How to Troubleshoot Windows 10 Network Issues

Edited 6 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Windows 10Network IssuesTroubleshootingConnectivitySystemSettingsWiFiEthernetInternetDiagnostics

Troubleshooting network problems on Windows 10 can be essential to maintain a smooth computing experience. It can be frustrating when your Internet connection is unstable, slow, or not working at all. However, there are systematic ways to deal with network problems. This guide provides a detailed guide to solving these problems effectively.

1. Check your hardware

Before delving deeper into software solutions, it is wise to start with the hardware. Make sure all cables and devices are properly connected. Here is what you can do:

• Check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected to the computer and the router.
• If you're using Wi-Fi, make sure the router is turned on and the wireless features are enabled.
• Restart your router and modem by unplugging them for about 30 seconds and then plugging them back in.

2. Restart your computer

Restarting your computer can solve many network problems. Here's why it's helpful:

• It refreshes the network settings and processes running in the background.
• This clears any temporary errors that may have occurred.

3. Use the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can find and fix problems with your network connection. To use it:

1. Open Settings (press Win + I ).
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. In the Status section, click Network troubleshooter.
4. Follow the prompts to diagnose and repair network problems.

4. Check the network adapter settings

Sometimes, network adapter settings may be incorrect or out of date. Here's how to check and update them:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network Adapters section.
3. Find your network adapter, right-click on it, and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows search for updates.

5. Reset your network configuration

Resetting your network settings can often resolve persistent problems. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Status.
3. Scroll down and click Network reset.
4. Click Reset now and confirm your action.

Note: Network reset will delete all your network adapters and restore them to their original settings, so you’ll need to reconnect to your network afterward.

6. Verify DNS settings

Incorrect DNS settings can cause network problems. Follow these steps to verify or change your DNS settings:

1. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change adapter settings on the left pane.
3. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
4. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
5. Make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are both selected.

If the problem persists, try entering a trusted DNS, such as Google's (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare's (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

7. Flush the DNS cache

Flushing the DNS cache can resolve issues with out-of-date DNS data. Here's how:

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type in the command prompt:

   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Press Enter.

This command clears all stored DNS entries and forces your computer to re-learn the necessary addresses.

8. Check for malware and viruses

Malicious software can interfere with network connections. Use a trusted antivirus program to scan and remove any detected threats.

9. Increase network range

If you're having problems with Wi-Fi, it might be due to range limitations. Here are some suggestions:

• Move closer to the router to see if the connection improves.
• Consider using a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in weak areas.
• Place your router in a central location in your home.

10. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you've tried all of the steps above and your network issues still persist, the problem may be with your ISP. Contact them to check if there's an outage or problem on their end. They may be able to provide you with additional troubleshooting steps or send a technician if necessary.

Conclusion

Network problems can be frustrating, but by working methodically, you can solve most problems yourself. Always start with the basics - check your cables, restart your device, and use the built-in Windows troubleshooting tools. Take care of your network's security to prevent malware from causing disruptions. By following these steps, you can potentially avoid downtime and maintain a reliable network connection on your Windows 10 device.

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