12 Ways Fix Limited Connectivity and Internet Access on Windows 11

Are you experiencing limited connectivity or no internet access on your Windows 11 device and have not been able to take control of this frustrating issue? Fret not – I have got you fully covered with a range of workable tips and tricks. Irrespective of whether or not your Wi-Fi is throwing the “Limited” status error repeatedly or you are unable to connect to the internet, this in-depth guide will help you sort out the chaos and bring your malfunctioning internet connection back on track. Keep reading to…

Fix Limited Connectivity and Internet Access on Windows 11

So, what has derailed the internet connection on your PC? From the ill-fated IP configuration to struggling DNS servers to the malicious network drivers to the overprotective firewall, there are a number of usual suspects that you need to encounter while dealing with this classic Windows problem.

• Incorrect IP configuration
• DNS server issues
• Faulty network drivers
• Router/modem problems
• ISP connectivity issues
• Firewall or antivirus block
• Windows network settings
• Weak Wi-Fi signal
• VPN or proxy conflict
• Corrupt system files

In this article, I’m going to take each one of these culprits for a task and discuss ways to eliminate them. So, follow along:

1. Restart Your Router and PC

Keep in mind that the temporary glitches in the router or network adapter might be causing limited connectivity. A quick restart will help you refresh the network configurations.

• To get it done, turn off your router and unplug it for 30 seconds.
• After that, restart your PC.

• Once your PC has rebooted, you have to turn the router back on and find out if the issue is resolved.

2. Forget and Reconnect to the Network

Be warned that the malicious network settings can cause connection issues. Forgetting and reconnecting resets the connection – most of the time.

• Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and select Network & Internet settings. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Network & internet.
• Now, click Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.

• Then, you have to select your network and click Forget.
• After that, reconnect by entering the Wi-Fi password and figure out if the issue is gone.

3. Disable and Re-enable the Network Adapter

More often than not, you can resolve the temporary software issue with the adapter by just disabling and enabling it again. So, it would be wise to give this effective tip a chance.

• To begin with, press Win + X and select Device Manager on your PC.
• Now, expand Network adapters section.
• Next, make sure to right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter and choose Disable device in the menu.

• After waiting for a few seconds, Enable device again.

4. Disable Power-Saving Mode for Network Adapter

It’s also important to mention that Windows tends to disable the network adapter to save power, causing connectivity issues. Therefore, I’d suggest you get rid of the power-saving mode for the network adapter.

• To do so, press Win + X and select Device Manager in the menu.
• Now, expand Network adapters > right-click your adapter, and select Properties in the popup menu.

• Head over to the Power Management tab and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.”
• Eventually, be sure to click OK and restart your PC.

5. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Your firewall settings or third-party antivirus software might also be responsible for causing the limited connectivity problem. Thus, disable it temporarily to determine if it’s gaslighting the internet issue.

• Open Windows Security on your PC (from the Start menu > Privacy & security section”.
• Now, you have to click Firewall & network protection.

• Next, Turn off Microsoft Defender Firewall (for both Private and Public networks).
• If you are using a third-party antivirus software, disable it temporarily.
• Check if the internet has returned to form. If it has, re-enable the firewall so that your enhanced protection doesn’t take a backseat.

6. Reset the Network Settings

Note that resetting the network adapter restores default settings, flushing out misconfigurations and offering a neat way to set up everything from scratch.

• Open Settings with Win + I on your PC > go to Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
• Now, click Network reset > Reset now.
• Do not forget to restart your PC after the reset.

7. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter

Windows comes with built-in tools that can detect and resolve common network issues automatically.

• To get going, press Win + I to open Settings.
• On your PC, head over to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

• Now, you have to click Run next to Internet Connections.
• Next, you have to go through the on-screen instructions to nab the culprits invoking the internet issues and fix them.

8. Update Network Drivers

Another effective solution for this frustrating issue is to update the outdated drivers. If the faulty drivers are invoking the issue, it will let you resolve it.

• To get it done, press Win + X and select Device Manager.
• Now, expand Network adapters and right-click your Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter.
• Next, click Update driver > Search automatically for drivers and then restart your PC after the update.

9. Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP Stack

Wrongly configured DNS or TCP/IP settings might be blocking internet access on your PC. Resetting them will allow you to fix the issue.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator on your Windows 11 device and then run these commands one by one –
• netsh int ip reset
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
• Once you have run these commands, be sure to restart your PC and check your connection to find out if it has come back on track.

10. Change DNS to Google or Cloudflare

If the ISPs’ DNS servers are slow or down, it would be a good idea to switch to a public DNS to improve connectivity.

• Open Settings on your PC > head into the Network & Internet section in the left sidebar> Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

• Now, click the Hardware properties option.
• Up next, hit the Edit option located next to the DNS server assignment.
• Next up, choose Manual, enable IPv4, and enter:
  • Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
  • Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
• Finally, you have to click Save and restart your connection.

11. Check Your Internet Plan and ISP Issues

No luck as yet, even after you have tried all the above effective tips,? Now, it wouldn’t be wrong to blame your ISP as there is a high chance that it might be experiencing an outage or service limitations.

• To begin with, test your internet connection on another device.
• Then, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check for outages.
• Ensure that your data plan is active (for mobile networks).

12. Update Your PC

Should a persistent Windows bug be spoiling your game, and hurting the performance of the internet connection, updating the software will sort out the issue. So, go for it mate, as well.

• To get going, fire up the Settings with Win + I on your Windows 11 device.
• Dive into the Windows Update tab and click Check for updates.
• Up next, go ahead to install any available updates and restart your PC.

Wrapping up…

There you have it! I hope your internet connection is back with a bang and so has the seamless browsing or the video-streaming experience. But before the pending tasks will take you for the long run, be sure to shoot your feedback and the hacks that have helped restore your internet.