How to Fix a Computer That Will Not Connect to WiFi

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before going through detailed troubleshooting, try these quick fixes:

• Turn WiFi off and on: Click the WiFi icon in your taskbar and toggle it off, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it back on
• Restart your computer: A restart fixes many connection issues
• Move closer to the router: Weak signal is a common cause
• Check if other devices connect: If nothing connects, the issue is with the router or internet, not your computer

Windows WiFi Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check WiFi Is Enabled

• Click the WiFi icon in the bottom-right taskbar
• Ensure WiFi is turned on (the tile should be highlighted)
• If you see Airplane mode is on, turn it off
• Some laptops have a physical WiFi switch — check the sides of your laptop

Step 2: Forget and Reconnect to the Network

• Click the WiFi icon in the taskbar
• Click the arrow next to the WiFi toggle to see available networks
• Find your network, right-click it, and select Forget
• Click the network again and select Connect
• Enter the WiFi password
• Tick Connect automatically if you want to reconnect in future

Step 3: Run the Network Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot
• Click Other troubleshooters
• Find Network and Internet and click Run
• Follow the on-screen instructions
• Apply any suggested fixes

Step 4: Reset Network Settings

If nothing else works:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
• Click Network reset
• Click Reset now
• Your computer will restart
• After restarting, reconnect to your WiFi network

Step 5: Update WiFi Drivers

• Right-click the Start button
• Select Device Manager
• Expand Network adapters
• Right-click your WiFi adapter
• Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers
• Restart your computer if a driver is updated

Mac WiFi Troubleshooting

Step 1: Check WiFi Is On

• Click the WiFi icon in the top menu bar
• Ensure WiFi is turned on
• If you do not see the icon, go to System Settings > WiFi

Step 2: Forget and Reconnect

• Go to System Settings > WiFi
• Click Details next to your network
• Click Forget This Network
• Click the network name in the list
• Enter the password to reconnect

Step 3: Renew DHCP Lease

• Go to System Settings > WiFi
• Click Details next to your connected network
• Click TCP/IP
• Click Renew DHCP Lease

Step 4: Reset Network Preferences

• Turn off WiFi
• Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder
• Type `/Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/`
• Move the following files to the Trash:

- `com.apple.airport.preferences.plist` - `NetworkInterfaces.plist` - `preferences.plist`

• Restart your Mac
• Turn WiFi back on and reconnect

Common WiFi Problems and Solutions

"No Internet" or "Connected, No Internet"

Your computer connects to WiFi but has no internet:

• Restart your router (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in)
• Wait 2-3 minutes for the router to fully restart
• Try connecting again
• If other devices also have no internet, contact your internet provider

WiFi Keeps Dropping

The connection works but keeps disconnecting:

• Move closer to the WiFi router
• Remove obstacles between your computer and the router
• Check for interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or other electronics
• Forget and reconnect to the network
• Update your WiFi drivers

Cannot See Your Network

Your WiFi network does not appear in the list:

• Check that the router is turned on and the WiFi light is active
• Make sure you are within range
• Try refreshing the network list (turn WiFi off and on)
• The network may be hidden — ask IT for the exact network name and connect manually

Wrong Password Error

• Double-check the password (it is case-sensitive)
• Ask IT or check the router for the correct password
• Forget the network and try connecting with the password again
• Ensure Caps Lock is not on

When to Contact IT

Contact your IT team if:

• You have tried all the steps above and still cannot connect
• Multiple devices cannot connect to the same network
• You need the WiFi password for your office network
• Your computer's WiFi adapter is not showing in Device Manager
• The issue started after a Windows or software update

Need Help?

Contact our helpdesk at helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.