Two Windows 11 computers are unable to access the internet and Chrome reports `DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET`. The problem occurs across browsers, Ethernet cables, network ports, TP-Link devices, and even a USB Ethernet adapter. Other devices, including a TV and a company laptop, can connect normally, and the personal laptop works when connected directly to the BT Hub by Ethernet.
Both affected computers previously had Norton 360 installed, so the firewall seemed like a possible cause. However, disabling or uninstalling Norton, disabling Windows Defender Firewall, and testing in Safe Mode with Networking made no difference. Running `ping google.com` returns "Ping request could not find host google.com," suggesting that DNS name resolution is failing.
I have already restarted and factory-reset the router, reinstalled network drivers, reset TCP/IP and Winsock, flushed and renewed IP settings, tried Google and Cloudflare DNS servers, switched between IPv4 and IPv6, installed a new network card, tested different cables and adapters, run Windows troubleshooters, and installed updates. `ipconfig` also reports that the adapters' media is disconnected. Is there another likely fix, or should resetting Windows be the next step?
3 Answers
The Network Connectivity Status Indicator setting can sometimes make Windows report that there is no internet even when the connection itself works. As a test, open the adapter properties under Advanced network settings and disable Microsoft Network Connectivity Status Indicator, or set `HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesNlaSvcParametersInternetEnableActiveProbing` to `0`. This may correct a false “no internet” status, although it will not fix a genuinely disconnected adapter or missing IP configuration.
The Ethernet port, cable, and browser are unlikely to be the cause because the same behavior occurs with multiple cables, adapters, browsers, and computers. Since other devices work and one laptop works when connected directly to the BT Hub, compare the working direct connection with the TP-Link connection and check whether the TP-Link devices are actually providing a network link rather than just passing an unusable connection.
Since `ping google.com` cannot find the host, this is not just a Chrome problem—the computer is failing to resolve DNS names. That points toward the Windows network configuration, adapter state, or a device between the computer and router rather than browser cache or cookies. Check the adapter status and confirm that it receives a valid IP address, gateway, and DNS server; if the adapter is genuinely showing “Media disconnected,” changing DNS servers will not help until the link is active.
I have already swapped both TP-Link units, changed their ports, and tested several cables. The issue also appears on the desktop when it is connected directly by Ethernet, so the TP-Link devices do not seem to be the only cause.