Wi-Fi Connects, but My Laptop Can’t Access the Internet

The original description is a little broad, so note exactly what fails: web browsers, applications, or only the VPN. If removing the VPN doesn’t help, try disconnecting and reconnecting to Wi-Fi, forgetting the network and joining again, and checking the laptop’s DNS and proxy settings.

Some VPNs have a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic when the VPN is disconnected. Uninstalling the VPN temporarily is a good test. If that fixes the issue, reinstall it and disable the kill switch, or reset its network settings.

Make sure the phone is actually using Wi-Fi rather than switching to mobile data. Some phones automatically use cellular data when Wi-Fi is having trouble, so the phone working doesn’t always prove that the laptop’s internet path is fine.

Restart the laptop rather than only shutting it down and turning it back on. Also check that it’s connected to the intended access point—the Wi-Fi router or network name—and not a nearby network with limited access. You don’t need to ping another person’s IP; use a known public address such as `8.8.8.8` for testing.

First determine whether you’re connected only to the local Wi-Fi network or whether you can reach the wider internet. Open Command Prompt and try `ping google.com`, then try `ping 8.8.8.8`. If the IP address works but the domain name fails, it’s probably a DNS problem. If neither works, the VPN, adapter settings, or default route may be blocking traffic.