How to Fix Windows 11 Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for work, gaming, streaming, and everyday browsing. However, users often encounter connectivity issues with Windows 11. Whether your Wi-Fi is dropping, the internet is slow, or there’s no connection at all, learning how to fix Windows 11 internet connection issues can save you time and frustration. This guide will cover the most common Windows 11 internet problems and how to fix them step by step. Whether the issue lies in your network settings, hardware, or software, these troubleshooting methods will help restore your connection.

Common Windows 11 Internet Connection Issues

Before we dive into solutions, here are some common problems users face:

• Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting or is slow
• Ethernet not working
• No internet access despite being connected
• Network adapter issues
• DNS server not responding
• Proxy or VPN interference

Now, let’s explore how to fix Windows 11 internet connection issues effectively.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

1. Restart Your PC and Router

One of the simplest yet effective ways to fix connectivity issues is by restarting your devices.

• Restart your PC: Click on Start > Power > Restart.
• Restart your router/modem: Unplug it from the power source, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.

Check if your internet connection is restored after restarting.

2. Check If Airplane Mode is Enabled

If your PC is in Airplane mode, it will disable all network connections. To check:

• Click on the Network icon in the taskbar.
• Ensure Airplane mode is turned off.

3. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix network issues.

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Click Run next to Internet Connections.
4. Follow the prompts and apply suggested fixes.

Advanced Fixes for Windows 11 Internet Issues

If the basic steps don’t resolve the problem, try these advanced solutions.

4. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause connectivity problems.

• Update drivers:
  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right-click your network adapter and choose Update driver.
  4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
• Reinstall drivers:
  1. Right-click your network adapter and select Uninstall device.
  2. Restart your PC, and Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

5. Reset Network Settings

If your connection is still not working, resetting the network settings might help.

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
3. Click Network reset and then Reset now.
4. Restart your PC.

6. Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP

Corrupt DNS settings can prevent your PC from accessing the internet. To fix this:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search cmd, then right-click and select Run as administrator).
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

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

3. Restart your computer and check your internet connection.

7. Disable Proxy and VPN

A misconfigured proxy or VPN can interfere with your connection.

• Disable Proxy:
  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
  2. Turn off Use a proxy server.
• Disable VPN:
  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN.
  2. Disconnect or remove any active VPN connections.

8. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software may block your internet connection.

• Temporarily disable firewall:
  1. Open Windows Security by searching in the Start menu.
  2. Click Firewall & network protection.
  3. Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks.
• Disable antivirus software: If you use third-party antivirus software, disable it temporarily and check if the issue is resolved.

9. Switch to a Different DNS Server

Changing the DNS server to Google or Cloudflare can improve connectivity.

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi (depending on your connection type).
2. Click Edit under DNS settings.
3. Choose Manual and set:
   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
4. Click Save and restart your PC.

10. Check for Windows Updates

A Windows update may fix bugs causing connectivity issues.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any pending updates and restart your PC.

Conclusion

If you were wondering how to fix Windows 11 internet connection issues, this guide covers all the essential steps. From basic troubleshooting like restarting your devices to advanced solutions such as resetting your network and updating drivers, these methods should help restore your internet connection. If the problem persists, consider contacting your ISP or reinstalling Windows 11 as a last resort. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix Windows 11 internet connection issues, ensuring a smooth online experience.