Loss of internet access about 3-4 minutes after powerup.

Because both Ethernet and Wi‑Fi lose IP connectivity several minutes after sign-in, test with a clean boot first to determine whether a delayed third-party service—potentially including a remaining VPN filter—is disabling or redirecting networking.

1. Perform a clean-boot test

Removing Surfshark does not necessarily establish that all related services or network components were removed. A clean boot disables non-Microsoft services without reinstalling Windows.

1. Press Start, type msconfig, and open System Configuration.
2. Select Services.
3. Select Hide all Microsoft services.
   Do not skip this checkbox.
4. Select Disable all, then Apply.
5. Open Startup → Open Task Manager.
6. Disable every enabled startup item, recording what you disable.
7. Restart the PC and leave it running for at least 10 minutes while testing Internet access.

Microsoft documents this procedure specifically for isolating background software conflicts.^1^

• If connectivity remains working: re-enable half the disabled services, restart, and test again. Continue by halves until the responsible service is identified. Pay particular attention to VPN, firewall, web-filtering, traffic-monitoring, and security-suite services.
• If it still fails: return to normal startup—System Configuration → General → Normal startup—and continue below.

2. Reset the shared Windows network stack

Because ping [IP Address] and ping microsoft.com both fail, this is not merely a DNS-name-resolution failure. Since both physical adapters fail, reset the Windows components they share.

Open Command Prompt as administrator, run these in order, and restart:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
shutdown /r /t 0

These are Microsoft’s documented commands for resetting Winsock and TCP/IP, renewing addressing, and clearing the DNS cache.^2^

If that does not resolve it, use the broader reset:

1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.
2. Select Reset now → Yes.
3. Allow Windows to restart.

This removes and reinstalls all network adapters and returns their settings to defaults. It can also remove virtual networking configuration, so VPN software or Hyper‑V virtual switches might need to be configured again.^2^

3. Do not assume the October update caused it yet

Build 26200.9711 corresponds to KB5127648, released October 13, 2026.^3^

Microsoft’s Windows 11 25H2 release-health page does not list general loss of Ethernet and Wi‑Fi Internet connectivity as a known issue for that build. The listed October issues concern Remote Desktop, desktop loading, and AC-3 audio—not this symptom.^4^

The KB5133964/65/66 entries therefore should not be treated as the Windows cumulative update responsible for build 26200.9711. Check each entry’s category and publisher in Settings → Windows Update → Update history.

4. Repair Windows without wiping apps or files

If clean boot and network reset both fail, use Windows 11’s in-place repair before considering a full reload:

1. Temporarily obtain stable Internet access if possible.
2. Open Settings → System → Recovery.
3. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
4. Complete the installation and restart.

This reinstalls the same Windows version, repairs system files and components, and preserves apps, files, and settings. It requires continuous power and Internet access.^5^

5. Roll back only after establishing an update correlation

If the problem also occurs in clean boot but disappears after uninstalling a specific Windows update, that provides a useful correlation. Back up important files first, then use:

Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates

Select only the update installed immediately before the first failure. Some updates cannot be removed, and uninstalling a security update temporarily removes its protections.^6^

A factory reset or clean Windows installation should remain the final option; the in-place repair above is substantially less disruptive.

References

1. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/startup-boot/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows)
2. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/fix-ethernet-connection-problems-in-windows#on-your-pc)
3. October 13, 2026—KB5127648 (OS Builds 26300.9711, 26200.9711 and 26100. ...
4. Windows 11, version 25H2 known issues and notifications
5. Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows | Microsoft Support
6. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/how-to-uninstall-a-windows-update#summary)