Network issues

Question

Network issues make sure you're connect to internet.

Answer 1

Hi Anne Hurst,

Before trying any additional troubleshooting, I recommend reviewing and completing the suggestions already provided by the Independent Advisor and the AI-generated response, as they cover the most common causes of this type of network-related error.

If you have already worked through those steps and the issue persists, I would like to gather a bit more information and try a few additional checks:

1. Test with a new Windows user profile

This helps determine whether the issue is caused by corruption within your current Windows profile.

• Select Start > Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
• Under Other users, select Add someone else to this PC.
• Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information and then Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Create a temporary local account and sign in to it.
• Check whether the same error occurs in the new profile.

2. Check the network adapter in Device Manager

A driver or adapter issue can sometimes cause Windows to incorrectly report connectivity problems.

• Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
• Expand Network adapters.
• Look for any yellow warning icons or devices marked with an error.
• Double-click the affected adapter and note any error codes shown on the General tab.
• If you see an error, please share a screenshot or the exact message.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

This can help identify whether a third-party service, VPN client, security software, or startup application is interfering with networking.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig and press Enter.
• Open the Services tab then check Hide all Microsoft services.
• Select Disable all.
• Open the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items and restart the PC and test again.

*Disclaimer: A "clean boot" starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. 

These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by-step so that it will help you get back on track. 

4. Share screenshots of the network status

If the problem continues, please provide screenshots of:

• Settings > Network & Internet > Status
• The network icon in the taskbar
• The exact error message you receive

Additionally, please let me know if the problem begin after a Windows update, driver update, VPN installation, or other system change.

This information will help narrow down whether we're dealing with a Windows profile issue, a driver problem or a system-wide networking issue.

Please also note that Windows 10 has reached end of support. While I will do my best to assist with troubleshooting, Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10. If your device meets the requirements, you may want to consider upgrading to a supported version of Windows as part of your long-term solution.

I look forward to your update. Please let me know the results of these checks and I'll do my best to assist further.

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Answer 2

Try these Windows steps in order:

1. Check whether the PC is actually connected.
   • Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icon on the right side of the taskbar.
   • Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on.
   • Confirm the network shows Connected.
2. Make sure Airplane mode is off.
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode.
   • Turn it off if it is enabled.
3. Run the built-in Network troubleshooter.
   • Go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet.
   • Select Status.
   • Scroll down and select Network troubleshooter.
   • Follow the on-screen steps.
4. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.
   • Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
   • Select the Wi-Fi network and choose Forget.
   • Reconnect and enter the password again.
5. Restart the modem and router.
   • Unplug the router and modem from power.
   • Wait at least 30 seconds.
   • Plug the modem back in first and wait for the lights to stabilize.
   • Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes.
   • Try connecting again.
   • This temporarily disconnects everyone using that network.
6. If Wi-Fi says connected but shows No Internet, try these commands in Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • ipconfig /flushdns
7. Check proxy settings.
   • Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
   • Turn off any manual proxy settings.
8. If sign-in or internet access still fails, test the connection another way.
   • If possible, connect the PC directly to the router with an Ethernet cable.
   • Also test the internet on another device to confirm whether the issue is with the PC or the network.

If the connection is very slow rather than fully disconnected:

• Move closer to the router.
• Stop high-bandwidth apps in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Test another device on the same Wi-Fi.

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