Start with checking if other devices can connect to the internet.
If we can rule out whether or not its the internet itself or the device, that will save a lot of time.
Next reboot the computer. Most of the time this will resolve the issue without you having to do much.
If it’s the Internet:
If none of your devices can connect then reset the Modem/Router by unplugging it for at least 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem then contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider), e.g. Comcast, Google Fiber, etc.
If its the Device:
Verify the Wifi is enabled on the device.
For a Laptop:
There should be a button on the keyboard to enable/disable the Wifi.
This key can vary depending on the computer but you’ll usually select the Fn Key, then the Wifi key.
For a Desktop Computer:
You typically can check in the bottom right-hand corner to verify the Wifi is enabled.
If everything appears to be turned on then try opening a website in the browser.
If it fails you should get an option to run the troubleshooter.
If not, you can also get to that in the Control Panel under Network and Sharing.
The troubleshooter should give you an idea of where the problems are coming from. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If the troubleshooter can’t seem to identify the issue, attempt to flush the DNS.
In Command Prompt you’ll type: ipconfig /flushdns
(For further assistance search HelpCloud Search for, “How To Clear Your DNS Cache”)
Another setting that gets changed frequently by malware is the Proxy Server settings. (Search HelpCloud search for, “How to Disable Proxy Settings”).
The Network Security settings and a few other settings can be changed in the Internet Options by malware as well, but to cover a myriad of those issues you can reset the internet settings back to default to be sure none of these are wrong.
Do this by: clicking the Start menu and typing Internet Options > Advanced Tab on the far right > Reset will be at the bottom of the Window.
LEAVE “DELETE PERSONAL DATA” UNCHECKED.
Select Reset.
If you’ve exhausted all these options and still can’t get the internet connected, try plugging an Ethernet cord into the computer.
If it’s still not working there may be something we’re missing or it’s user error. You may have to talk with your ISP or have someone take a look in person for them.
If it is working after plugging in the Ethernet Cord it’s most likely their WiFi adapter went bad or you need to update the driver. (search HelpCloud Search for, “Updating Drivers for Hardware”).