How to Fix Network Connection Issues on Windows 11

Need to fix Network Connection issues on Windows 11?

Although Windows 11 offers several offline features, you get the most out of it when connected to a stable network. If you’re unable to use the browser, stream videos online, or listen to music, you won’t likely have access to a network connection. This is one of the most common and frustrating issues on Windows 11.

The reasons behind this network connection issue can be plenty. Some include an outdated driver, incompatible Windows, or a faulty device. However, this problem can be fixed via multiple troubleshooting solutions mentioned in the article below.

So, let’s begin!

1. Connect to Network From Another Device.

There’s a chance the problem isn’t in your Windows 11 computer, but rather in your network. You can verify this by using a different device to connect to the same network. If the problem persists, contact your ISP or internet service provider to get it fixed.

However, if the issue is limited to your computer, use the troubleshooting tips below to fix it on your own.

2. Restart Airplane Mode.

Airplane mode puts your system in isolation from all network connections. Disabling and enabling the service might resolve any glitches in your computer’s connectivity and help re-establish a stable connection to your network.

Use the steps below to do it:

  1. Click on the Wi-Fi, speaker, and battery icon group icon on the right corner of the taskbar.
  2. From there, click on Airplane mode to enable it.
Airplane mode
  1. Wait for a few moments before clicking again to disable it.

Now check to see if the network connection issue is fixed.

3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi Network.

In case your computer is having trouble connecting to a single Wi-Fi network, the problem could be in their individual connectivity instead of the entire network service of your system. 

In that case, forget the particular network and connect back to re-establish a stronger connection with your Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows + I shortcut keys to launch Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Then, select Wi-Fi.
  4. Now, click on the Manage known networks option.
Network Connection Issues on Windows 11
  1. After that, look for the faulty network and click on Forget next to it.
forget network
  1. Wait for a few seconds, then, reconnect to the Wi-Fi and enter the required password.

If this method fails to resolve the issue, try the next solution.

4. Restart/Reset the Router.

At times, your router could be facing issues of its own, hence the network connection issues on Windows 11. You can quickly resolve them by giving it a fresh restart or resetting it to bring it back to its default state.

The steps to do so may differ for each model. Usually, a power or reset button is utilized to perform the method, but you can always head over to your router’s configuration page for clear instructions.

5. Run the Network Troubleshooter.

Microsoft offers an in-built troubleshooter for various features and services, including one for when you face network connection issues on Windows 11. You can run the utility, which will automatically detect and fix any issues, if found.

Follow the steps below to do so:

  1. First, go to the Search icon from the taskbar.
  2. Type Network Troubleshooter in the search bar.
  3. From the results that appear below, click on Find and fix network problems.
network troubleshooter
  1. Then, click on the Next option.

Running the Network Troubleshooter will help detect and fix the network connection issue.

6. Repair Network Drivers.

It’s possible that the dedicated drivers have been damaged or corrupted, resulting in issues within your system’s network connectivity. In this case, you’ll have to disable and re-enable or reinstall the drivers to fix the issue.

Use the instructions below to do it:

  1. Click on the Search icon from the taskbar.
  2. Type Device Manager in the search bar.
  3. Now, click on Open from the right pane.
  4. Click on Network Adapters to expand the section.
  5. Right-click on your target network adapter and select Uninstall device.
uninstall driver
  1. From the pop-up that appears, check the box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device.
  2. Then, click on the Uninstall button.
  3. Once done, reboot your computer. This will reinstall the network driver.

The drivers may have also become outdated or incompatible with your system, for which you’ll need to update them to the latest available versions. Here’s what you must do:

  1. Right-click on the Start icon from the taskbar and select the Device Manager option.
  2. Once the window opens, expand Network adapters by clicking on it.
  3. Next, right-click on your network adapter device and select Update driver.
update driver
  1. A new window will appear. Select the Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will automatically search for drivers and download and install them.

7. Check For Windows Updates.

You should also look for Windows Updates, as new patches and builds are frequently released. They usually bring about performance improvements and fixes for commonly reported issues. 

Follow the steps below to update your computer to the latest available version:

  1. Press Windows + i keys to open Settings.
  2. Next, go to Windows Update from the left pane.
  3. Then, click on the Check for updates button on the right section.
update Windows
  1. If there is any update available, click on Download & Install.

Once the system has updated Windows successfully, try connecting to the network and see if it works.

8. Restart Wireless Network Adapter.

Many users facing the same network connection issues on Windows 11 were able to resolve it by resetting the Wireless Network Adapter. This means disabling and enabling the dedicated adapter to give it a fresh start and possibly remove the responsible element.

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Go to the Search icon from the taskbar.
  2. Search for Control Panel.
  3. Then, click on Open from the left pane.
  4. Set View by: Large icons.
  5. Then, select Network and Sharing Center.
  6. After that, click on the Change adapter settings link.
Network Connection Issues on Windows 11
  1. Then, right-click on the wireless network adapter and select Disable.
disable Wi-Fi adapter
  1. After several seconds, right-click on the wireless adapter again and select Enable.
  2. Restart your computer and see if the error is fixed.

9. Disable IPv6.

Although IPv6 is the latest Internet Protocol, it can cause compatibility issues in specific devices. To fix the issue once and for all and avoid it in the future, consider disabling IPv6 from your system entirely.

Follow the steps below to do it:

  1. Click on the Search icon from the taskbar and search Control Panel.
  2. From the left pane, click on Open.
  3. Set View by: Large icons.
  4. Then, go to Network and Sharing Center.
  5. Next, click on the Change adapter settings link from the left pane.
  6. Then, right-click on your wireless network and select Properties.
Network Connection Issues on Windows 11
  1. Once the properties window opens, uncheck the box for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
  2. Then, click on the OK button.

Try reconnecting to the network and see if the issue is resolved.

10. Release IP and Flush DNS.

This method clears out all IP addresses and DNS records for your network cache and helps resolve many issues related to the internet, security, and more. Though it may sound a bit complex, you’re only required to run a few commands, and the process will turn automatic onwards.

Use the instructions below:

  1. Go to Windows Search from the taskbar.
  2. Type cmd in the search bar.
  3. Then, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Command Prompt
  1. Copy and paste the following commands one by one and press the Enter key after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Once done, reboot your PC and check if the network connection error occurs.

11. Reset Windows Network Configuration.

You might have incorrectly configured the network settings, resulting in the stated issue. But don’t fret. With only a few clicks, you can bring your system’s network back to its default state. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue in no time.

Here’s what you must do:

  1. Press Windows + i keys from your keyboard. This will launch Settings.
  2. From the left pane, go to Network & Internet.
  3. Then, select Advanced network settings.
  4. Next, click on the Reset Now option from the right pane.
Network reset

This will reboot your computer. Now, check to see if the issue is fixed.

That was it! This marks the end of our guide on how to fix network connection issues on Windows 11. Now that you’ve successfully resolved it, share your feedback with us through the comment section below.

If this guide helped you, please share it. 

Author

  • Aimen Choudhry

    Aimen Choudhry is an architecture student who has always been fascinated by science. She now finds her therapy researching and writing about the latest technology and the issues that come alongside. Otherwise, you’ll find her playing video games, listening to music, or watching fantasy/sci-fi movies.

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