How to check your internet connection in Windows

Steps written for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2.

1. 1

   Check the connection status

   Select Start > Settings > Network & internet. The status of your connection is at the top of the page. Select Properties next to the network name to see its details.

   

2. 2

   Check that Wi-Fi is on and connected

   Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon on the right side of the taskbar. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and that your network shows Connected below its name.

3. 3

   Run the Network troubleshooter

   Open the Get Help app and type connect to network and internet in the search bar. Select Run network diagnostics and complete the steps it offers.

4. 4

   Restart the modem and the router

   Unplug the power cable of the router, then of the modem, and wait at least 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait until its lights stop blinking, then plug in the router. Wait a few minutes and try to connect again.

5. 5

   Open Command Prompt as administrator

   Type command prompt in the search box on the taskbar. Next to Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, then Yes.

6. 6

   Find the address of your router

   Type the command below and press Enter. Under the name of your network connection, note the address next to Default gateway, for example 192.168.1.1.

   ipconfig

   Copy
7. 7

   Ping the router

   Type ping followed by that address and press Enter. Four lines that start with Reply from mean the PC reaches the router.

   ping 192.168.1.1

   Copy
8. 8

   Find and ping the DNS server

   Run the first command and note the address it shows. Then type ping followed by that address. The DNS server is the service that turns website names into addresses.

   ipconfig /all | findstr /c:"DNS Servers"

   Copy

Steps written for Windows 10 22H2.

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

1. 1

   Open the network status page

   Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet, then select Status in the menu on the left.

2. 2

   Check that Wi-Fi is on and connected

   Select the Network, Sound or Battery icon on the right side of the taskbar. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on and that your network shows Connected below its name.

3. 3

   Run the Network troubleshooter

   On the Status page, scroll down and select Network troubleshooter. Follow the instructions in the window that opens.

4. 4

   Restart the modem and the router

   Unplug the power cable of the router, then of the modem, and wait at least 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in and wait until its lights stop blinking, then plug in the router. Wait a few minutes and try to connect again.

5. 5

   Open Command Prompt as administrator

   Type command prompt in the search box on the taskbar. Next to Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, then Yes.

6. 6

   Find the address of your router

   Type the command below and press Enter. Under the name of your network connection, note the address next to Default gateway, for example 192.168.1.1.

   ipconfig

   Copy
7. 7

   Ping the router

   Type ping followed by that address and press Enter. Four lines that start with Reply from mean the PC reaches the router.

   ping 192.168.1.1

   Copy
8. 8

   Find and ping the DNS server

   Run the first command and note the address it shows. Then type ping followed by that address. The DNS server is the service that turns website names into addresses.

   ipconfig /all | findstr /c:"DNS Servers"

   Copy