A computer that will not connect to the internet may have a Wi-Fi fault, ethernet fault, adapter issue, DNS problem, router issue or security setting in the way.
The right order matters. If every device is down, do not spend an hour repairing Windows. If only the computer is down, do not wipe the router.
Check in this order
Run through the safe checks before you spend money, reset devices or start changing settings you may need later.
- Check whether other devices can get online.
- Restart the computer fully.
- If using Wi-Fi, forget and rejoin the network.
- If using ethernet, try a different cable or router socket.
- Disable VPN temporarily if one is installed.
What the symptoms usually mean
No networks appear in the list at all
Usually points to
The wireless adapter is disabled, missing a driver, or switched off by a physical slider or function key. The computer is not failing to connect; it is not looking.
Best next step
Check for a physical wireless switch and the Fn key with a radio-tower symbol, then confirm the adapter is present and enabled in Device Manager.
It connects to the network but shows a warning triangle
Usually points to
The computer has joined but not been given a valid address, or it has assigned itself a fallback address because the router did not answer.
Best next step
Check whether the address starts 169.254 - that is the self-assigned range and means the router never responded with a proper address.
A wired connection works but Wi-Fi does not
Usually points to
This isolates the fault cleanly to the wireless side: the adapter, its driver, or the saved network. The rest of the computer's networking is proven fine.
Best next step
Update or reinstall the wireless adapter driver specifically, rather than resetting the whole network configuration.
If your problem is slightly different
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Get this fixed
Wi-Fi help
On-site Wi-Fi diagnosis and fixes across Ayrshire. Weak signal, dead spots, dropouts, router setup, mesh systems and connected-but-no-internet faults.
Laptop Wi-Fi problems
Help when one laptop will not join Wi-Fi, keeps dropping out, or says it is connected but still has no internet.
Remote support
Remote support for quick software, email, account and setup problems where a home visit is not needed.
Official references worth checking
Ofcom: broadband speeds and minimum guarantees
Useful when the line itself is underperforming and you need to know what your provider should investigate.
Openreach: checks for fibre ONT boxes
Helpful for full-fibre homes with an Openreach ONT, especially when PON or LOS lights are involved.
BT: factory resetting a BT Hub
Confirms what a factory reset does and why it is different from a normal restart.
Wi-Fi and ethernet fail differently
If ethernet works but Wi-Fi does not, the wireless adapter, driver or saved network may be the issue. If Wi-Fi works but ethernet does not, the cable, socket or network card matters.
If neither works on one computer but other devices are fine, Windows network settings become the focus.
DNS can make the internet look broken
Sometimes the computer has a connection but cannot translate website names. That can make browsers fail while the actual network connection is alive.
- No networks visible: adapter or driver
- Connected but no browsing: DNS or IP
- All devices down: router or provider
Remote support may work if there is another route online
If the computer can use a phone hotspot or ethernet, remote help may be enough. If it cannot get online at all, a visit is usually more practical.
Do not delete network drivers without a plan
Removing the wrong adapter or driver can leave the computer with no easy way back online.
Quick questions
Can a computer be connected but still not browse?
Yes. DNS, IP, VPN, browser and security settings can all break browsing while the connection appears active.
Is this a router problem?
If other devices work, probably not. If every device fails, the router or provider is more likely.
Can you fix Windows internet settings?
Yes. I can repair Windows network settings, drivers and configuration where appropriate.
Maintained by
Graeme Tudhope, Ayrshire Tech Help
Graeme has been repairing computers, fixing Wi-Fi and helping Ayrshire homes and small businesses since 2008. Every article is based on real problems seen during local home visits, bench repairs and remote support sessions, with advice written to protect files, money and time before anyone books paid help.