How to fix and resolve 'No Internet Secured' or 'Connected but no Internet' errors on Windows 10/11

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix and resolve 'No Internet Secured' or 'Connected but no Internet' errors on Windows 10/11. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer shows Connected, secured or No Internet, secured in the network status panel, your PC is linked to your router but cannot reach the wider internet. This is a common issue and is usually caused by a minor network configuration fault, an outdated driver, or a temporary glitch with your router or modem. The steps below will walk you through resolving it from the quickest checks through to more detailed troubleshooting.

Quick Fix Steps

Try these steps first, as they resolve the issue in most cases.

1. Restart your computer. Click Start > Power > Restart.
2. Power cycle your router and modem. Turn both devices off at the wall, wait 30 seconds, then turn the modem on first. Wait two minutes for it to fully synchronise, then turn the router on.
3. Confirm other devices can access the internet using the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. If they can, the issue is specific to your Windows PC.
4. Run the built-in network troubleshooter. Right-click the network icon in the system tray and select Diagnose network problems. Follow any prompts and apply the recommended fixes.

Detailed Troubleshooting

If the quick fixes did not restore connectivity, work through the steps below in order.

Forget and Reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network

1. Click the network icon in the system tray.
2. Right-click your connected Wi-Fi network and select Forget.
3. Click the network icon again, select your network from the list, and reconnect, entering your Wi-Fi password when prompted.

Reset the TCP/IP Stack and Flush DNS

1. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
3. Type each command below, pressing Enter after each:
   • netsh winsock reset
   • netsh int ip reset
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • ipconfig /flushdns
4. Restart your computer when finished.

Set DNS Servers Manually

Sometimes the DNS settings assigned by your router can become corrupted. Switching to a public DNS provider often resolves the issue.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if using a wired connection).
3. Click your connected network, then click IP assignment > Edit.
4. Change the dropdown from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual, toggle IPv4 on, and enter the following:
   • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
   • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
5. Click Save and test your connection.

Reset the Network Adapter

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
3. Click Reset now and confirm.
4. Your PC will restart, and all network adapters will be reinstalled with default settings.

Update or Reinstall the Network Driver

An outdated or corrupted driver is a common cause of this error, particularly after a Windows update.

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section.
3. Right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

If updating does not help, try reinstalling the driver:

1. Right-click the same adapter in Device Manager and select Uninstall device.
2. Tick Attempt to remove the driver for this device if the option appears, then click Uninstall.
3. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically detect and reinstall a compatible driver.

Disable VPN and Proxy Software

VPN clients and proxy settings can intercept your traffic and cause the No Internet, secured status to appear even when your connection is working normally.

1. Disconnect any active VPN connection.
2. Press Windows + I and go to Network & internet > Proxy.
3. Ensure Automatically detect settings is on, and that Use a proxy server is off, unless your organisation specifically requires one.
4. Test your connection again.

Check Date and Time Settings

An incorrect system clock can interfere with secure network authentication and cause connectivity errors.

1. Right-click the clock in the system tray and select Adjust date and time.
2. Toggle Set time automatically on.
3. Click Sync now under Additional settings.

Check for Windows Updates

Pending Windows updates can include fixes for known network issues and updated drivers.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. Install any available updates and restart your computer if prompted.

When the Issue Persists

If you have worked through every step above and your PC still shows No Internet, secured, the fault may be with your router firmware, your internet service, or a hardware fault on your network adapter. Gather the following details before contacting support:

• The make and model of your router and modem
• Whether other devices on the same network are working
• The output of ipconfig /all from an elevated Command Prompt
• Any error codes shown in the Windows network troubleshooter

Contact your internet service provider with these details so their team can investigate further.

For help connecting to a wireless network in the first place, see How to connect to Wi-Fi.

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