- The causes are distributed between configuration of Windows, DNS/firewall/VPN and router failures or drivers.
- The efficient flow: basic testing, troubleshooter, commands netsh/ipconfig and driver update.
- DNS, proxy, IPv6 and virtual adapters (VPN) often confuse connectivity detection.
- If it works via cable and not via Wi-Fi, point to the card/bands; a Wi-Fi USB helps confirm hardware.
Is Windows 11 showing the network icon as “Offline” even though you are browsing or have network access? You're not alone. This issue combines connectivity symptoms, network settings, and third-party software that confuse the system, and can appear on both Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The good news is that it is almost always solved by following a logical order of checks and adjustments. without the need for complex tools.
In this guide we gather, organize and rewrite clearly all the most common steps and causes. that are repeated in support responses, blogs, and forums: from netsh and ipconfig commands to drivers, DNS, firewall, VPN, Windows policies, and even router or network card hardware. By following the diagnostic process below, you can quickly identify what is wrong and how to fix the icon..
Why does Windows say “No connection” when there is access?
Wi-Fi is not the same as the Internet: You may be connected to the local network (LAN) and see the icon active, but the computer may think there is no Internet access due to a detection failure or a blockage in the route. It also happens the other way around: the icon shows “Offline” but you can still access internal resources or even the Internet. due to a mismatch between services, DNS or policies.
Typical motifs that confuse the system: updates that change network parameters, Misconfigured IP (DHCP/static), drivers in poor condition, firewall/antivirus/VPN/Proxy interfering, weak Wi‑Fi signal, DNS saturated or poorly resolved, a router without operator exit, filtered MAC, malware that touches the network stack.
Signs of a problem in ipconfig: presence of virtual adapters type TAP‑Windows, TUN by ExpressVPN, PolarBear/McAfee VPN, masks 255.255.255.255 in tunnels, local IPv6 addresses fe80::, “disconnected media” on multiple interfaces, or an empty gateway. If your Wi-Fi shows a valid private IP (e.g. 192.168.100.x) and gateway 192.168.100.1, you have correct DHCP and the fault is usually in DNS, firewall or Windows connectivity detection.
Quick checks that rule out the obvious
Restart the PCMany “No Connection” incidents are caused by a temporary service or Windows Explorer failure, which are resolved by restarting. It is the simplest and most effective step.
Restart the router (Turn off, unplug for 20 seconds, then turn back on.) Look at the lights, especially the Internet light: If it is red/orange or flashing strangely, the problem may be with the operator.. Get close to the router, and if your equipment allows 2,4 and 5 GHz, try 2,4 GHz for greater coverage.
Try other devices on the same network: if they navigate well, the problem is in your Windows (settings, drivers or software). If no one goes online, Call the operator or check the wiring and ONT.
Turn off Airplane Mode from Win + A and verify that the Wi‑Fi is on. Check if the icon is hidden in the tray or disabled in Personalization > Taskbar > “Select icons to appear.”
Guided diagnosis from Windows
Use the troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network adapter > Run (choose Wi‑Fi or Ethernet). You can correct configuration errors and reset components..
Forget and rejoin Wi-Fi: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Manage known networks > select network > Stop remembering. Reconnect by entering the password. This deletes corrupted profiles.
Remove old networks and avoids saved profile clashes. If you use the function “Random hardware addresses” For privacy, temporarily disable it in Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, may cause inconsistencies on some networks.
Disable IPv6 if your network doesn't support it: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More adapter options > Adapter properties > uncheck Internet Protocol version 6. Forces the use of IPv4 and prevents false detections.
Check local connectivity: opens DCM as admin and run “ipconfig”. Note the Gateway and test “ping”. If it responds within 4‑5 ms, your LAN is fine; if there is no response, check your router or cable/coverage.
Quick repair with commands
Open CMD as administrator (search for “cmd”, right click, Run as admin) and run these commands one by one, pressing Enter each time: netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig / release, ipconfig / renew, ipconfig / flushdns. Restart your PC after finishing.
Restart the DNS Client service If you still have doubts about the resolution: Win + R > services.msc > search for “DNS Client” > right click > Restart. This clears local resolver locks.
Network adapter drivers: update or reinstall
Keeping drivers up to date is key for performance, compatibility, and security. Go to Device administrator > Network adapters > your Wi‑Fi > right click > Update Driver and allows Windows to search. Reboot after updating.
If it doesn't improve, reinstall: In the same menu, choose Uninstall device. Restart to have Windows automatically reinstall it or Download the official driver from the manufacturer (best option). If you don't have internet, use an Ethernet cable or download the driver from another computer and transfer it via USB..
Specific cases: some teams with Intel Wireless‑AC 9560 show sporadic errors; Install the latest driver from your PC manufacturer and check Windows Update. If you use MediaTek/Realtek adapters, Get drivers from their websites or the OEM's..
Adapter settings and essential parameters
Verify that the Wi-Fi adapter is enabled: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > More adapter options. Enable if disabledIf you're using a Wi-Fi USB, make sure it's securely connected.
Properties that must be checked on the adapter: Client for Microsoft Networks, File and Printer Sharing, QoS Packet Scheduler, Topology Discovery Responder, Topology Discovery Mapper I/O Driver, TCP/IPv4 and ideally TCP/IPv6 (unless you disable it for testing).
Change DNS to discard resolution: In TCP/IPv4 Properties, check “Use the following DNS server addresses” and try with 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google) or the ones of your preference. This prevents operator DNS outages.
Proxies and VPNs: If you are using a proxy, check Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings. Check IP/port and disable it temporarily to test. With VPN, disconnect and disables TAP/TUN virtual adapters from the Network Center if they generate “Unidentified Network”.
Firewall, antivirus and third-party apps
Temporarily disable the Firewall in Windows Security > Firewall & network protection (or in your antivirus panel if it manages it). If the connection returns, update the rules or the software itself..
Antivirus: Real-time protection can block connections or inject filters. Disable it just to test and performs a complete analysis with Windows Defender, Avast or Bitdefender. If you don't have Internet, install from another computer via USB.
VPN and security suites (ExpressVPN, McAfee VPN, etc.) create virtual adapters (TAP‑Windows, PolarBear Tunnel…). If ipconfig shows multiple virtual adapters “media disconnected”, uninstall or disable them and try again. A conflict here usually generates “No connection” with real access.
Router and network environment
Check router hardware: loose/broken antennas (external or internal), damaged board, faulty power supply, LAN ports with poor contact. Try another electrical outlet and update the firmware. from your dashboard.
Location and interference: too much distance or obstacles (concrete, mirrors, appliances) degrade coverage. Try getting closer, use the 2,4 GHz band or add an access point/repeater.
Congested network: Many simultaneous connections saturate the bandwidth. During rush hour, disconnect what is unnecessary or prioritize traffic from the router if it has QoS.
MAC filtering: If it's active on your router, it can block you. Go into its settings and disable it or add your MAC to the whitelist. Restart your computer after the change.
Carrier lock? In cases of non-payment, legal incidents or maintenance, your ISP may limit access. Contact customer service or ask a question Downdetector and social networks to confirm falls.
Alternatives to get out of trouble and isolate the fault
Connect an Ethernet cable to the router; if you browse via cable, The problem is with the device's Wi‑Fi (driver, configuration or hardware). If neither, check router or contact the operator.
Use a USB Wi‑Fi adapter economical as a quick fix: many are plug-and-play, cost little and allow you to check if your internal card is damagedIf the USB works fine, the problem is with your internal card.
Share Internet from your mobile with a 4G/5G hotspot. This way, you can continue working while you troubleshoot the main network and Check if the problem is with the router or the operator.
The Wi-Fi icon does not appear or is visually faulty
Check if it is hidden after the arrow in the tray and drag it to the bar. In Personalization > Taskbar, activate your switch if it is disabled.
Group Policy: Win + R > gpedit.msc > User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar > “Remove Network Connections from the Start Menu”. Leave it in disabled to keep the access points visible.
Restart the browser If the tray “hangs”: Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Task Manager > “Windows Explorer” > Restart (or End task and run explorer.exe from File > Run new task).
Restart network services: Win + R > services.msc > “Network Connections” > Stop and then Start. It is useful when the icon does not reflect the actual state.
Reset the network and update policies
Network reset: Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network resetThis removes and reinstalls the adapters, returning them to their default settings. Restart after.
Update the policies: If you use policies or have modified rules, in CMD run gpupdate / force. Contributes to spreading changes in corporate environments.
Sharing connection (mobile hotspot) and sharing
If you can't create a hotspot, run the network troubleshooter again and adjust in Hardware Properties > Sharing: check “Allow other users to connect through this connection". This is how you activate Internet Sharing.
Security, malware, and Windows activation
Take a full scan in your antivirus to rule out malware that manipulates TCP/IP or DNS. Keep your antivirus updatedIf you're offline, download the signatures to another computer and transfer them via USB.
Verify that Windows is activated in Settings > Update & security > Activation. Non-activated systems They can show abnormal behavior on the network.
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