Steps to Troubleshoot “No Internet” on a Desktop

Created by Branden L. Willis, Modified on Thu, 10 Jul at 3:20 PM by Branden L. Willis

1. Check Physical Connections

  • Ensure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into both the computer and the router/modem.

  • If using Wi-Fi, confirm the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled and connected.

2. Restart the Computer

  • A simple reboot can resolve many connectivity issues by refreshing the system’s network settings.

3. Reboot the Modem and Router

  • Unplug both the modem and router, wait 30 seconds, then plug them back in.

  • Wait a few minutes for them to fully power on.

4. Verify Network Status

  • Wired Connection: Check if the network icon (bottom-right) shows a red “X” or yellow warning.

  • Wireless: See if the Wi-Fi icon shows connected but “No Internet.”

5. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

  • Go to:
    Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network Troubleshooter

  • Follow on-screen prompts to detect and fix issues automatically.

6. Check IP Address Configuration

  • Open Command Prompt and type:
    ipconfig

  • Look for:

    • A valid IPv4 address (e.g., 192.168.x.x)

    • If the IP is 169.254.x.x, your PC didn’t receive an IP from the router.

7. Release & Renew IP Address

  • In Command Prompt, type:

    bash
    CopyEdit
    ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
  • This forces your system to request a new IP address.

8. Flush DNS Cache

  • In Command Prompt, type:

    bash
    CopyEdit
    ipconfig /flushdns
  • This clears outdated domain data that could be causing issues.

9. Disable & Re-enable Network Adapter

  • Go to:
    Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings

  • Right-click the connection > Disable, then Enable after a few seconds.

10. Test on Another Device

  • If other devices also have no internet, the issue is likely with the router or ISP.

  • If other devices work fine, the issue is isolated to the desktop.

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