Windows 11 Shows No Internet Access but Is Connected

Quick Tips

• In most cases, this is a minor visual issue that can go away on its own or after a system reboot.
• If you’re modifying registry settings, make sure to create a backup beforehand.
• This issue can be more common if you’re using a proxy or an Ethernet connection directly to the router.

As far as system issues go, getting a “Windows 11 no internet access but internet works” error is relatively minor, as you will typically be able to go online anyway. However, it can be a nuisance if you’re trying to diagnose other issues or if it is combined with laggy internet, which might indicate a deeper problem. Here’s what to do when the Windows 11 no internet access icon shows with internet still available.

Quick Fixes for Windows 11 No Internet Access but Internet Works

Before trying comprehensive troubleshooting steps, these quick fixes might solve the issue entirely:

• Disconnect from a VPN or proxies, since they can create a virtual network that your device detects as having priority over the existing connection but not having actual internet access.
• Restart your PC or internet router, as this can solve temporary glitches.
• Reconnect to another network, then back to the original one. If your PC has multiple Ethernet slots (typically as a result of using an extender), try to use another one.
• Temporarily disable your Antivirus software.
• Make sure your Windows is fully updated, even with optional updates.
• Go to “Network and Internet” settings and click on “Network Reset.”

Fix 1 – Disable TCP/IP v6

Despite IPv6 becoming standard way back in 2025, many ISPs don’t use it for PCs due to various factors (including higher costs). However, some setups might be trying to detect your IPv6 status and reporting it as not having an IP address (which is why the Windows 11 no internet access icon shows with internet).

Step 1. Open the “Run” utility. You can right-click on the Start icon and select it, or press “Windows + R.”

Step 2. Type in or paste “ncpa.cpl” and hit “Enter.”

Step 3. Right-click on the currently-active network and select “Properties.” The active network will show the network name as the status.

Step 4. Scroll down and uncheck “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IP v6),” then click on “OK.”

Step 5. Flush your DNS cache. This is done by opening the Command Prompt (Terminal) as an Admin (also available from the Start icon’s right-click menu), then running the command “ipconfig /flushdns” or “ipconfig -flushdns.”

Fix 2 – Edit the Registry

An invalid registry (usually caused by updates or system settings) can force your PC to check wrong IPs for internet access. This can be solved in the Registry Editor by using Google’s rather than Microsoft’s DNS.

Step 1. Open the Run utility and type in “regedit” then hit “Enter.” Confirm the User Account Control prompt.

Step 2. Navigate to the following address (you can paste it into the navigation textbox at the top, but will need to drag over the existing address to select it):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\NlaSvc\Parameters\Internet

Step 3. In the right pane, double-click on “EnableActiveProbing” and make sure the value is at 1, then click “OK.”

Step 4. Modify the following entries on that panel as follows:

ActiveDnsProbeContent: 131.107.255.255

ActiveDnsProbeContentV6: fd3e:4f5a:5b81::1

ActiveDnsProbeHost: dns.msftncsi.com

ActiveDnsProbeHostV6: dns.msftncsi.com

ActiveWebProbeContent: Microsoft Connect Test

ActiveWebProbeContentV6: Microsoft Connect Test

ActiveWebProbeHost: www.msftconnecttest.com

ActiveWebProbeHostV6: ipv6.msftconnecttest.com

Step 4b: You can use the following alternative entries:

ActiveDnsProbeContent (REG_SZ): 8.8.4.4

ActiveDnsProbeContentV6 (REG_SZ): 2001:4860:4860::8844

ActiveDnsProbeHost (REG_SZ): dns.google

ActiveDnsProbeHostV6 (REG_SZ): dns.google

ActiveWebProbeHostV6 (REG_SZ): www.msftconnecttest.com

Step 5. Go to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator

Step 6. If there’s an entry named “NoActiveProbe,” put its value to 0 or remove it.

Step 7. Close the Registry Editor. You may need to restart your PC.

Fix 3 – Repair Corrupted Files

If you get the issue where Windows 11 shows no internet but connected normally for a while, then you might have a corrupted file. This can be potentially solved via the Terminal.

Step 1. Open the Terminal as an Admin.

Step 2. Run the following commands one by one, waiting until the previous one completes:

sfc /scannow

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

If Windows can’t repair corrupted files (but detects them), you may need to perform a clean install.