Why do existing connections work while websites and game services stop connecting?

The fact that an existing game session keeps working while newly launched services fail can indicate a broken connection path, such as an MTU or IPv6 problem. Try temporarily disabling IPv6 on the Wi‑Fi adapter and test again. You can also compare the result using a phone hotspot; if everything works through the hotspot, that points more toward the router or ISP path, while failure on both networks points toward Windows or installed software.

Run a few tests while the problem is happening: `ping 1.1.1.1`, `ping google.com`, `curl -4 https://example.com`, and `curl -6 https://example.com`. A successful ping does not prove that web traffic is working, because ping uses ICMP while websites use TCP and TLS. If IPv4 works but IPv6 fails, disable IPv6 temporarily or investigate the router’s IPv6 configuration. If both curl tests fail only on this computer, inspect the Windows firewall, proxy settings, and network adapter driver.

Since your phone works on the same Wi‑Fi and both ping and DNS look normal, the modem or ISP is less likely to be the main cause. The problem is probably specific to the Windows PC or to new TCP connections. Check whether a VPN, proxy, third-party antivirus, or firewall is interfering. In Windows, open Command Prompt as administrator and try `netsh winsock reset`, `netsh int ip reset`, then restart the PC. Also check Windows proxy settings and temporarily disable VPN or security software for testing.