A Wi-Fi connection initially confirms only the radio link to the access point. It guarantees neither suitable IP settings nor a working internet connection. This Windows 11 guide helps identify the affected layer and record findings for support.
1. Verify the actual outage
Record time, network name and exact message. Open two unrelated familiar websites. If they work despite “No internet”, a proxy or filter may be interfering with the Windows NCSI connectivity check. The indicator alone does not prove a complete outage; do not disable the check as a repair.
Test a second device on the same Wi-Fi. Make sure it is not silently using cellular data. If both fail, investigate the shared access point, router or provider. If only one fails, start with that device. A different guest network is not an equivalent comparison.
2. Check hotspot sign-in
Hotels and public networks may require another sign-in after joining Wi-Fi. Use the Windows sign-in notification and verify that the page belongs to the operator. Do not accept certificate warnings or enter company credentials on an unknown page. Ask the operator if the portal does not appear.
3. Read the addresses
Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /all. Inspect the active Wi-Fi adapter, not a disconnected Ethernet or virtual adapter. Record IPv4/IPv6 addresses, default gateway, DHCP status and DNS servers. With automatic IPv4 configuration, an address in 169.254.0.0/16 suggests that no normal IPv4 DHCP assignment occurred. IPv6 may still work. Do not try an arbitrary static address.
If an IPv4 default gateway is listed, test local reachability with ping, a space and that exact address. A reply confirms that local path, not internet access. A timeout alone is not proof of failure because ICMP may be filtered.
4. Narrow it down to device or connection
- Only this PC affected: Save open work, disconnect Wi-Fi and reconnect. Check required VPN and proxy settings with IT; do not indiscriminately disable them. Do not replace managed settings on a company PC.
- Several devices affected: Check the internet/WAN status of your own router and provider outage notices. Restarting a router interrupts everyone and should be coordinated. It is not a factory reset.
- Only certain names or websites affected: Continue with targeted DNS or browser diagnosis instead of resetting the entire network.
5. One change, then the same test
Repeat the same website and device comparisons after each step. Network reset is not an initial diagnostic step: it removes or reinstalls adapters and settings; VPN software and virtual networks may need reconfiguration. Document findings and actions already taken. Review complete ipconfig output containing internal names and addresses before sharing it with responsible support.