My desktop connects to our home Wi‑Fi, but Windows usually reports that there's no internet. Every other device in the house works normally, and this PC can connect to other Wi‑Fi networks—including my phone's hotspot—without any trouble.
This started after a network outage. Restarting the router fixed the connection for everyone else, but not this desktop. The first time, the desktop went without internet for four or five days before suddenly working again. After another outage, it has now been stuck for about two weeks. Occasionally the internet works for a few seconds, then drops back to "no internet."
I've forgotten and re-added the Wi‑Fi network and tried flushing the DNS cache with several Command Prompt commands. I don't use a VPN and I'm not very familiar with IP addresses or router settings. What should I try next?
3 Answers
Try resetting the Windows network stack. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands separately: `netsh winsock reset` and `netsh int ip reset`. Restart the computer afterward. If that doesn’t help, open Settings, go to Network & Internet, Advanced network settings, then Network reset, and restart again. You’ll need to reconnect to saved Wi‑Fi networks afterward.
Because the computer works on other Wi‑Fi networks, the adapter itself is probably okay. The problem may be a DHCP or IP-address conflict between this computer and the home router. When connected to the home Wi‑Fi, check whether you can open the router’s address in a browser and whether the computer has a normal local IP address. Restarting the router and checking for another device or network extender handing out addresses can also help.
Since the issue appears only with this particular router, also check the router for device restrictions, parental controls, or a blocked device list. If the router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try connecting the desktop to the other band. A stale DHCP lease or router compatibility issue could explain why the connection briefly works and then drops.
I can physically restart the router, but I’m not sure how to check the IP address or access the router’s settings. What should I look for?