🚧 Website under construction - Some features may be temporarily unavailable

Back to Knowledge Base

Internet or Wi-Fi Connection Issues

Difficulty: 3/10Estimated fix time: 10-20 minutes

Nothing is more annoying than losing your internet connection or having painfully slow Wi-Fi. You might see a warning icon on your Wi-Fi signal or just be unable to load websites.

Why It Happens

Common causes include a glitchy router, weak Wi-Fi signal, or issues with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Sometimes the computer's network settings or a brief service outage are to blame. Even having Airplane Mode on by mistake will cut off networks.

Most common causes:

  • • Router or modem technical glitches
  • • Weak Wi-Fi signal due to distance or obstacles
  • • ISP service outages or maintenance
  • • Incorrect network settings on your device
  • • Airplane Mode accidentally enabled
  • • Outdated network drivers

How to Fix It

Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem

Often the simplest fix is to restart your router and modem. This clears network glitches:

  1. 1. Unplug the power cable from both router and modem
  2. 2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. 3. Plug the modem back in first, wait 2 minutes
  4. 4. Plug the router back in and wait another 2 minutes

Step 2: Check Your Device Settings

Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and Airplane Mode is off:

  1. 1. Click the network icon in the taskbar (bottom right)
  2. 2. Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on
  3. 3. Make sure Airplane Mode is off
  4. 4. Check if your network appears in the list

Step 3: Forget and Reconnect to Network

If you see your Wi-Fi network but can't connect, try this:

  1. 1. Right-click on your Wi-Fi network name
  2. 2. Select "Forget" or "Forget this network"
  3. 3. Click on the network again to reconnect
  4. 4. Enter your Wi-Fi password when prompted

Step 4: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that can detect and fix network problems automatically:

  1. 1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status
  2. 2. Click "Network troubleshooter"
  3. 3. Follow the prompts to let Windows diagnose the issue
  4. 4. Apply any fixes it suggests

Step 5: Check Signal Strength and Distance

If the internet is slow or intermittent:

  • • Move closer to the Wi-Fi router
  • • Try connecting via Ethernet cable to test if it's a Wi-Fi issue
  • • Check if the problem affects all devices or just one

Tip: If all devices are affected, contact your ISP as it might be a service outage.

How to Prevent It

Optimal Router Placement

Place your Wi-Fi router in a central location in your home for a stronger signal, and keep it elevated (not buried behind furniture). This ensures better coverage throughout your space.

Regular Maintenance

  • • Keep router firmware updated through the settings interface
  • • Use a strong Wi-Fi password to prevent unauthorized access
  • • Reboot your router weekly to keep the network fresh
  • • Consider 5GHz band to avoid interference from neighbors

Advanced Tips

If you experience frequent Wi-Fi interference, consider switching your router to a less crowded channel. Many higher-end routers can schedule automatic reboots at night to maintain optimal performance.

Network Issues Persist?

If you're still experiencing connectivity problems after trying these solutions, it might be a hardware issue or require advanced network configuration.