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Fix Internet Connection Issues After Restarting on Windows 11/10

2024/08/17
PC Repair

Key Notes

  • Utilize the Network Troubleshooter first for quick fixes.
  • Power Management settings can impact connectivity; ensure they are appropriately set.
  • If all else fails, consider resetting your PC for a clean start.

Troubleshooting Internet Connectivity Issues on Windows 10/11 After a Restart

It can be incredibly frustrating when your internet connection only works after restarting your Windows computer. This guide provides a systematic approach to resolve these connectivity problems effectively.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Internet Connectivity Issues

Before diving into specific solutions, a good first step is to power cycle your WiFi router. Simply turn it off, unplug it, wait for about 5 minutes, then plug it back in and power it on.

Step 1: Run the Network and Internet Troubleshooter

Windows 10/11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically identifies and fixes common connectivity problems. Access it via the Settings app under Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Disable Hibernation

Hibernation can interfere with your internet connection. To disable it, open a Command Prompt as administrator and type powercfg /hibernate off. This will ensure your machine completely shuts down instead of entering hibernation.

Step 3: Adjust Power Management Settings of Your Network Adapter

Check if the Power Management settings allow your computer to turn off the network adapter to save power. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click your network adapter and choose Properties.
  4. Navigate to the Power Management tab.
  5. Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
  6. Click OK to save changes.

Pro Tip: Some modern devices may not feature the Power Management tab; if not visible, you can skip this step.

Step 4: Flush DNS Cache and Reset Windows Sockets

Running the following commands in the Command Prompt can help: 

ipconfig /flushdns netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset

If you’d rather not type each command, consider creating a batch file for convenience.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall the Network Adapter

Outdated or corrupt network drivers can cause connectivity issues. To fix it:

  1. Again, open Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Network adapters section.
  3. Right-click on your network driver and choose Uninstall device.
  4. After uninstalling, restart your computer; Windows will reinstall it automatically.

Pro Tip: Visit your manufacturer’s website for the latest driver updates.

Step 6: Perform a Network Reset

This will reset all network settings to their defaults:

  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Scroll down and click on Network reset.
  3. Follow the prompts to reset your network. Your computer will restart automatically.

Pro Tip: Ensure all your work is saved before performing a network reset.

Step 7: Reset Your PC

If none of the above works, consider resetting your PC. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, and choose Reset this PC. Opt for Keep my files to ensure your data remains intact.

Summary

Challenging internet connectivity post-restart can be a common frustration for Windows users. Implement the above solutions systematically and ensure your internet connection remains consistent without further restarts. Taking preventative measures, like regularly updating drivers, will also contribute to a smoother experience.

Conclusion

With the outlined steps, fixing the irritating issue of internet access only after a reboot should be manageable. By following these diagnostic measures accurately, you should regain consistent internet connectivity on your Windows 10 or 11 system. Don’t hesitate to revisit solutions if issues recur.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What should I do if my internet connection drops during a game?

Check your network settings and disable any unnecessary background applications to free up bandwidth. Also, consider using a wired connection if possible for more stable connectivity.

Can I check my network settings without using the command line?

Yes, you can access your network settings through the Windows Settings application under Network & Internet. Here, you can troubleshoot various settings without command line commands.

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