23 Apr 10 Steps in What To Do if Internet is Not Working on Your Desktop

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Having internet issues on your desktop while other PCs are connected can be frustrating. But what to do if internet is not working? Fear not, troubleshooting these problems doesn’t have to be daunting. With a systematic approach, you can often identify and resolve the issue quickly. Start by checking physical connections, restarting your devices, and updating drivers. If these steps don’t work, try resetting your TCP/IP stack and checking for malware. If the problem persists, contact your ISP. Remember, knowing what to do if internet is not working can save you time and frustration, and get you back online sooner.

Here are 10 steps to get you back online:

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

What to do if internet is not working? Ensure all cables are securely plugged in. Sometimes, a loose cable is all that’s standing between you and a stable connection. Check the Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi adapter connection to your desktop. If you find any loose cables, plug them in securely and restart your desktop. Additionally, ensure that the cables are not damaged. If the issue persists, try using a different cable. Knowing what to do if internet is not working starts with checking the basics, like cable connections. This simple step can often resolve connectivity issues and get you back online quickly.

Step 2: Restart Your Desktop

A simple restart can fix many connectivity issues. Restart your desktop and see if that resolves the problem. Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh start. When you restart your desktop, it clears temporary files and resets network configurations, which can often resolve minor connectivity issues. It also gives your desktop a chance to reestablish connections with your router and modem. If restarting your desktop doesn’t work, you can then move on to other troubleshooting steps. Starting with a restart is a quick and easy way to potentially fix the problem without diving into more complex solutions.

Step 3: Restart Your Router and Modem

If restarting your desktop didn’t work after what to do if internet is not working, try restarting your router and modem. Unplug them from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in. This can often resolve connectivity issues. Additionally, check if there are any firmware updates available for your router and modem. Updating the firmware can improve performance and fix bugs that may be causing connectivity problems. Knowing what to do if internet is not working includes simple steps like restarting your router and modem, which can sometimes solve the issue without further troubleshooting.

Step 4: Check Network Settings

Ensure your desktop is set up to obtain an IP address automatically. To do this, go to your network settings and make sure “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.

Step 5: Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter

What to do if internet is not working? Sometimes, disabling and re-enabling your network adapter can help resolve connectivity issues. Right-click on the network icon in the taskbar, select “Open Network & Internet settings,” then click on “Change adapter options.” Right-click on your network adapter and select “Disable.” Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select “Enable.” This action refreshes the network connection and can often fix minor connectivity issues. Knowing what to do if internet is not working includes these simple troubleshooting steps, which can quickly restore your connection and get you back online.

Step 6: Update Network Adapter Driver

Outdated network adapter drivers can cause connectivity problems. Go to Device Manager, locate your network adapter, right-click on it, and select “Update driver.” Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

Step 7: Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes interfere with your internet connection. But what to do if internet is not working? Run a full antivirus scan on your desktop to check for any malicious software. Remove any threats detected. Additionally, ensure your antivirus software is up to date to protect against the latest threats. Knowing what to do if internet is not working includes being proactive about your system’s security. Regular scans and updates can help prevent malware from causing connectivity issues and keep your desktop running smoothly.

Step 8: Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can help resolve network connectivity issues. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

   – netsh int ip reset

   – netsh winsock reset

Restart your desktop after running these commands.

Step 9: Check Firewall and Security Software

Firewalls and security software can sometimes block your internet connection. So what to do if internet is not working? Temporarily disable your firewall and security software to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, adjust the settings to allow internet access. Ensure that your firewall is configured correctly to allow the necessary network traffic. Knowing what to do if internet is not working includes checking your firewall and security settings. By temporarily disabling these tools and then adjusting their settings, you can often resolve connectivity issues and maintain a secure internet connection on your desktop.

Step 10: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the above steps work, the issue may be with your ISP. Contact your ISP’s customer support for assistance. They can help troubleshoot the problem and may need to send a technician to your location.

Conclusion

In conclusion, troubleshooting internet connectivity issues on your desktop doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these 10 steps, you can often identify and resolve the problem quickly. 

Start by checking physical connections, and ensuring all cables are securely plugged in. Sometimes, a loose cable is all that’s standing between you and a stable connection. If that doesn’t work, restart your desktop and then your router and modem. This simple action can often fix many connectivity issues. 

If the problem persists, check your network settings and update your network adapter driver. Sometimes, outdated drivers can cause connectivity problems. Running a full antivirus scan is also recommended to check for malware that could be interfering with your connection. 

If none of these steps work on what to do if internet is not working, consider resetting your TCP/IP stack or contacting your ISP for further assistance. Remember, knowing what to do if internet is not working can save you time and frustration, and get you back online sooner. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll be back to browsing the web and staying connected with ease.

About Bytagig

Bytagig is dedicated to providing reliable, full-scale cyber security and IT support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in a variety of industries. Bytagig works both remotely with on-site support in Portland, San Diego, and Boston. Acting as internal IT staff, Bytagig handles employee desktop setup and support, comprehensive IT systems analysis, IT project management, website design, and more.