Tips for Fixing Internet Connection Problems in Windows 10
There is nothing so annoying as not being able to access the Internet… you can’t even get online to check for help.
In this article, we’re going to cover several tips to help you fix your internet problems including completely resetting your Windows 10 network settings. Remember though, resetting your Windows 10 network settings should be the last resort; reset the network settings only after you’ve tried everything else covered here.
1. Make sure it’s your computer’s problem.
If you have another device in the house like another PC, tablet, or smartphone and it cannot connect either – it’s not your PC – it’s your internet provider or your equipment. If your Internet connection is not working at all for any device, call or your connection is much slower than the speed you’re paying for, call your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
If it’s just your computer that is having problems connecting, then keep reading.
2. Power cycle your modem/router.
See our article about power cycling here.
If this does not help, move on to step #3.
3. Run Windows Network Troubleshooters
Right-click on your connection icon and click “Troubleshoot problems” – you can also find network troubleshooters in Settings > Network & Internet > Status.)
4. If nothing else works, try resetting the Windows network settings
If you still cannot connect then try completely resetting all Windows network settings. This will remove and reinstall all your network adapters and reset all networking components back to their default settings. If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection after you do this reset, you’ll need to type in your Wi-Fi password. So, make sure you know what it is before you start.
See our article here to learn how to find your Wi-Fi network password.
How to Completely Reset Windows 10 Network Settings
1. Open Settings (right-click on the Start button and click Settings).
2. In Settings click on Network & Internet. Under Status, near the bottom, click Reset network.
If you want to proceed with completely resetting Windows 10 Network settings, click on the “Reset now” button. This will remove all network adapters, reinstall them, and return all your network settings to their original values.
REMINDER: Make sure you know what your Wi-Fi network password is before you begin. You need it to log in to your Wi-Fi network. Do a Network reset does not change your Wi-Fi password. Your Wi-Fi password can only be changed in your router’s settings.