My Windows 11 PC suddenly stopped loading websites and other internet-dependent apps. This started while downloading a game mod and then using Steam Workshop; the download reached about 85% before the connection began dropping repeatedly. Windows still shows a full Wi-Fi signal and says "Connected, Secured," but browsers and other online services do not work. I do not have a traditional Wi-Fi router, so I tested two different phone hotspots, and the problem was the same on both. The hotspots work normally for other devices. I have already updated the Wi-Fi card driver, but the connection speed and behavior do not change between networks. Could this be malware, or is there another Windows or network setting I should check?
3 Answers
A full Wi-Fi icon only means the computer has a strong connection to the hotspot; it does not guarantee that traffic is reaching the internet. Check whether you can ping the hotspot gateway and a public IP address. For example, try `ping 1.1.1.1` and then `nslookup example.com`. If the IP ping works but name lookup fails, the problem is likely DNS. If neither works, look at the adapter, firewall, VPN, proxy, or Windows networking stack.
Since the same problem happens with two different hotspots that work for other devices, the issue is probably on the PC rather than with the internet connection. Restart the computer first, then check whether Windows has a proxy or VPN enabled. You can also open Command Prompt as administrator and run `ipconfig /flushdns`, `netsh winsock reset`, and `netsh int ip reset`, then restart Windows. If that does not help, temporarily uninstall the Wi-Fi adapter from Device Manager and let Windows detect it again.
Malware is possible, but it is not the most likely explanation here. Most malware benefits from having internet access rather than disabling it completely. Run a full scan with Windows Security, including the offline scan if available, and check recently installed programs or browser extensions. Also verify that no security software, VPN, or proxy started blocking connections around the time the download failed.
I was worried because it began during a download, but there was no obvious warning or suspicious program. I will run a full security scan while checking the network settings.
The hotspots work normally for everything else, and the PC behaves the same on both of them. I have already updated the Wi-Fi card, but I will check the proxy and network reset commands.