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If your internet stopped working after a Windows update, first check whether other devices on the same network are affected. If they are, investigate the router or internet service; if only the Windows PC is affected, work through Windows diagnostics and its network adapter before trying a network reset or removing the update. A timing link does not by itself prove the update caused the outage.
First determine whether the problem is the PC or the network
Check another phone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. If those devices also cannot reach the internet, the router or internet service may be responsible. If they work normally, focus on the affected PC. This comparison narrows the possibilities but does not identify the cause on its own.
Note exactly what the PC is doing: Wi-Fi may have disappeared, the PC may fail to join the network, or it may connect but show “No Internet.” The last case means the PC has a connection to the local Wi-Fi network but not to the internet. If only one app or website fails, the connection may be working and the issue may instead involve that app, site, or a firewall.
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Run Windows diagnostics and check the basics
Use Get Help on Windows 11
- Open the Get Help app.
- Search for connect to network and internet.
- Select Run network diagnostics and follow the steps shown.
Microsoft recommends this automated Network and Internet troubleshooter as a starting point for Windows 11. Instructions are in Microsoft’s Windows troubleshooters guide.
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Check Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- For Wi-Fi, make sure Wi-Fi is enabled and reconnect to the intended network.
- For Ethernet, check that the cable is seated at both ends and connected to an Ethernet port on the router, not its internet or modem port.
- Restart the PC if appropriate. Restarting the modem and router can also help, but temporarily disconnects other people using that network.
Microsoft’s Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide and Ethernet troubleshooting guide cover these checks.
Test whether Wi-Fi or internet service is the issue
If the PC has an Ethernet port, connect it to the router with a cable and test the connection. If the PC has no Ethernet port, a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is an optional way to perform that test; it is a diagnostic accessory, not a guaranteed repair.
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If Ethernet works while Wi-Fi does not, the problem is likely on the Wi-Fi side, such as the wireless connection or router. If another device on the same network also cannot get online, investigate the router or contact your internet service provider. Microsoft describes these tests in its Ethernet connection guide.
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If the problem appears limited to this PC, Microsoft’s Wi-Fi guide documents commands for resetting Winsock and TCP/IP, renewing the IP address, and flushing DNS. Follow the sequence in Microsoft’s guide, then test the connection again. These are targeted network repairs; use the commands as documented rather than substituting other commands.
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Reinstall the network adapter driver
If the connection broke after an update and simpler checks have not fixed it, Microsoft recommends considering an uninstall and restart of the network adapter driver. Before you uninstall it, download a backup driver from your PC manufacturer if possible—especially if this is the only computer available to get online.
- Open Device Manager and expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the affected adapter and choose Uninstall device. If prompted to remove the driver software, select that option only when you have the appropriate backup driver.
- Restart the PC. Windows will look for and install a driver after restart. If it does not, install the saved driver.
Exact labels may vary by Windows version and device. See Microsoft’s instructions for reinstalling a network adapter driver after a recent update.
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Use Network reset only after targeted fixes
Network reset is a broader step, so save it for later. It removes installed network adapters and their settings, then reinstalls the adapters with default settings after a restart. You may need to reinstall or set up VPN software and virtual switches again, and Windows may assign known networks a public profile.
Microsoft’s Network reset instructions include the current settings path. Check the instructions for your Windows version before proceeding.
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Consider removing an update or returning to a previous Windows version
If the problem began immediately after a particular update and the earlier troubleshooting steps have not helped, uninstalling that update is a recovery option. Find the current instructions under Windows Recovery options; the available controls can vary by version and device.
Removing a specific update is different from going back after a Windows version upgrade. Microsoft states that returning to the previous version is available for 10 days after an upgrade. That window applies to the version rollback option, not to uninstalling every individual update. Check Microsoft’s Recovery options in Windows for the options currently available to your PC.
If the update troubleshooting process disconnected you
If you lost connectivity while troubleshooting Windows Update itself, Microsoft’s update guidance says to reconnect using Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Follow Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting steps for that situation.
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