“Default gateway is not available” and “Unidentified network” is stopping me from using the internet

Understanding and Resolving the “Default Gateway Is Not Available” and “Unidentified Network” Connectivity Issues on Windows 10

Networking problems such as “Default Gateway Is Not Available” and “Unidentified Network” can be frustrating, especially when they prevent internet access on your PC. These issues may stem from software misconfigurations or hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will explore common causes, troubleshooting steps, and potential solutions to restore your network connectivity effectively.

Overview of the Issue

Many users, particularly those utilizing wired Ethernet connections, encounter sudden network disruptions where the system fails to recognize the network correctly. Symptoms include:

Error messages stating “Default gateway is not available” or “Unidentified network.”
Intermittent or complete loss of internet access.
Inability to browse websites or use online services.

Hardware Context

In some cases, these problems involve specific network adapters. For example, the Qualcomm Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Ethernet adapter is a common hardware component. Since many users operate on older or second-hand hardware, compatibility or aging components can contribute to connectivity issues.

Common Causes

Outdated or corrupted network drivers.
Incorrect network settings or configurations.
Hardware issues with the network adapter.
Router or modem problems.
System glitches or conflicts after updates.

Troubleshooting Steps

Restart Your Networking Equipment
Power off your modem and router.
Wait for about 30 seconds.
Turn them back on and wait until they reconnect fully.
Restart Your Computer
Simple reboots can resolve temporary glitches.
Check Physical Connections
Ensure Ethernet cables are securely plugged in.
Test with a different Ethernet cable if possible.
Confirm the network adapter is properly seated and recognized in Device Manager.
Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
Open Device Manager (Press Windows + X > Device Manager).
Locate your network adapter (e.g., Qualcomm Atheros AR8151 PCI-E).
Right-click and select “Update driver.”
Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
If no update is found, consider visiting the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver.
Alternatively, you can uninstall the device and restart Windows to reinstall the driver automatically.
Reset Network Settings
Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search “cmd,” right-click, “Run as administrator”).
Execute the following commands one by one: