No Internet Working After Windows Update

Complete Fix Guide

Losing your internet connection after a Windows Update is a common problem. This guide walks you through the exact steps to diagnose and fix network issues caused by recent Windows updates, driver changes, or network configuration resets.

Quick summary

  • Goal: Restore internet connectivity after a Windows Update.
  • Applies to: Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, USB adapters, and onboard network controllers.
  • Time required: 5–20 minutes.
  • Common cause: Windows replacing or corrupting network drivers.

Common symptoms

  • No internet after rebooting from Windows Update
  • Ethernet or Wi‑Fi adapter missing from Settings
  • “No Internet, secured” message
  • Network icon shows a globe or red X
  • Device Manager shows missing or malfunctioning network adapters
  • Windows says “No network adapters found”
  • Wi‑Fi networks not appearing

Possible causes

  • Windows Update replaced your network driver
  • Driver corruption during update
  • Network settings reset or overwritten
  • Disabled network adapter
  • DNS or IP configuration issues
  • Firewall or security software blocking connections

Step‑by‑step troubleshooting

1. Restart your PC and router

  • Restart the PC normally.
  • Unplug your router for 10 seconds and plug it back in.

2. Check if the network adapter is disabled

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
  2. Click Advanced network settings.
  3. Under Network adapters, ensure your Ethernet or Wi‑Fi adapter is enabled.

3. Reinstall or roll back the network driver

Windows Updates often install incorrect or unstable drivers.

Reinstall the driver

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand Network adapters.
  3. Right‑click your adapter → Uninstall device.
  4. Restart the PC to reinstall automatically.

Roll back the driver

  1. Right‑click the adapter → Properties.
  2. Go to Driver tab.
  3. Click Roll Back Driver (if available).

4. Reset network settings

This restores all network components to default.

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Network & Internet.
  3. Scroll down and click Network reset.
  4. Click Reset now.
  5. Restart the PC.

5. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

  1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot.
  2. Select Other troubleshooters.
  3. Run the Internet Connections troubleshooter.

6. Reset IP and DNS settings (Command Prompt)

Use these commands if the update corrupted your network configuration.

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart the PC after running these commands.

7. Check for missing network adapters

If your adapter is missing from Device Manager:

  • Click Action → Scan for hardware changes.
  • Install the driver from your mainboard manufacturer’s website.
  • Check BIOS to ensure onboard LAN/Wi‑Fi is enabled.

8. Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus

Some updates cause firewall rules to break.

  • Disable third‑party antivirus temporarily.
  • Test the connection.
  • Re‑enable protection afterward.

Advanced fixes

  • Install the latest chipset drivers
  • Update BIOS if network compatibility issues are listed
  • Disable power‑saving mode for network adapters
  • Check for VPN or proxy settings left behind by the update

When hardware may be the issue

  • Ethernet port LEDs do not light up
  • Wi‑Fi adapter disappears randomly
  • USB network adapter overheats or disconnects
  • Adapter fails on multiple PCs

If your internet still doesn’t work after following this guide, reinstalling the correct network driver from your mainboard manufacturer is often the final fix.