It happens to everyone at some point. You turn on your computer, sit down ready to get to work, look up at the screen, and there it is: no internet connection. No need to grab the rice; just take a deep breath, then follow these simple steps to get yourself connected again.
Simple and easy fixes
Reboot your device
Take a deep breath and turn your computer off. Then take another deep breath and turn it back on again. Rebooting your computer can solve many technical glitches, including no internet connection. If your computer is on but not responding, hold the Power button until the system shuts down. This will safely turn off the computer. You can also use the Shut Down command.
Check cords and cables
Check every single cord and cable connected to your computer. Pull them out and plug them back in. Check everything from the computer to the wall. Then reboot and see if that resolved the problem. Sometimes it is that simple, a loose cord or a power strip/surge protector that got turned off.
Check your monitor
Is your monitor on? Guaranteed every tech support person that ever existed has had at least one call where the computer wasn’t working, and the problem was simply that someone had turned the monitor off.
Start diagnosing the problem
Sort of like when you lose your car keys and try and think back to when you last had them in your hand. Think about your computer system. Is this a new problem? Did it start before this moment? When did it start? Have you recently installed any new programs or made a hardware change? What have you downloaded recently? Take the time to think it through and eliminate or narrow down what may have triggered the change. This will help you figure out what to do next.
Reboot your router
Wax On, Wax Off, Turn On, Turn Off; turn off anything connected to your computer, routers, printers, or external drives, and turn it back on again. If that doesn’t work, do it one at a time, turn it all off, including your computer, turn one thing on, then the computer, and see if that resolved the internet connection. Start with your router if you have one.
Update your computer if needed
When did you last install updates on your computer? Updating your hardware drivers, operating systems, and programs may solve your problem.
Google it
If you get a specific internet connection error message, Google it. It is possible that some other user out there has had a similar or same problem and has written about it. Make your search specific, reference the program name and operating system or error message or error code. Looking at the search results, save yourself some time, and read the tech forums first.
That’s it! Hopefully, it was a simple issue, and it’s all sorted now.
