My laptop WiFi stopped working. I see an exclamation mark, and it says “No Internet Access” (Fixing instruction for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7)
This is one of most popular problem and complaint from our customers (popular problems include: printer, cracked screen, and this wireless problems). Actually, this WiFi problem is not just our customers problem. It happens to us too.. 😀 When we visit a place where we can have a free WiFi, when we close our laptop and re-open, and during we are watching a Youtube video, this WiFi problem sometimes kicks in without any warnings or any signs. Because it does not give you any warnings or signs before it happens, it is not easy to troubleshoot this WiFi with No Internet Access. Hard to tell what went wrong. Problem could be your wireless network card, network setting, router, or your network. It is hard to tell which causes this WiFi problem at once. So, we have to take it one step at a time. Let’s fix this annoying WiFi problem together today! 😀
1. Disconnect from your WiFi network
When you have that exclamation mark all of a sudden, first simple thing you can try is to disconnect from your current WiFi network. After disconnecting, try to re-connect to the same WiFi network. If you still have the WiFi with exclamation mark, check if other computers that are connected to the same WiFi network are working. If you are the only one, the problem is probably on your computer.
2. Restart router, modem, switch or any other network devices
If you couldn’t fix the WiFi issue, before we try other things, let’s try to restart all of your networking devices. Sometimes, due to a network device malfunction, this No Internet Access problem could happen (like DHCP malfunction, Gateway malfunction..). At your place, at least you have one of these networking devices: a modem(typically from your Internet Service Provider. Like Rogers, Bell, Cogeco..), a switch, a router, or an access point (or just modem). If you do not know which is which, you can just restart all networking devices. It won’t hurt your internet. If you have no access to networking devices, go to the next step. If your WiFi speed is slow, you can read this one. Here are some tips to speed up your WiFi: https://www.pntbrother.com/why-my-wifi-so-slow-reason-that-your-wifi-is-slow/
2.5 If you are using an external USB wireless adapter, plug it into a different USB port
If you are using an external USB wireless adapter, try to unplug it, and plug it into a different USB port. Sometimes, it fixes the issue. Let’s go ahead and try! Also, if your external wireless adapter has antennas, try to adjust the antennas. Try to place the external adapter somewhere higher if possible. Do not place the external wireless adapter close to a microwave, mirror or metal. It will cause wireless signal interference.
3. Disable your wireless network card and enable it again
You are probably using Windows 10, 8.1, 8, or 7. Go to “Control Panel” and click “Device Manager“. You can also type “Device Manger” in Windows Search. Click “Network adapters“, and find your wireless network adapter. Normally, one that has wireless is the one that you are looking for. then right click on it. Click “Disable“, and after your wireless adapter icon has grayed out, right click on it, then click “Enable“. See if it fixes the wireless internet problem of yours.
4. Delete the connected WiFi profile from your computer
When you connect to a WiFi network, Windows saves the WiFi profile on your computer including WiFi SSID and password. Sometimes, deleting the connected WiFi profile fixes this issue. Open “Command Prompt“. Type “cmd” in Windows Search. When you opened it, type “netsh wlan show profile“. This will show you all the saved WiFi profiles that you have connected before. Fine the one that you are having No Internet Access problem. Remember the SSID (WiFi name) and type “netsh wlan delete profile name=”your WiFi name“. This will delete the WiFi profile from your system. Now, try to connect to the WiFi again and see if it works.
5. Reinstall or update your wireless adapter driver
It is now time to delete the current wireless adapter driver, and update it with it’s latest driver. Go to “Control Panel” again and click “Device Manager“. You can also type “Device Manger” in Windows Search. Click “Network adapters“, and find your wireless network adapter. Before remove the driver, make sure that you write down your wireless adapter model on a piece of paper. You will need to do search after this. then right click on it. Click “Uninstall“. This will remove your wireless adapter from the computer. Now, go to Google, and search for the latest driver for your wireless adapter. Download it, and install it. Restart your computer. See if your exclamation problem is gone after a reboot. (picture below shows Qualcomm Atheros official website for wireless NIC drivers)
6. If you have an anti-virus program running, try to disable, and restart
If you still have the exclamation mark on the WiFi icon, and if you have an anti-virus program running, try to disable it, then restart your computer. Sometimes, this fixes the issue. Let’s try this solution before you go to the next step.
7. Try an external USB wireless adapter
If you still have the exclamation mark on the WiFi icon, and if you are the only one who has the No Internet Access problem, your wireless NIC probably has a defect, but don’t worry. Instead of replacing the internal wireless adapter, there is an easier way. You can purchase an external USB wireless adapter like the picture below. There are many manufacturers making USB type wireless adapters. TP-LINK, ASUS, D-LINK, Linksys… Many of them are Plug and Play, and if not, it has disk with drivers. You can just install the driver, and plug it to make it work. No configuration required. All USB wireless adapters have different specs like 150 Mbps ones and 300 Mbps ones. Faster one is better, but costs more money. You can buy these at Best Buy, Staples, The Source, Walmart, and any stores that sells electronic products.
We hope you have fixed the No Internet Access problem! If you still have the problem, leave a comment here, and we will do our best to help you!