The “Unidentified Network” no Internet access error in Windows 10 and 11 often occurs when a user is trying to connect to the Internet but fails to establish a connection. The error usually indicates a problem with the user’s computer, Internet connection or the network itself. Its cause will depend on which network services are affected and the type of network the user is attempting to access. This article provides multiple instructions to eliminate this issue without a hassle.
- Quick Fixes to Try
- 1. Turn Off the Firewall
- 2. Modify the DNS Server
- 3. Renew Your IP Address and Flush Your DNS Cache
- 4. Update Network Card Drivers
- 5. Apply a Static IP Address
- 6. Use an External Network Adapter
- 7. Restart the TCP/IP Stack
- 8. Uninstall or Disable Virtual Network Adapters
- 9. Use the Diagnose Option on Your Network
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Fixes to Try
Here are a few general fixes to apply before diving into the more advanced ones:
- Check that the router and all cables are plugged in correctly
- Turn on/off airplane mode
- Delete unused networks
- Check the router for physical damage and overheating
- Reboot your router and modem
- Run the Network Windows Troubleshooter
Although the fixes above work in most cases, occasionally, the issue will continue to persist and thus require more advanced adjustments. If the solutions in the previous paragraphs didn’t do the trick, follow the instructions below accordingly.
1. Turn Off the Firewall
A misconfigured Windows Firewall might be to blame for the “Unidentified Network” error you’re getting. Try disabling it to see what happens.
- Click on the Start menu, type “Control Panel,” and press Enter.
- From the following list, choose “System and Security.”
- Open the “Windows Defender Firewall” option.
- Select “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”
- Turn off Windows Defender for both Private and Public Networks.
2. Modify the DNS Server
A faulty DNS configuration can be another reason for seeing this error in Windows. Here’s how to modify your DNS settings:
- Right-click on the Start menu and open “Network Connections.”
- Choose “Advanced network settings.”
- Then select “More network adapter options.”
- On the following page, right-click on your network connection and select “Properties.”
- Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4” to open it.
- Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter these values accordingly to use Google Public DNS:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Good to know: Learn about the best dynamic DNS providers that you can use for free.
3. Renew Your IP Address and Flush Your DNS Cache
Flushing your DNS cache is also necessary because it helps ensure that your computer has the most up-to-date information about website names and IP addresses. When you access a website, your computer stores its DNS information so that it can quickly connect to it in the future. This stored information may need to be updated to avoid issues while accessing websites.
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Windows Terminal (Admin).”
- Enter the following commands in Power Shell and press Enter.
ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registerdns
- Check your network to see if everything’s okay.
4. Update Network Card Drivers
Updating your drivers ensures that you are taking advantage of the latest features and security updates to get the best out of your network card and other components connected to it.
- Click on the Start menu, type “Device Manager,” and press Enter.
- Open “Network adapters,” right-click on your network card, and select “Update Driver Software.”
- Click on “Search automatically for updated driver software” to update the driver directly from the Microsoft Official library.
- Restart your device when the driver is updated. After the OS boots, check if the issues are gone.
5. Apply a Static IP Address
A static IP address is more secure than a dynamic one since it is not randomly assigned and is more challenging for hackers to identify. Another benefit of a static IP is to fix some network issues. Here’s how to apply a static IP address in Windows:
- Once again, open Internet Protocol Version 4 just like we previously showed you in section 2.
- Tick the “Use the following IP Address” option and enter the “IP address” and the “Subnet mask” according to your network details.
- If you don’t know your IP address and Subnet mask, simply open “Windows Terminal (Admin)” and enter the following command to get your network details.
ipconfig /all
Tip: Here’s how you can view network adapter details in Windows.
6. Use an External Network Adapter
An external network adapter can provide increased bandwidth and reliability to a computer or other device that doesn’t have an internal network connection.
Additionally, it bypasses any possible issues your internal network adapter might be facing, making it an excellent method to fix an “Unidentified Network” error in Windows.
If you’re unsure which one to get, we recommend UGREEN USB to Ethernet adapter.
7. Restart the TCP/IP Stack
Restarting the TCP/IP stack can free up memory and processor usage, so your device can become more efficient. Here’s how to restart the TCP/IP Stack in Windows:
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select “Windows Terminal (Admin).”
- Enter the following commands and press Enter.
netsh int ip reset
netsh int ip reset resettcpip.txt
netsh int ipv4 reset
- Restart the computer and check to see if everything works as it should.
8. Uninstall or Disable Virtual Network Adapters
Virtual Network Adapters can lead to various “Unidentified Network” errors in Windows, and uninstalling/disabling them can resolve the issues. Here’s how:
- Open “Network Connections” and go to “Advanced network settings -> More network adapter options” as showcased above.
- Right-click on the desired network connection and select “Disable.”
9. Use the Diagnose Option on Your Network
Users can take advantage of the “Diagnose” option to identify issues related to the network, view detailed reports on its performance, and receive helpful suggestions on how to fix any associated problems.
- Open “Network Connections” and go to “Advanced network settings -> More network adapter options” as showcased above.
- Right-click your active network adapter and select “Diagnose.”
Good to know: Facing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error instead? We show you how to eliminate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if nothing resolves the "Unidentified Network" error?
If none of the instructions presented in this article helped you get rid of the error, it might be time to contact Microsoft Support for more assistance or take your PC to a repair shop to get it checked by a technician.
How do I delete unused networks?
If you wish to delete an unused network start by right-clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Device Manager.” Find “Network Adapters,” then right-click on the unused network and select “Uninstall Device.” Repeat this process for the rest of the unused networks.
How do I change my network to private?
It’s always a good idea to set the network to private on your devices when you’re connected to your network. This tells your device that the network is safe and secure. In contrast, when connecting to a public network, it’s important to change the network setting to “Public” to ensure that your device is alerted to potential cyber threats. Right-click on the Start menu and open “Network Connections.” Choose “Properties” from the following page, then click “Private” from the “Network profile type.”
Image credit: Yan Krukau via Pexels. All screenshots by Farhad Pashaei.
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