Fix common issues with Wi-Fi in Windows 10 and 11
If you find yourself unable to connect to wireless internet (Wi-Fi) in Windows 10 and 11, you may experience connection issues when attempting to browse the web, steaming media, and access your email.
Please try running the Network Troubleshooter
In the Windows Settings app, you can start the automated Network troubleshooter application to detect possible problems as well as solutions to fix the issue. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to General Troubleshooting steps.
Windows 11
Windows 10
- Right-click on the Windows Start icon on the taskbar, select Settings from the menu
- Click on the Network & Internet menu option on the left sidebar
- Scroll down and select the Network troubleshooter option
- A new window titled Troubleshoot Problems will then proceed to open. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Understanding Windows Wi-Fi Icons
Windows 10 and 11 both feature a range of icons which primarily display on the bottom right corner of the taskbar and in the Windows settings app. Not all icons featured for Windows 11 are supported in Windows 10.
Icon (Windows 11) | Icon (Windows 10) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
|
| Wi-Fi Connected: You’re connected to Wi-Fi and the Internet should be working. If you see this icon but you’re still having connectivity issues, the problem might be with a specific app or website or a firewall blocking your Internet connection. |
| VPN or Proxy Connected: You have an active Virtual Private Network or proxy connected. | |
|
| Not connected, Offline: Your device doesn't have an Internet connection. For Wi-Fi, this can appear for one or more reasons. |
General Troubleshooting
Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the Wi-Fi problem:
Check your network connection status
- Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons
on the right side of the taskbar - Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on
- Check if your network name shows Connected below it. If it displays a status other than Connected, select a Wi-Fi network you recognize from the list of available networks. Then, click on the network and attempt to connect
Check airplane mode is turned off
- Go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then Airplane mode
- Ensure Airplane mode is turned off
Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network
- Open the
Settings app on your Windows device - Select Network & internet, then Wi-Fi, then select Manage known networks
- Select the Wi-Fi network you would like to connect to, and click Forget
- Reconnect to the network by selecting it and entering the password
Conclusion
If you have followed all the steps above, and you are still unable to get connected to wireless Wi-Fi, please consider contacting Microsoft Support, or your network administrator, or internet service provider (ISP) to resolve connection issues with your Windows device. If you are a network administrator, we advise you to follow the external documentation resources linked below.
Helpful resources
- Microsoft Support: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows | Microsoft Windows Support
- Contact Microsoft Support: Microsoft Support
About this article
- Written by Gary Phatt, a TheOpenRoad Support employee.
- Still need help? Please write to us in the comment section below or contact TheOpenRoad support.
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