh advfirewall reset
– Restart your PC afterward.

1. Verify Network Driver Status
   Ensure your Wi-Fi adapter driver is correctly installed and up to date:
2. Access Device Manager.
3. Locate your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g., Intel AX201).

4. Update the driver if necessary or reinstall it.

5. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software Temporarily
   Security software can sometimes interfere with network access:

6. Disable your antivirus and firewall temporarily.
7. Test internet connectivity.
8. Remember to re-enable security software afterward.

Additional Recommendations

• Check for Windows Updates: Ensure your system is fully updated as patches can resolve known bugs.
• Use Network Troubleshooter: Windows offers built-in troubleshooters which can identify and fix common issues.
• Go to