You’re connected to WiFi but can’t access the internet? This frustrating problem has several causes but is usually fixable. Here’s how to get back online.

Quick Diagnosis

First, identify whether the problem is your device or network:

Check other devices:

• Can your phone connect to WiFi and access internet?
• Can other computers in your home get online?

If other devices work: The problem is your computer. If no devices work: The problem is your router or ISP.

Router and Network Fixes

Restart Your Router

The classic fix that works surprisingly often:

1. Unplug router from power
2. Wait 30 seconds (important - clears cache)
3. Plug router back in
4. Wait 2-3 minutes for full startup
5. Try connecting again

Check for ISP Outage

Your internet service may be down:

1. Check ISP website (from phone on mobile data)
2. Look up ”@[YourISP] outage” on Twitter/X
3. Call your ISP’s automated status line
4. Check neighborhood forums/groups

Restart Modem Too

If you have separate modem and router:

1. Unplug modem first
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug modem back in
4. Wait for lights to stabilize (2-3 minutes)
5. Then restart router

Computer Fixes

Fix 1: Restart Your Computer

Simple but effective:

1. Click Start, select Power, choose Restart
2. Wait for full restart
3. Reconnect to WiFi
4. Test internet access

Fix 2: Forget and Reconnect to Network

Clear corrupted connection settings:

1. Click WiFi icon in taskbar
2. Click the arrow next to your network name
3. Right-click your network, select Forget
4. Click your network again
5. Enter password and reconnect

Fix 3: Flush DNS and Renew IP

Clear network cache:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run these commands in order:

   ipconfig /flushdns
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew

3. Test internet connection

Fix 4: Reset Winsock

Reset network protocols:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run:

   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset

3. Restart your computer

Fix 5: Run Network Troubleshooter

Let Windows diagnose the problem:

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot
2. Click Other troubleshooters
3. Run Internet Connections
4. Follow suggested fixes

DNS-Related Fixes

Change DNS Servers

Your ISP’s DNS might be having issues:

Using Google DNS:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > WiFi
2. Click on your connected network
3. Click Edit next to DNS server assignment
4. Select Manual
5. Enable IPv4
6. Enter:
   • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
7. Save

Alternative DNS options:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

Flush DNS Cache Again

After changing DNS:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Test connection

Driver Fixes

Update WiFi Driver

Outdated drivers cause connection issues:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Expand Network adapters
3. Right-click your WiFi adapter
4. Select Update driver
5. Choose Search automatically for drivers
6. Restart if updated

Reinstall WiFi Driver

For persistent driver issues:

1. In Device Manager, right-click WiFi adapter
2. Select Uninstall device
3. Check Delete the driver software if shown
4. Restart computer
5. Windows will reinstall the driver

Download Driver from Manufacturer

For best results:

1. Find your laptop/motherboard model
2. Visit manufacturer’s support website
3. Download the latest WiFi driver
4. Install and restart

Advanced Fixes

Disable IPv6

Sometimes IPv6 causes connectivity issues:

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
2. Click on your connection
3. Click Properties
4. Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
5. Click OK
6. Test connection

Disable VPN or Proxy

VPNs and proxies can interfere:

1. Disconnect any VPN software
2. Check for proxy settings:
   • Settings > Network & internet > Proxy
   • Ensure Use a proxy server is Off

Reset Network Settings

Nuclear option - resets all network settings:

1. Open Settings > Network & internet
2. Click Advanced network settings
3. Click Network reset
4. Click Reset now
5. Computer will restart
6. Reconnect to WiFi

Note: You’ll need to re-enter WiFi passwords.

Check for IP Address Conflict

Two devices with the same IP cause issues:

1. Open Command Prompt
2. Run: ipconfig
3. Note your IP address
4. Check if another device has the same IP
5. Restart both devices or assign static IPs

Specific Scenarios

Works After Restart, Then Fails

Possible causes:

• Power management disabling WiFi
• Driver bug
• IP address conflict

Fix: Disable WiFi power management:

1. Device Manager > Network adapters
2. Right-click WiFi adapter > Properties
3. Power Management tab
4. Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device”

Connected But “No Internet, Secured”

This usually means:

• Router can’t reach the internet
• DNS issues
• Authentication problem with ISP

Try:

1. Restart router
2. Change DNS servers
3. Check if ISP requires re-authentication

Certain Websites Don’t Load

If only some sites don’t work:

• Try different DNS servers
• Clear browser cache
• Try a different browser
• Site may be blocked or down

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Preventing WiFi Issues

1. Keep router firmware updated
2. Restart router weekly - prevents slowdowns
3. Keep WiFi drivers updated
4. Position router centrally - better signal
5. Reduce interference - away from microwaves, cordless phones
6. Use 5GHz when close - faster and less congested

Dallas-Fort Worth WiFi Support

We fix WiFi and network issues throughout DFW including Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Irving, Arlington, Richardson, and all surrounding areas.