FIX: Windows 10 has WiFi but I can’t access the Internet
- Even if you can see the WiFi icon on your Windows 10 taskbar, that doesn't guarantee Internet access.
- If you see a yellow mark next to the Wi-Fi icon, you might have a problem with your router. Let's solve these issues using our guide below.
- For any other problems with your hardware or software, bookmark our Tech Troubleshooting page for further reference.
- Should you encounter any other network problems, you can rely on our Network & Internet Hub to find a solution.
If you have issues with your Internet connections in Windows 10 while connected to the WiFi, read this guide to find out why your Internet access isn’t working and what you can do to fix it.
Even though your WiFi icon shows up in your taskbar of the Windows 10 system, you can still have some issues with the Internet access.
What can I do if I have WiFi connection but no Internet access?
- Try a different browser
- Restart your Wi-Fi device
- Restart the Internet router
- Unplug/plug the cable
- Disconnect/reconnect to the Wi-Fi router
- Other Wi-Fi/Internet connection issues in Windows 10
1. Try a different browser
As this might be a problem with your browser, the first and easiest way of solving the issue would be to simply change your browser to a reliable one like Opera.
This awesome browser is less prone to such problems and errors and has a built-in ad blocker that will speed up the page loading.
And if you want to feel completely safe, use the built-in VPN service that will hide your identity even from your ISP while browsing.
Nowadays, the pandemy is forcing us to stay inside but you can still socialize with ease because you will find Instagram, WhatApp, and Facebook Messenger right on your sidebar.
Don’t take our word for it, try Opera for free right now!
Opera
<span>Use the safest and most reliable browser if you want to avoid any errors and internet connection issues.</span>
2. Restart your Wi-Fi device
- Click the WiFi icon found next to the clock in the taskbar.
- Seeing an exclamation mark next to the WiFi icon means that you’re not connected to the internet.
- Turn off WiFi from your Windows 10 device.
- Reboot your PC.
- Enable the wifi adaptor and check your Internet connectivity.
3. Restart the router
- Power off the router.
- Wait for approximately one minute.
- Power up the router.
- Wait for the router to properly start.
- Try connecting your device to the WiFi connections and check your Internet access.
4. Unplug/plug the cable
- Unplug the Ethernet cable (the internet cable) from the router and plug it directly into your device.
- If the Internet is not working with a direct cable connection then you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider to troubleshoot the problem.
- If your Internet access is working after you plugged in the cable directly then it is most likely an issue with your router.
Note: If it is an issue with your router install it again by following the instructions on the CD that came with it when you bought it.
5. Disconnect/reconnect to the Wi-Fi router
- Disconnect from the router.
- Connect again to the wifi router by entering your password and account.
- Check to see if your Internet access is working properly
Other Wi-Fi/Internet connection issues in Windows 10
This is not the only problem that may occur while trying to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
If you have other connection problems, we recommend you to check the list we have prepared for you. Here are the most common issues:
- Windows 10 can’t connect to this network
- No Internet connection after installing Windows updates
- Problem with wireless adapter or access point on Windows 10
- Wi-Fi doesn’t have a valid IP configuration on Windows 10
If you have any more similar problems or suggestions, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2018 and has been since revamped and updated in August 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
You say reinstall browser for win 8 and 10 but win 10 upgrades itself.
New rule: whenever someone offering tech advice says to reset the router, they must explain how every router in the world is malfunctioning and how to go about resetting routers at coffee shops, airports, corporate offices and other places where wi-fi is offered to the public.
Inspiron 11 3000 2 in 1, Windows 10, TWC Cisco cable modem/router wireless will connect first time after set up or modem reset but on power cycle, sleep or restart get connected but no internet. Happens on home router and another identical Cisco TWC cable modem/router. If reset the modem/router will work again until the laptop is reset again and it fails again.
SOLUTION (if you want to call it that): take the Cisco modem back to TWC and get a Technicolor modem/router instead. Has been working fine for >1 week no mater how many times I reset the laptop.
p.s. my smartTV also started not connecting to the Cisco modem at about the same time so I concluded something wrong with the modem or TWC pushed an update to the modem that broke it. It was random chance I got the Technicolor modem instead of the Cisco and haven’t ha issue since.
My is connected and all my browsers work but only my Multiplayer Games are not connected to internet
SAME.. browsers work fine but, steam, skype, all online games, curse, gamejolt app ETC just if u found a fix tell me! email : supergamerhardcore@gmail.com
This didn’t actually help.
At all.
All you did was go over the same exact steps Windows users have followed since time immemorial, without ever giving possible causes to the internet issue.
Downloaded Windows 10 a few days ago and the Internet connection was fine. Yesterday it stopped working. Your 1st tutorial worked! Thank you for sharing!