Try these steps in order:
- Check whether the problem is only on the laptop.
- Since the desktop still works, the issue is likely with the laptop, its Ethernet/Wi-Fi adapter, or its connection to the router.
- If possible, try connecting the laptop to a different network or try the same network from another Windows PC. If another PC also cannot connect, the problem may be with the router, ISP, or adapter.
- Check the physical connection.
- If using Ethernet, make sure the cable is firmly connected to both the laptop and the router.
- Make sure the cable is plugged into the correct Ethernet port on the router, not the Internet port used between the modem and router.
- If available, try a different Ethernet cable.
- Check network status in Windows.
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Check the connection status at the top.
- If it shows an error such as Action needed, select the connection to view its settings.
- If using Wi-Fi, try basic Wi-Fi checks.
- Make sure any physical Wi-Fi switch on the laptop is turned on.
- Move closer to the router.
- Confirm the correct Wi-Fi password is being used.
- If both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks appear, try the other band.
- If another trusted Wi-Fi network is available, try connecting to it.
- Restart the modem and router.
- Unplug the router power cable.
- Unplug the modem power cable. If it has a backup battery and the lights stay on, remove the battery.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Reconnect the modem and wait for its lights to stop blinking.
- Reconnect the router and wait a few minutes for it to fully power on.
- Try connecting the laptop again.
- This temporarily disconnects everyone on the network.
- Run the Network troubleshooter.
- Go to Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Status.
- Select Network troubleshooter and follow the prompts.
- Run network reset commands.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator: search for Command prompt on the taskbar, then select Run as administrator > Yes.
- Run these commands in this order:
-
netsh winsock reset -
netsh int ip reset -
ipconfig /release -
ipconfig /renew -
ipconfig /flushdns
-
- Reinstall the network adapter driver.
- This is useful if the connection stopped working after a recent update.
- Before uninstalling, download the latest network adapter driver from the PC manufacturer on another device if needed.
- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click the Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter and select Uninstall device.
- Select Attempt to remove the driver for this device > Uninstall.
- Restart the laptop. Windows will try to reinstall the adapter driver automatically.
- Use Network reset as a last step.
- Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
- Select Reset now > Yes.
- Restart the laptop.
- Warning: this removes and reinstalls network adapters and resets their settings. VPN software or virtual switches may need to be reinstalled or set up again, and known networks may be set to a public profile.