Your Windows PC shows the dreaded 'No Internet' icon, but your phone and other devices are online just fine. Here's how to fix this confusing network issue.

What Is the 'No Internet' Icon Issue?

You're connected to your Wi-Fi network, the signal looks strong, but Windows displays that annoying yellow triangle or globe icon saying "No Internet Access." Meanwhile, you can check your phone or tablet and confirm they're browsing the web just fine on the same network.

This is a particularly frustrating issue because Windows is incorrectly reporting your internet status. Sometimes you actually can access websites despite the warning, and other times you genuinely can't connect even though the problem isn't your router or ISP.

Quick Fix: Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

The fastest solution is often the simplest - reset your network adapter connection:

Click the Start button and type "Network Connections"
Select "View network connections" from the results
Right-click your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
Select "Disable"
Wait 10 seconds
Right-click the connection again and select "Enable"

Wait about 30 seconds for the connection to re-establish. Check if the "No Internet" icon is gone and test your connection by opening a web browser.

🔧Detailed Step-by-Step Solutions

Solution 1: Flush DNS and Reset Network Settings

Corrupted DNS cache can cause Windows to think you're offline even when connected:

Press Windows key + X and select "Windows Terminal (Admin)" or "Command Prompt (Admin)"
Type these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
Restart your computer
Check if the issue is resolved

Solution 2: Change DNS Server to Google or Cloudflare

Your ISP's DNS server might be unreliable or blocked by Windows connectivity checks:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet
Click on your connection type (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
Click "Hardware properties" or the name of your network
Scroll down and click "Edit" next to "DNS server assignment"
Change from "Automatic (DHCP)" to "Manual"
Turn on "IPv4"
Enter these DNS addresses:
Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
(Or use Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1)
Click Save

Solution 3: Re-enable Network Connectivity Detection

Windows uses a feature called Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) to check internet access. If it's disabled, you'll see false "No Internet" warnings:

Press Windows key + R to open Run
Type regedit and press Enter
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet
Look for a value named "EnableActiveProbing"
Double-click it and make sure the value is set to "1"
If it doesn't exist, right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it "EnableActiveProbing", and set it to 1
Restart your computer

Warning: Be careful when editing the registry. Make a backup first by clicking File > Export in Registry Editor.

Solution 4: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause false connectivity reports:

Right-click the Start button and select "Device Manager"
Expand "Network adapters"
Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter
Select "Update driver"
Choose "Search automatically for drivers"
If no updates are found, visit your computer manufacturer's website for the latest drivers
Restart after installing updates

Solution 5: Run the Network Troubleshooter

While not always effective, Windows built-in troubleshooter can sometimes fix this specific issue:

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
Find "Network and Internet" and click "Run"
Follow the on-screen instructions
Apply any fixes the troubleshooter suggests

If That Didn't Work

Try these additional approaches if the icon still shows "No Internet":

Disable IPv6: Go to Network Connections, right-click your adapter, select Properties, and uncheck "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)"
Disable VPN: If you use a VPN, disconnect it and see if the warning disappears
Check Antivirus Settings: Some security software can interfere with network connectivity detection
Perform Network Reset: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset (this will remove all network adapters and reset settings to defaults)

📞When to Call a Professional

Most "No Internet" icon issues can be fixed with the solutions above, but sometimes you need expert help:

The issue persists after trying all solutions and a clean Windows install
You're not comfortable editing the Windows Registry
Multiple network problems are occurring simultaneously
You suspect malware or system file corruption

A professional can perform deeper diagnostics, check for hardware issues, and ensure your system is properly configured.

Frustrated with Network Issues?

Stop wasting time on trial-and-error fixes. Our network specialists can diagnose and resolve connectivity problems quickly, whether it's your PC settings, router configuration, or something in between.

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How to Fix 'No Internet' Icon Even Though Other Devices Work