Network, DNS & VPN · reviewed troubleshooting

Wi-Fi not working in Windows 11: a safe troubleshooting order

Diagnose a Windows 11 Wi-Fi problem from the least disruptive checks to network reset.

Applies to: Windows 11Change risk: Low to mediumReviewed: 2026-09-17

Do this first

Confirm Wi-Fi is on and Airplane mode is off.
Test the same network from a second device.
Restart the PC and, if the problem affects several devices, restart the modem/router.
Forget the affected Wi-Fi network and reconnect before using broader resets.

What this problem usually means

A Wi-Fi failure can sit at several layers: the local radio and adapter, the saved network profile, IP/DNS configuration, the router, or software such as VPN clients. The fastest diagnosis is to separate a PC-only problem from a network-wide problem before resetting anything.

Ordered repair path

Work from the narrowest fix to the broader one.

Run the Network and Internet troubleshooter

Low risk

Why this belongs here: Windows 11 can check common adapter and configuration problems without changing unrelated settings.

Open the Get Help app.
Search for the Network and Internet troubleshooter.
Run the diagnostics and apply only the fixes it identifies.
Test the connection again before continuing.

Forget and reconnect to the network

Low risk

Why this belongs here: This replaces a stale saved Wi-Fi profile without resetting every network adapter.

Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
Open Manage known networks.
Select the affected network and choose Forget.
Reconnect and enter the Wi-Fi password again.

Reset the TCP/IP and DNS client state

Medium risk

Why this belongs here: This is useful when the adapter connects but addressing or name resolution is stuck.

Open Windows Terminal as administrator.
Run the commands below one at a time.
Restart Windows after the commands finish.

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Before you do this: These commands reset networking state. Save remote work first and expect the connection to drop during the reset.

Use Network reset only as the last broad reset

Medium risk

Why this belongs here: Network reset removes installed network adapters and restores their settings to defaults, so it is intentionally placed after narrower fixes.

Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
Choose Network reset.
Select Reset now and allow the PC to restart.
Reconfigure VPN clients, virtual switches or custom adapter settings if you use them.

Before you do this: Microsoft notes that VPN clients and virtual networking software may need to be reinstalled or reconfigured after Network reset.

Stop condition

When this guide stops being the right path

If the PC cannot see any Wi-Fi networks and the adapter is missing from Device Manager, stop treating this as a simple connection-profile problem. Check the device driver and the PC manufacturer’s hardware guidance.

If the problem is still not fixed

If several devices fail on the same network, troubleshoot the router or ISP path. If only this PC fails after the steps above, move to adapter-driver diagnosis.

Evidence

Sources reviewed for this page

Primary technical guidance is preferred. A source supports the scope stated here; it does not imply that every possible cause is covered.

Microsoft SupportFix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows