Start with the simplest checks first

Before you troubleshoot software or settings, confirm that your hardware is actually trying to connect. Look at your router — the device that broadcasts your wireless signal or connects to your modem. If the lights are off or not lit up the way they normally are, unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two to three minutes for it to fully restart.

While the router restarts, check your PC itself. On Windows, look at the bottom right corner of your screen near the clock. You should see a network icon — either a WiFi symbol or an Ethernet cable icon. If it has an X through it or shows a warning symbol, your PC knows the connection is broken. If you use WiFi, make sure it is actually turned on. Some PCs have a physical WiFi switch or a keyboard shortcut (often Fn plus a key with a WiFi symbol) that can accidentally turn wireless off.

If you use an Ethernet cable plugged directly into your PC, check that the cable is firmly seated in the port on both ends. A loose connection is one of the most common reasons a wired connection stops working.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then wait for it to fully come back online before testing your connection again.
  • Check the network icon in your system tray (bottom right on Windows) to see whether your PC recognizes any network at all.
  • If you use WiFi, verify that wireless is turned on — check both the network settings and any physical WiFi switch or keyboard shortcut on your PC.
  • Forget and rejoin your WiFi network, or try a different network if one is available, to rule out a problem with that specific connection.
  • Update or reinstall your network driver if your PC sees the network but cannot connect, or if it connects but has no internet speed.

Check whether your PC sees the network at all

Click the network icon in your system tray. On Windows 10 or 11, this opens a panel showing available networks. If you use WiFi, you should see your network name (called the SSID) in the list. If you do not see any networks at all, your WiFi adapter may be disabled or broken.

If your network appears in the list but shows "Not connected" or a similar message, click it and select "Connect". You will be asked for your WiFi password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, and a single wrong character will prevent connection. If you are not sure of the password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router; it usually lists the default password there.

If you see the network and enter the correct password but the connection still fails, try "Forget this network" and then reconnect from scratch. Sometimes the stored connection information becomes corrupted. After you forget it, wait a few seconds, then click the network again and re-enter the password.

Restart your PC and your modem

A restart often fixes connection problems that are caused by temporary software glitches. Shut down your PC completely — do not just put it to sleep. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on and wait for it to fully load.

While your PC is restarting, also restart your modem if you have one. A modem is the device that connects to your internet service provider; it is usually separate from your router, though some devices combine both functions. Unplug the modem's power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait another two to three minutes for it to fully restart before testing your connection.

The order matters: restart the modem first, then the router, then the PC. This ensures that each device can properly recognize the others when they come back online.

Update or reinstall your network driver

Your network driver is the software that allows your PC to communicate with your WiFi adapter or Ethernet port. If the driver is outdated or corrupted, your PC may see the network but fail to connect, or connect without actually receiving data.

On Windows, right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager". Look for "Network adapters" and click the arrow next to it to expand the list. You should see your WiFi adapter or Ethernet adapter listed. Right-click it and select "Update driver". Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software". Windows will check for a newer version and install it if one is found.

If updating does not work, try uninstalling the driver instead. Right-click the adapter again and select "Uninstall device". Restart your PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver when it boots back up. This often fixes connection problems that updating alone does not solve.

Check your IP address and DNS settings

Your PC needs an IP address to communicate on a network. In most homes, your router assigns this automatically through a system called DHCP. If DHCP is not working, your PC will not be able to use the internet even if it appears connected.

On Windows, open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" into the search box and pressing Enter. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Look for "IPv4 Address" under your network adapter. If it shows something like 169.254.x.x, your PC did not receive an address from the router. If it shows a normal address like 192.168.x.x, your IP configuration is probably fine.

If your IP address is wrong, try releasing and renewing it. In the same Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /release and press Enter, then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. Wait a few seconds and run ipconfig again to see if you now have a proper address.

Test with a different device or network

If you have another device — a phone, tablet, or another PC — try connecting it to the same WiFi network. If the other device connects and works fine, the problem is specific to your PC. If the other device also cannot connect, the problem is with your router or internet service.

If your PC has a wired Ethernet port, try plugging in an Ethernet cable directly from your router or modem. If the wired connection works but WiFi does not, your WiFi adapter is likely broken or disabled. If neither works, the problem is probably with your internet service or router.

If you are at a location with a different WiFi network available, try connecting to that instead. If your PC connects to the other network without trouble, the problem is with your home network specifically, not your PC's hardware.

Contact your internet service provider if nothing works

If you have restarted everything, updated your drivers, and confirmed that other devices cannot connect either, the problem is likely with your internet service or your modem. Contact your internet service provider and describe what you have already tried. They can check whether your account is active, whether your modem is properly registered, and whether there is an outage in your area.

Have your account number and modem model number ready when you call. Your modem model is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself. Your account number is on your bill or in your online account portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PC connect to WiFi but have no internet speed?

Your PC is connecting to the router but not reaching the internet beyond it. Restart your modem and router in that order, then restart your PC. If that does not work, update your network driver. If the problem persists only on your PC and other devices work fine, your network driver may be corrupted and need reinstalling.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually shows the default password. If you changed the password and cannot remember it, you can reset your router to factory defaults by holding down the reset button (usually a small hole you press with a pin) for 10 to 15 seconds. This will erase all your settings, so you will need to set up the network again from scratch.

Can a virus prevent my PC from connecting to the internet?

Yes, but it is less common than a driver or hardware problem. If your PC connects to the network but cannot reach the internet, and other devices work fine, run a full antivirus scan. Use Windows Defender (built into Windows) or read Malwarebytes for a second opinion. If a virus is found and removed, restart your PC.

Why does my connection keep dropping?

If your PC connects and then disconnects repeatedly, restart your router and update your network driver. If the problem continues, move your PC closer to the router to rule out a weak signal. If you use WiFi on a 2.4 GHz band, try switching to 5 GHz if your router supports it — 5 GHz is faster but has shorter range, while 2.4 GHz is slower but more reliable at distance.

What is the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem connects to your internet service provider and converts their signal into data your devices can use. A router takes that data and broadcasts it wirelessly or through Ethernet cables to your devices. Many homes have both as separate devices, but some internet providers give you a combined modem-router unit. If you are unsure, check your bill or call your provider.