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If Windows can’t connect to a network, it probably says you’re not connected to any network. This error can appear in the network adapter status dialog or in the Network tab in the Settings app.
This error is commonly triggered by transient glitches, faulty network adapter drivers, and issues with your Wi-Fi router or modem. Even a loose ethernet connection can trigger this error, so make sure your ethernet cable is securely connected. If the issue persists, try the additional steps outlined below.
Table of Contents
1. Disable Airplane mode in Windows
Airplane mode in Windows 10 and 11 works similar to how it works on your cellular devices. When enabled, Airplane mode disables all connection options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. To fix the problem, turn Airplane mode on and off to restore your Wi-Fi connectivity.
To turn off airplane mode on Windows:
- Press victory + me to open settings.
- In the left pane, open the Network & Internet Tab.
- Click on airplane mode.
- Flip the switch to turn it off airplane mode.
- Be sure to adjust Wireless Internet access and Bluetooth to on under wireless devices.
- Connect to your network and check if the error is resolved.
Another issue you may face is Airplane mode stuck with no option to enable or disable. To fix Airplane mode stuck in Windows 11, check the status of the radio management service, run the network adapter troubleshooter, or use a registry hack to disable the feature entirely.
2. Run the Windows network adapter troubleshooter
Windows 10 and 11 versions have a built-in troubleshooter to find and fix common network adapter issues. It scans the network adapter and applies the necessary fix to restore internet connectivity.
To run the network adapter troubleshooter:
- Press victory + me to open settings.
- in the system Tab, scroll down and click Troubleshooting.
- Then click on Other bug fixes to view all available fixes.
- Find them network adapter option and click the To run Button.
- After the first scan, select the affected network adapter and click Next.
- Apply any recommended fixes and check for improvements.
3. Reinstall your network adapter driver
You can reinstall the existing network driver to fix temporary network device issues. Windows saves a list of available drivers and lets you reinstall them through Device Manager.
To reinstall the network driver:
- Press victory + R to open To run.
- kind devmgmt.msc and click OK to open device manager.
- In Device Manager, expand the network adapter Section.
- Right-click on your network device and select it update drivers.
- Click on Browse my computer for drivers.
- Then click on Let me choose from my list of available drivers on my computer.
- in the Select the device driver that you want to install for this hardware In the dialog box, select the top driver for your network device and click Next.
- Windows will start installing the driver. When the success message appears, close Device Manager.
Check if the problem is resolved. If not, repeat the steps but with another available driver. A generic driver from Microsoft is usually available. So choose a different driver than the one you installed earlier and click Next to complete the installation.
4. Update your adapter’s network driver
If reinstalling didn’t help, try updating your network adapter driver. An outdated or faulty driver can cause compatibility issues. If you have updated your operating system to a newer version, your system may be missing newer driver updates.
Try updating the network device driver using Device Manager. Alternatively, you can also download it directly from the manufacturer’s website.
To update network drivers using Device Manager:
- Press Victory + X to open the WinX menu.
- Click on device manager.
- In Device Manager, expand the network adapter Section.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select it update drivers.
- Click on Search for drivers automatically. Windows searches for new drivers. If available, download and install the drivers.
- Once installed, restart your PC and check for improvements.
Device Manager often does not find the latest drivers for the network adapter. To resolve this problem, check your computer manufacturer’s website for new device drivers.
To download the drivers:
- Visit your computer manufacturer’s website and enter your product details.
- Check the Download Center for network driver updates.
- Download and complete the driver installation to see if the error is resolved.
Also, use the built-in systems management utility provided by your computer manufacturer. For example, HP laptops come with an HP Support Assistant utility. You can use it to find new drivers for networks and other devices on your PC.
5. Perform a Windows network reset
Windows has a network reset feature as part of advanced network settings. Performing a network reset removes and reinstalls network drivers and restores other network components to their factory settings.
A network reset can help if the error is triggered due to problems with your network configuration. How to perform a network reset.
- Click on begin and then select settings.
- open that Network & Internet tab in the left pane.
- Scroll down and click Advanced network settings.
- Then click on network reset.
- press the Reset to default now button for network reset.
- click Yes to confirm the action.
Windows will reset your network adapters and other components and restart your PC. After the restart, check if you can connect to the internet.
6. Check your modem and/or router for problems
This error can occur when your computer is not receiving communication from the modem. Try another device, e.g. B. your mobile device to connect to the network to check your network status.
If the problem persists on all devices, troubleshoot your router. First, do a quick reboot of power to the router. If that doesn’t help, try doing a factory reset.
To reset your wireless router:
- Make sure the router is turned on.
- Find the little one Reset to default button on the back.
- Hold down the reset button with a paper clip 10 seconds. Release the button and wait for the router to restart.
7. Perform a system restore
If you suspect a Windows update caused the error, try a system restore with a restore point. A restore point helps you undo all recent changes made by updates and individuals without affecting your files and folders.
To perform a system restore using the restore point:
- Press victory + R to open To run.
- kind rstrui.exe and click OK.
- in the system recovery dialog box, click Next.
- Check the Show more restore points option to view all available restore points on your computer.
- Select the most recent restore point and click Next.
- Read the description and click Finished to start the recovery process. This process may take a few minutes and your computer may restart several times. Wait for the process to complete and check for improvements.
Fix “You are not connected to a network” error on Windows
You can fix this error with the built-in Network Adapter Troubleshooter. Alternatively, reinstall a generic network adapter driver, update your driver, or perform a network reset. As a last resort, use a recent restore point to restore your PC to its last operating state.
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