Windows 10 lost network and internet, solution.
Network disappearance in Windows 10 can be frustrating and disrupt your work or entertainment. Fortunately, there are many solutions you can try to restore your connection. Here’s an extended list with a more detailed explanation of each step:
Basic Checks and Restarts:
- Restart your computer and router: This is the first step to try, as it can often resolve temporary glitches that are interfering with your connection. Restarting your computer clears the RAM and restarts all processes, including those responsible for network connectivity. Restarting your router refreshes its settings and can resolve issues with DHCP or routing.
- Check physical connections: Sometimes the problem can be as simple as a loose or disconnected cable. Make sure the Ethernet cable is securely plugged into the Ethernet port on your computer and into the LAN port on your router. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your computer and that you’re connected to the correct network. You can check this by clicking on the network icon in the taskbar and making sure you’re connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Check other devices: If other devices on your network, such as smartphones, tablets, or other computers, also don’t have internet access, the problem is most likely with your router or internet service provider (ISP). In this case, you should contact your ISP for assistance. They will be able to check the status of your connection and provide further help.
Using Built-in Windows Tools:
- Network troubleshooter: Windows 10 has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network problems. This tool can check things like IP address settings, DNS settings, network adapter status, and other potential issues. To run the network troubleshooter, right-click on the network icon in the taskbar, select “Troubleshoot problems,” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Check network adapter status: Your network adapter is the hardware component that allows your computer to connect to the network. If it’s disabled or malfunctioning, you won’t be able to access the internet. To check the network adapter status, open the “Network and Sharing Center,” click “Change adapter settings,” and find your network adapter in the list. If it’s disabled, right-click on it and select “Enable.” If it’s enabled but you’re still having problems, try disabling it and then re-enabling it to refresh its state.
- Network reset: If other methods haven’t helped, you can try resetting your network settings to their default values. This will remove all known networks and settings, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN settings. After the reset, you’ll need to reconnect to your networks. To reset your network settings, go to “Settings” -> “Network & Internet” -> “Status” and click “Network reset.”
Additional Troubleshooting Steps:
- Update network adapter drivers: Drivers are software that allows your computer to interact with hardware components, including the network adapter. Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to network problems. To update your network adapter drivers, open the “Device Manager,” find your network adapter in the list, right-click on it, and select “Update driver.” You can also download the latest drivers from the website of your computer or network adapter manufacturer.
- Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall: Sometimes antivirus software or a firewall can block network connections, mistakenly identifying them as malicious. To check if this is the cause of your problem, temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall and see if your network connection is restored. If so, you’ll need to configure your antivirus and firewall to allow legitimate network traffic.
- Check for malware: Malware, such as viruses, trojans, or spyware, can modify network settings and prevent you from connecting to the internet. Perform a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program to check for and remove any malware.
If the problem persists:
- Contact Microsoft support or a network specialist: If you’ve tried all the above steps and still can’t restore your network connection, you may need professional assistance. You can contact Microsoft support or a qualified network specialist who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.
- Contact your internet service provider (ISP): If you suspect the problem is with your internet connection, such as if you have no signal or are getting an error message from your ISP, you should contact your ISP. They will be able to check the status of your connection from their end and provide further assistance.
Remember:
- Create a system restore point: Before making any significant changes to your network settings or installing new drivers, create a system restore point. This will allow you to revert your computer to its previous state if something goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.
- Be patient and methodical: Troubleshooting network problems can take some time and effort. It’s important to be patient and try different solutions one at a time until you find one that works for you. Don’t give up, and you’ll eventually be able to restore your network connection.