Encountering the frustrating “No Internet, Secured” error on your computer is a common issue, but it’s rarely a sign of irreparable damage. This message typically indicates a problem with your computer’s connection to your Wi-Fi network, even though it’s successfully connected to the router. This article will guide you through a comprehensive troubleshooting process to get you back online.
Understanding the “No Internet, Secured” Error
The “No Internet, Secured” message means your computer has successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network, confirmed by the “Secured” part. However, it can’t access the internet. The “No Internet” portion signifies that your computer isn’t receiving data from the internet through that network. This can stem from various sources, including issues with your router, internet service provider (ISP), computer’s network configuration, or even conflicting software.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s try some quick fixes that often resolve the issue.
Restart Your Computer
This might sound overly simple, but restarting your computer is often the first and most effective step. It clears temporary files and resets network connections, potentially resolving minor glitches that might be preventing internet access. Close all applications and select the restart option from your operating system’s menu.
Reboot Your Router and Modem
Your router and modem are the gateways to the internet. Rebooting them refreshes their connections and can fix problems that might be preventing internet access. Unplug both devices from the power outlet. Wait for about 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Wait for it to fully power on (the lights should stabilize), and then plug the router back in. Again, wait for it to fully power on.
Check Your Wi-Fi Password
Although the “Secured” part of the message indicates you’re connected, it doesn’t hurt to double-check that you’re using the correct Wi-Fi password. Sometimes, passwords can be accidentally changed or mistyped, especially if you’ve recently updated your router’s settings. Disconnect from the Wi-Fi network and reconnect, carefully entering the password.
Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in network troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common network problems. To run it, right-click on the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and select “Troubleshoot problems.” The troubleshooter will scan your network connection and attempt to identify and resolve any issues it finds. Follow any on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the basic steps haven’t resolved the “No Internet, Secured” error, it’s time to delve into more advanced troubleshooting methods.
Check Your IP Address Configuration
An incorrect IP address configuration can prevent your computer from accessing the internet. Your computer needs to have a valid IP address to communicate with the network.
Release and Renew Your IP Address
Releasing and renewing your IP address forces your computer to request a new IP address from the router. This can resolve conflicts or outdated IP addresses.
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter. This releases your current IP address. Then, type ipconfig /renew and press Enter. This requests a new IP address. After the process completes, check if you can access the internet.
Manually Configure Your IP Address
In some cases, manually configuring your IP address can resolve connectivity issues. This is typically only necessary if you have a static IP address assigned to your computer by your ISP.
Go to Network and Sharing Center, then click on “Change adapter settings.” Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Properties.” Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.” Choose “Use the following IP address” and enter the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway provided by your ISP. Also, enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.
Check Your DNS Server Settings
The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses. If your DNS server settings are incorrect, you might not be able to access websites, even if you have an internet connection.
Flush Your DNS Cache
Flushing your DNS cache removes any cached DNS entries that might be outdated or corrupted. This can resolve issues where your computer is trying to connect to an old IP address for a website.
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter. This clears your DNS cache.
Change Your DNS Servers
Switching to a different DNS server can sometimes improve internet connectivity. Public DNS servers like Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are often faster and more reliable than the default DNS servers provided by your ISP.
Go to Network and Sharing Center, then click on “Change adapter settings.” Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Properties.” Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.” Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.” Enter 8.8.8.8 as the preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 as the alternate DNS server (for Google DNS). For Cloudflare DNS, use 1.1.1.1 as the preferred and 1.0.0.1 as the alternate.
Update Your Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause connectivity problems. Updating your drivers ensures that your network adapter is working correctly with your operating system.
Manually Update Drivers Through Device Manager
Open Device Manager by searching for it in the Windows search bar. Expand the “Network adapters” section. Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Download Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website
For the most reliable and up-to-date drivers, download them directly from the manufacturer’s website. Identify the model of your Wi-Fi adapter and visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers. Install the drivers following the provided instructions.
Check for Interference
Wireless interference can disrupt your Wi-Fi signal and cause connectivity problems. Common sources of interference include other electronic devices, microwave ovens, and physical obstructions like walls.
Move Closer to the Router
The closer you are to the router, the stronger the Wi-Fi signal will be. Try moving your computer closer to the router to see if the connection improves.
Minimize Interference from Other Devices
Turn off or move away from other electronic devices that might be causing interference. This includes Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and cordless phones.
Disable Your Firewall and Antivirus Software (Temporarily)
Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes interfere with network connections. Temporarily disabling them can help you determine if they’re the cause of the “No Internet, Secured” error.
Important: Only disable your firewall and antivirus software temporarily for testing purposes. Re-enable them immediately after testing to protect your computer from security threats.
Check Your Router’s Firmware
Outdated router firmware can cause connectivity problems. Check your router manufacturer’s website for firmware updates and install them according to the provided instructions. Refer to your router’s manual for specific instructions on how to update the firmware.
Reset Your Router to Factory Settings
As a last resort, you can try resetting your router to its factory settings. This will erase all of your custom settings, including your Wi-Fi password, so you’ll need to reconfigure your router after the reset. Locate the reset button on your router (usually a small recessed button) and press and hold it for about 10-15 seconds using a paperclip or pin.
When to Contact Your ISP
If you’ve tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and you’re still experiencing the “No Internet, Secured” error, the problem might be with your internet service provider (ISP). Contact your ISP to report the issue and ask them to troubleshoot your connection. They can check for outages in your area or problems with your modem.
Additional Tips
- Check the Ethernet connection: If possible, connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable to see if the problem is with the Wi-Fi connection.
- Test on other devices: Check if other devices on your network are also experiencing internet connectivity issues. This can help you determine if the problem is with your computer or with your network.
- Check your network profile: Ensure your network profile is set to “Private” and not “Public”. A public profile might restrict certain network functionalities.
- Use a Wi-Fi analyzer: Wi-Fi analyzer tools can help you identify the best Wi-Fi channel to use for your network, minimizing interference from other networks.
- Consider a Wi-Fi extender:** If you have a large home or office, a Wi-Fi extender can help to improve the Wi-Fi signal in areas where it’s weak.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the “No Internet, Secured” error on your computer and get back online. Remember to be patient and systematic in your troubleshooting efforts.
Why does my computer say “No Internet, Secured” even though my Wi-Fi is connected?
The “No Internet, Secured” message typically indicates that your computer is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network, meaning it has established a link to your router. However, it can’t access the internet beyond your router. This suggests the problem lies between your router and the internet service provider (ISP), or possibly with your computer’s network configuration preventing it from communicating with the internet.
Common culprits include a temporary outage from your ISP, a malfunctioning router, or incorrect IP address settings on your computer. Sometimes, the issue is as simple as your router needing a reboot, or your computer’s DNS settings being incorrect. In other cases, firewall or antivirus software might be interfering with the connection, or there might be a problem with the network drivers on your computer.
How do I reboot my router and modem to fix the “No Internet, Secured” error?
Rebooting your router and modem is often the first and simplest troubleshooting step. Unplug the power cords from both your router and modem. Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow them to fully power down and clear their memory. This process can resolve temporary glitches and refresh the connection with your ISP.
After 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first. Wait for it to fully power on and establish a connection, usually indicated by the online or internet light becoming solid. Once the modem is connected, plug the router back in. Give the router a few minutes to fully power on and re-establish its connection. Then, check if your computer can now access the internet. This often resolves the “No Internet, Secured” issue.
What are the correct IP address and DNS settings, and how can I check them on my computer?
Normally, your computer should be configured to obtain an IP address and DNS server addresses automatically from your router using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). To check this, go to your network settings (usually through Control Panel or Settings). Find your Wi-Fi adapter settings, then go to the properties of the TCP/IPv4 protocol. Ensure that both “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are selected.
If these settings are already correct, you can try manually configuring the DNS server addresses to public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). Manually setting DNS can sometimes bypass issues with your ISP’s DNS servers. However, if your network specifically requires a particular DNS server (such as a work network), you’ll need to use those provided addresses.
Could my firewall or antivirus software be causing the “No Internet, Secured” error?
Yes, your firewall or antivirus software can sometimes interfere with your internet connection. These programs are designed to protect your computer, but they can occasionally block legitimate network traffic, leading to the “No Internet, Secured” error. The software might be mistakenly identifying a certain network activity as suspicious and blocking it, thus preventing your computer from accessing the internet.
To test if this is the case, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software. After disabling each, check if your internet connection is restored. If the issue is resolved, re-enable the software and then configure it to allow your network connection. You may need to add exceptions for your network or specific programs that require internet access. If you are unsure how to configure the software, consult its documentation or the software vendor’s support resources.
How do I update my network adapter drivers to fix the “No Internet, Secured” error?
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause connectivity problems, including the “No Internet, Secured” error. To update your drivers, open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows search bar). Expand the “Network adapters” category and locate your Wi-Fi adapter. Right-click on the adapter and select “Update driver.”
You’ll have two options: “Search automatically for drivers” or “Browse my computer for drivers.” If you choose to search automatically, Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver from the internet. Alternatively, you can download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, Realtek) and then choose “Browse my computer for drivers” to install it. Make sure you download the correct driver version for your operating system. After updating the driver, restart your computer to apply the changes.
What is the Windows Network Troubleshooter, and how can it help with the “No Internet, Secured” error?
The Windows Network Troubleshooter is a built-in diagnostic tool that can automatically detect and fix common network problems. It analyzes your network configuration, identifies potential issues, and attempts to resolve them automatically. It can be a quick and easy way to address common causes of the “No Internet, Secured” error.
To run the troubleshooter, right-click on the network icon in your system tray (the lower-right corner of your screen) and select “Troubleshoot problems.” Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will scan your network and attempt to fix any detected issues. It may suggest solutions or automatically apply fixes. Even if it doesn’t resolve the problem entirely, it can provide valuable information about the source of the issue, which can help you troubleshoot further.
When should I contact my ISP for help with the “No Internet, Secured” error?
If you’ve tried all the basic troubleshooting steps, such as rebooting your router and modem, checking your IP and DNS settings, disabling firewall/antivirus software, and updating your network drivers, and you are still encountering the “No Internet, Secured” error, it’s time to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The problem may be outside of your home network and within their infrastructure.
Before contacting your ISP, make sure to have your account information ready. Be prepared to describe the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. Common ISP-related issues include outages in your area, problems with their equipment, or issues with your account. They can remotely diagnose the connection to your modem and troubleshoot problems on their end. They can also advise if there are any known issues affecting your service in your area or if a technician needs to be dispatched to investigate.