It can be extremely frustrating when your internet works perfectly fine, but Internet Not Working After Restart your PC, it suddenly stops working. No websites load, apps can’t connect, and you may see messages like “No Internet Access”, “Unidentified Network”, or simply no connection at all.

If your Windows 10 or Windows 11 internet is not working after restart, don’t panic. This is a common issue, and in most cases, it is caused by minor system glitches, driver conflicts, or network configuration problems.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Why internet stops working after restart
• Common causes of the problem
• Step-by-step solutions that actually work
• How to prevent it from happening again

Let’s fix it.

Why Does Internet Stop Working After Restart?

When you restart your PC, Windows reloads all drivers, services, and network settings. If something fails during this process, your internet connection may not work properly.

Here are the most common reasons:

• Corrupted or outdated network drivers
• Network adapter not starting properly
• Windows update bug
• Incorrect IP configuration
• DNS problems
• Disabled network services
• Power management settings
• VPN or firewall interference

Understanding the cause makes fixing the problem much easier.

Solution 1: Restart Router and Modem

Even if the issue appears after PC restart, start by checking your router.

What to do:

• Turn off router and modem
• Wait 1 minute
• Turn them back on
• Restart your PC again

Sometimes the router fails to assign a new IP address after reboot.

Solution 2: Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool that fixes common problems automatically.

Steps:

• Open Settings
• Go to Network & Internet
• Click Advanced network settings
• Select Network Troubleshooter

This often repairs DNS and adapter issues.

Solution 3: Disable and Re-Enable Network Adapter

Sometimes the adapter does not initialize correctly after restart.

Steps:

• Press Windows + R
• Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter
• Right-click your network connections
• Click Disable
• Wait 10 seconds
• Click Enable

Check if internet starts working.

Solution 4: Update Network Drivers

Driver issues are one of the most common causes.

Steps:

• Right-click Start
• Open Device Manager
• Expand Network adapters
• Right-click your adapter
• Click Update driver
• Choose Search automatically

Restart your PC after updating. If problem started after a recent update, try Roll Back Driver instead.

Solution 5: Reset Network Settings

Corrupted network settings may prevent connection after restart.

Steps:

• Open Settings
• Go to Network & Internet
• Click Advanced network settings
• Select Network reset
• Click Reset now

⚠ This removes saved Wi-Fi passwords. Restart and reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Solution 6: Release and Renew IP Address

Incorrect IP configuration can block internet access.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type the following commands one by one:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

3. Restart PC

This refreshes your IP and DNS settings.

Solution 7: Check Network Services

Important services must run for internet to work.

Steps:

• Press Windows + R
• Type services.msc
• Press Enter
• Ensure these services are Running:
  • DHCP Client
  • DNS Client
  • Network Connections
  • Network List Service

If stopped, right-click and start them.

Solution 8: Disable Power Saving for Network Adapter

Windows may turn off the adapter to save power.

Steps:

• Open Device Manager
• Right-click Network Adapter
• Select Properties
• Go to Power Management tab
• Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device”

Restart and test.

Solution 9: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup can sometimes cause internet issues after reboot.

Steps:

• Open Control Panel
• Go to Power Options
• Click Choose what the power buttons do
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup
• Save changes

Restart PC.

Solution 10: Check VPN and Firewall

VPNs and security software may block connection after restart.

What to do:

• Disable VPN temporarily
• Turn off third-party firewall
• Test connection

If internet works, adjust VPN settings.

Solution 11: Check Windows Updates

Sometimes Windows updates cause network bugs.

Steps:

• Open Settings
• Go to Windows Update
• Check for updates
• Install latest patches

If issue started after update, consider uninstalling recent update.

Solution 12: Perform System Restore

If internet worked previously, restore your system.

Steps:

• Search “Create restore point”
• Click System Restore
• Choose earlier restore point
• Follow instructions

Your personal files remain safe.

Solution 13: Check Ethernet Cable (For Wired Users)

If you use wired internet:

• Try another Ethernet cable
• Use another LAN port
• Check cable damage

Sometimes the issue is physical, not software.

When to Contact ISP

Contact your internet provider if:

• Other devices also lose connection
• Modem shows red warning light
• Speed is extremely unstable

The issue may be from the service provider side.

How to Prevent Internet Issues After Restart

✔ Keep drivers updated
✔ Disable unnecessary startup apps
✔ Avoid pirated software
✔ Update Windows regularly
✔ Restart router weekly
✔ Avoid aggressive power-saving settings

Final Thoughts

If your Windows 10 or 11 internet stops working after restart, it is usually caused by driver issues, network misconfiguration, or system settings conflicts.

In most cases, updating drivers, resetting network settings, or disabling Fast Startup fixes the issue quickly.

Start with simple solutions and move to advanced fixes only if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)