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Having internet, but not being able to download anything

sava 0 Reputation points
2026-04-05T10:16:16.3666667+00:00

Why cant i download anything on my pc? It says that i have no internet, even tho i do. I can browse, and my internet isnt slow at all. I just can't download anything. Can someone help?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Internet and connectivity
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sava 0 Reputation points
2026-04-18T08:06:05.0266667+00:00

I've fixed the problem it had something to do with my antivirus.

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  1. Lucus-V 7,405 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-15T22:19:30.4666667+00:00

    Hi sava,

    Please try using custom DNS by these steps:

    1. Open Settings > Network & internet > choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet based on what you're using
    2. Expand your network adapter you're using
    3. Scroll down to DNS server assignment, click Edit
    4. Change the setting to Manual > enable IPv4
    5. Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1, Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
    6. DNS over HTTPS: On (automatic template) if you can modify this setting
    7. Test your connection

    If the above solution does not work with you, please try using a VPN to see if it helps.

    If you have further information, please feel free to let me know.

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  2. Arlene D 36,055 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-05T10:51:19.2+00:00

    Hi, are downloads failing in all apps like browsers and Microsoft Store?

    Open Services by pressing Win + R, type services.msc, then find Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Windows Update, set both to Running and Startup type to Automatic, then restart your PC.

    After that go to Settings, Network & Internet, Advanced network settings, select Network reset and restart again, this refreshes the download services and network stack so apps can detect internet correctly and allow downloads.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-04-05T10:16:29.44+00:00

    Try the following checks and fixes in order, focusing on Windows 11 and common causes where browsing works but downloads fail or show “no internet.”

    1. Check Wi‑Fi / network status and IP/DNS
      Even if web pages load, Windows may think there is “No Internet” due to IP/DNS issues.
    • Turn Wi‑Fi off and back on, then reconnect to the network.
    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: 
        ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  ipconfig /flushdns
    • Check the IP address: if it starts with 169.254.x.x, Windows is not getting a valid IP from the router. In that case, enable DHCP on the router and reconnect.
    • Verify a DNS server is set and can be pinged (for example, the router’s IP) as described in the Wi‑Fi troubleshooting article.
    1. Check for proxy settings
      A misconfigured proxy can allow some browsing but break downloads.
    • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
    • Turn off any manual proxy settings.
    • Try downloads again.
    1. Check security and attachment settings (if downloads are “blocked” or “virus scan failed”)
      If browsers or apps say downloads are blocked or virus scan failed:
    • Open Internet Properties (press Start, type inetcpl.cpl, Enter).
    • Go to Security tab → select Internet zone → Custom level.
    • Under Downloads, set File download to Enable.
    • Under Miscellaneous, set Launching applications and unsafe files to Prompt (recommended).
    • If seeing “virus scan failed” or “virus detected” for every file, temporarily disable antivirus scanning only if the file source is trusted, then re‑enable it immediately after the download completes.
    1. Check for malware, spyware, and heavy add‑ons
      Spyware, viruses, or problematic browser add‑ons can interfere with downloads while normal browsing still appears to work.
    • Run a full scan with antivirus software and an antispyware tool.
    • Disable unnecessary browser add‑ons (toolbars, download helpers, etc.) and test again.
    • Close other heavy programs to free memory and disk space; low resources can cause downloads to hang or fail.
    1. If the problem is only in Microsoft Edge or Microsoft Store
      If downloads fail only in Edge or Store but work elsewhere:
    • For Edge: ensure a stable connection, clear cache/cookies, and temporarily disable firewall/antivirus that might block Edge downloads as described in the Edge troubleshooting article.
    • For Microsoft Store: reset the Store app from Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options > Reset, then restart and test.

    If after these steps Windows still shows “No Internet” and nothing downloads, but other devices on the same network download normally, the issue is likely specific to that Windows installation (corrupted components, drivers, or security software) and may require deeper repair or a support case.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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