Windows 11/10 Internet Issues? Fix Connectivity After Every Restart

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Experiencing internet connectivity issues only to find it resolved temporarily after a system restart can be incredibly frustrating. For many Windows users, this scenario is a recurring problem, demanding a computer restart every time they need to access the internet. This persistent issue disrupts workflow and diminishes the overall user experience. If you are encountering this exact problem on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 machine, rest assured that there are effective solutions available. This article provides a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and resolving the issue where internet connectivity is only restored after a restart.

Internet Works Only After Restart on Windows 11/10: Troubleshooting Steps¶

If you are consistently facing internet connectivity that only returns after restarting your Windows 11/10 computer, the following solutions can help pinpoint and resolve the underlying cause. Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, a simple yet often effective first step is to power cycle your Wi-Fi router. To do this, turn off your router and unplug it from the power outlet. Wait for a couple of minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. This process can resolve temporary glitches in your network equipment. If power cycling the router doesn’t solve the problem, proceed with the following detailed suggestions.

1. Run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter
2. Disable Hibernation
3. Check the Power Management settings of your Network adapter (if applicable)
4. Flush DNS cache and reset Windows Sockets
5. Update or Reinstall the Network adapter
6. Perform a Network Reset
7. Reset your PC

Let’s explore each of these solutions in detail to help you regain consistent internet connectivity.

1] Run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter¶

Windows 11 and Windows 10 include a built-in automated tool called the Network and Internet Troubleshooter, designed to diagnose and resolve common internet connectivity problems. This troubleshooter is a valuable first step in identifying and fixing network issues. It automatically scans your system for potential problems and attempts to fix them without requiring extensive technical knowledge. To access this tool, you can typically right-click on the network icon in your system tray and select “Troubleshoot problems”. For users on the latest versions of Windows 11, the Get Help app provides an alternative method to launch this troubleshooter. Simply search for “Get Help” in the Start Menu and use the app to find network troubleshooting options. Running this troubleshooter can often automatically resolve simple configuration errors or network adapter glitches that might be causing your intermittent internet connectivity.

2] Disable Hibernation¶

The hibernation mode in Windows is a power-saving feature that allows your computer to enter a low-power state while preserving the current system state. Instead of completely shutting down, your computer saves the contents of RAM to the hard drive and powers down. However, sometimes the way Windows resumes from hibernation can interfere with network connectivity. If hibernation is enabled on your system, it could be the root cause of your internet issues after startup. Disabling hibernation can prevent potential conflicts during system resume and might resolve the problem. To disable hibernation, you typically need to use the Command Prompt with administrative privileges and execute the command powercfg /hibernate off. This command will disable the hibernation feature, and you can then observe if your internet connectivity improves after a regular system startup.

3] Check the Power Management Settings of Your Network Adapter (if applicable)¶

Windows power management settings are designed to conserve energy, but sometimes they can inadvertently cause issues with hardware devices, including network adapters. One particular setting that can affect network connectivity is the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option for your network adapter. If this setting is enabled, Windows might be turning off your network adapter to save power, and it might not be properly reactivating upon system startup, leading to internet connectivity problems until a restart.

To check and modify this setting, follow these steps:

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”.
2. Expand Network Adapters: Find and expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Network Adapter Properties: Right-click on your specific network adapter (usually identified by its name, e.g., “Wireless Network Adapter” or “Ethernet Adapter”) and select “Properties”.
4. Power Management Tab: Navigate to the “Power Management” tab in the properties window.
5. Uncheck the Option: Uncheck the box labeled “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power”.
6. Apply Changes: Click “OK” to save the changes.

It’s important to note that modern computers using Modern Standby (S0) mode may not have the “Power Management” tab for network adapters. This tab is typically found on systems using Legacy Mode (S3). If you do not see the “Power Management” tab, you can skip this step as it is not applicable to your system configuration.

4] Flush DNS Cache and Reset Windows Sockets¶

The DNS (Domain Name System) cache on your computer stores temporary records of website IP addresses to speed up browsing. However, sometimes this cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to connectivity issues. Flushing the DNS cache clears this stored information, forcing your computer to retrieve fresh DNS information, which can resolve problems caused by outdated entries.

Windows Sockets (Winsock) is a technical specification that defines how Windows network software should access network services, especially TCP/IP. Resetting Winsock can repair corruption or misconfiguration in the Winsock catalog, which can also interfere with internet connectivity.

Additionally, resetting the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) can resolve issues related to IP address configuration and network communication protocols.

To perform these actions, you can use the Command Prompt with administrative privileges and execute the following commands sequentially:

1. Flush DNS Cache: ipconfig /flushdns
2. Reset Windows Sockets: netsh winsock reset
3. Reset TCP/IP: netsh int ip reset

After executing these commands, it’s recommended to restart your computer to ensure the changes take full effect.

For convenience, you can create a batch file to execute all these commands at once. This batch file can also include commands to release and renew your IP address and reset the proxy settings if needed, streamlining the entire network reset process.

5] Update or Reinstall the Network Adapter¶

A corrupted or outdated network adapter driver is a common culprit for various network problems, including intermittent internet connectivity. Updating to the latest driver or reinstalling the network adapter can resolve driver-related issues.

Reinstalling the Network Adapter:

1. Open Device Manager: Open Device Manager as described in step 3.
2. Expand Network Adapters: Expand the “Network adapters” category.
3. Uninstall Device: Right-click on your network adapter and select “Uninstall device”.
4. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer. Windows will automatically attempt to reinstall the driver upon startup.

After restarting, check if your internet connectivity issue is resolved. If reinstalling the driver automatically does not fix the problem, consider manually updating to the latest driver.

Updating the Network Adapter Driver:

1. Identify Your Network Adapter: Determine the exact model of your network adapter from Device Manager.
2. Visit Manufacturer’s Website: Go to the official website of your computer or network adapter manufacturer (e.g., Intel, Realtek, Broadcom).
3. Download Latest Driver: Navigate to the support or downloads section and find the latest driver for your specific network adapter model and operating system (Windows 11 or Windows 10).
4. Install Driver: Download the driver and run the installer file to install the updated driver.
5. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer after installation to apply the changes.

Manually updating the driver ensures you have the most recent version, which may include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve your connectivity issues.

6] Perform a Network Reset¶

The Network Reset feature in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is a powerful tool that resets all network settings back to their default configurations. This includes removing and reinstalling network adapters, resetting networking components like TCP/IP, and clearing other network-related configurations. Performing a network reset can be particularly effective in resolving complex network issues that are difficult to pinpoint.

To perform a network reset:

1. Open Settings: Open the Windows Settings app (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Network & Internet: Click on “Network & Internet”.
3. Advanced network settings: Scroll down and click on “Advanced network settings”.
4. Network reset: Under “More settings”, find and click on “Network reset”.
5. Reset Now: Read the warning message and click the “Reset now” button.
6. Confirm Reset: Confirm your action when prompted.

Important Note: Performing a network reset will require you to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and reconfigure any custom network settings, such as VPN connections. Also, be aware that Windows will automatically restart your computer shortly after you initiate the network reset process to apply the changes. Save any unsaved work before proceeding with the reset.

7] Reset Your PC¶

If all other troubleshooting steps have failed to resolve the internet connectivity issue, resetting your PC to its factory default settings can be considered as a last resort. This process reinstalls Windows and can eliminate software-related problems that might be deeply embedded in your system configuration. When resetting your PC, you typically have two main options:

• Keep my files: This option reinstalls Windows but preserves your personal files, such as documents, pictures, and music.
• Remove everything: This option performs a clean installation of Windows, deleting all personal files, settings, and applications.

For troubleshooting internet connectivity issues while minimizing data loss, the “Keep my files” option is generally recommended first. This option can often resolve persistent software issues without requiring you to back up and restore all your personal data.

To reset your PC:

1. Open Settings: Open the Windows Settings app (Win + I).
2. Navigate to System: Click on “System”.
3. Recovery: Click on “Recovery”.
4. Reset this PC: Under “Recovery options”, click the “Reset PC” button.
5. Choose an option: Select “Keep my files” to preserve your personal data, or “Remove everything” for a clean installation.
6. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the PC reset process.

Resetting your PC can be a time-consuming process, and it’s important to ensure you have backed up any critical data, even when using the “Keep my files” option, as a precautionary measure. After the reset, you will need to reinstall any applications and reconfigure your settings, but this drastic step can often resolve stubborn software-related issues affecting internet connectivity.

Why Does Windows 11 Lose Internet Connection?¶

Windows 11, like any complex operating system, can experience internet connectivity issues due to various factors. A common reason is a corrupt network adapter driver. Outdated or malfunctioning drivers can lead to unstable connections or complete loss of internet access. Updating or reinstalling the network adapter driver, as discussed in step 5, is a primary troubleshooting step for such issues.

Beyond driver problems, other factors can contribute to internet disconnections, including:

• Software Conflicts: Certain applications or services might interfere with network operations.
• Operating System Bugs: Although rare, bugs within the operating system can sometimes cause network instability.
• Network Configuration Errors: Incorrect network settings, IP address conflicts, or DNS issues can disrupt internet connectivity.
• Hardware Problems: In some cases, issues with the network adapter hardware itself or with network infrastructure components (router, modem) can be the cause.

Troubleshooting often involves systematically eliminating these potential causes, starting with the most common ones like driver issues and network configuration problems. Running the Network and Internet Troubleshooter and performing network resets are effective first steps in addressing many of these common issues.

Is Windows 11 Causing Wi-Fi Issues?¶

While some users might attribute internet connectivity problems to Windows 11 itself, it is not accurate to say that Windows 11 inherently causes Wi-Fi issues. Windows 11 is a widely used and generally stable operating system. Internet connectivity problems experienced on Windows 11 are usually due to a combination of factors, including driver issues, configuration problems, or external network factors rather than inherent flaws in the OS itself.

If you encounter Wi-Fi problems on Windows 11, the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, such as running the Network Troubleshooter, resetting network components, and updating drivers, are generally effective in resolving the majority of issues. Blaming the operating system directly without first investigating these common causes is often premature. Systematic troubleshooting is key to identifying and resolving the root cause of internet connectivity problems, regardless of the operating system in use.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing your internet to work only after a restart on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Consistent internet connectivity is crucial for modern computing, and addressing these issues will significantly improve your overall user experience.

If you continue to experience problems, consider seeking further assistance from technical support or online communities specializing in Windows networking issues.

Do you have any other solutions or experiences with this issue? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!