In reports about Internet issues on Windows 10, “Windows 10 says not connected to the Internet but I am” is not an uncommon topic. Usually, if your Windows 10 PC says that you aren’t connected to any network but you know otherwise, it must be bugging out. To bring network status back to normal, you should restart your computer. If the issue persists, you could also run the Network Adapter troubleshooter, update the adapter driver, change advanced power settings, etc.
The Usual Suspects
On Windows 10, Internet connection could experience a couple of issues every now and then. Regarding “Windows 10 says not connected to the Internet but I am”, the list of possibilities comprises:
- Bugs.
- Adapter driver is obsolete.
- Ill-suited advanced power settings.
What Must Be Done
Restart
Despite its simplicity, restart could take care of many bugs on Windows including those that plague Internet connection. If your computer says that you aren’t connected to any network even though that is not true, restart it. For good measure, it’s strongly recommended that you restart your router/modem as well. Turn off the router/modem, wait for a minute and turn it back on.
Note: You rely on wired instead of wireless connection? In that case, it won’t hurt to take a look at the Ethernet cable. If the cable is not in good condition, replace it as soon as possible.
Run The Network Adapter Troubleshooter
- Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, select Update & Security then choose Troubleshoot.
- Step 2: Click Additional troubleshooters, pick Network Adapter and hit Run the troubleshooter.
- Step 3: Allow the troubleshooting to go all the way.
- Step 4: If the troubleshooter manages to identify the root of the problem and offer a fix, click Apply this fix.
- Step 5: Restart your computer.
Update Driver
- Step 1: Press Windows key, type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter and pick Update driver.
- Step 3: Follow on-screen instructions.
- Step 4: Restart your computer after the update finishes.
- Step 5: When the screen comes back on, check out Network Status and determine whether the issue persists.
Change Advanced Power Settings
- Step 1: Press Windows key, type Control Panel and hit Enter.
- Step 2: Change View by to Large icon, click Power Options and pick Change plan settings next to your current power plan.
- Step 3: Select Change advanced power settings, locate Wireless Adapter Settings and expand it.
- Step 4: In Power Saving Mode, change on Battery and Plugged In to Maximum Performance.
- Step 5: Click Apply, choose OK and restart your computer.
Reset Network
- Step 1: Open Settings, select Network & Internet then choose Status.
- Step 2: Click Network Reset and pick Reset now.
- Step 3: The moment the reset completes, restart your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 
Is network reset worthwhile?
A network reset in essence removes and reinstalls network adapters then rolls back changes to settings of network components. After the reset finishes, you must reinstall VPN clients, virtual switches and so on. All of that takes time and effort, therefore, it’s a good idea to treat network reset as the last resort.
What should I do if I lose Internet connection out of the blue?
Your Internet connection is unstable? Then you should run a number of commands in Command Prompt.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type cmd and hit Run as administrator.
- Step 2: In Command Prompt (Admin), run each of the commands down below:
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Step 3: See how things turn out.
How do I turn off antivirus software and firewalls?
- Step 1: Open Settings, select Update & Security then choose Virus & threat protection in Windows Security.
- Step 2: Hit Manage Settings under Virus & threat protection settings then toggle off the Real-time protection switch.
- Step 3: Open Control Panel, change View by to Category then hit System and Security.
- Step 5: Click Windows Defender Firewall, look to the left and pick Turn Windows Firewall on or off. Next, check the Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) checkbox in Private network settings as well as Public network settings. Last but not least, hit OK.
As PCWorld’s senior editor, Mark focuses on Microsoft news and chip technology, among other beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.