Network and Wi-Fi errors
Find out whether the PC or the network is the problem, then follow the matching guide.
Network problems have three common sources: the router or internet provider, the settings on the PC (IP address, DNS, proxy, Winsock), and the network adapter or its driver. The quickest way to narrow it down is to test another device on the same network.
Each guide below is checked against Microsoft's network troubleshooting documentation, and Chrome's help for browser errors.
Narrow it down first
- Does a phone or another computer on the same Wi-Fi have internet? If not, restart the router and modem, or contact your provider.
- Does the PC show Connected but websites do not load, or do only some sites fail with a DNS error?
- Is Wi-Fi missing completely from the taskbar? Then the adapter, its driver or the WLAN AutoConfig service is the problem.
- Did it start after installing or removing a VPN, proxy or security program?
Connected, but no internet
The PC reaches the router, but traffic or name lookups do not get through.
NET-WIFI-NO-INTERNET
Windows shows that it is connected to the Wi-Fi network, often as "No internet, secured" or with a globe or warning icon, but websites do not load. The PC reaches the router, but traffic does not get through to the…
NetworkDNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
Chrome or Edge shows "This site can't be reached" with DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. The browser asked a DNS server for the website's address, and the answer was NXDOMAIN, which means the name does not exist.
NetworkWINSOCK-CORRUPT
Windows Sockets (Winsock) is the part of Windows that programs use to make network connections, and TCP/IP is the protocol underneath it. When their settings are damaged, typically after removing a VPN, proxy tool or…
Wi-Fi is missing or does not start
Windows cannot find wireless networks because a service or the adapter driver does not start.
Windows Update cannot connect
Browsing works, but Windows Update cannot reach Microsoft's servers, usually because of a proxy, DNS filtering or a firewall.
0x80072efd
Windows Update could not reach Microsoft's servers because the connection timed out. Microsoft groups 0x80072EFD with other time-out errors and says the fix is to make sure no firewall rules or proxies block…
Windows & BSODWU-0x8024402c
Windows Update could not look up the address of Microsoft's update servers or of the proxy server it is set to use. Microsoft names 0x8024402C WU_E_PT_WINHTTP_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED: the proxy server or target server name…
Bluetooth problems
Bluetooth is missing, a device will not pair, or the connection keeps dropping. Power saving, drivers and the PC maker's firmware are the usual causes.
BLUETOOTH-PAIRING-FAIL
Windows does not find a Bluetooth device, pairing fails, or a paired device shows as paired but will not connect. Bluetooth itself is working on the PC, but the connection with this device does not succeed.
MotherboardBT-ERR-43
The Bluetooth toggle is missing or greyed out in Settings and Quick settings. In Device Manager the adapter may show a yellow warning, often with Code 43 (Windows stopped the device because it reported problems).
Windows & BSODBLUETOOTH-AUDIO-STUTTER
Bluetooth headphones, speakers or other devices keep disconnecting, or the sound stutters and cuts out. Microsoft says disconnections are often caused by power-saving settings, outdated drivers or temporary glitches.
First steps for any network problem
These checks from Microsoft's Wi-Fi troubleshooting fix many connection problems. Do them in order.
- Unplug the router and modem, wait at least 30 seconds, plug in the modem, wait for its lights, then plug in the router.
- Turn Airplane mode off, forget the Wi-Fi network in Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, and reconnect.
- Run the network troubleshooter (on Windows 11 in the Get Help app).
- In Command Prompt as administrator, run netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew and ipconfig /flushdns, then restart.
- Turn off any proxy in Settings > Network & internet > Proxy and disconnect VPNs to test.
- Reinstall the network adapter in Device Manager and turn off its power saving option.
- As a last resort, use Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
- Google Chrome Help: Get help with common error messages
Written and reviewed by Matyáš Rada.