How to Fix the “No Internet, Secured” Error on Windows

If you’re connected to Wi-Fi on your Windows PC but the network icon shows a yellow triangle and says “No Internet, Secured”, you’re seeing one of the more annoying network errors. Even though your PC thinks it’s connected to the network, it can’t reach the internet. In this guide, we’ll walk through why this happens and the best fixes to get you back online.

What Does “No Internet, Secured” Mean?

Even though your computer is connected to a network that uses encryption (hence “Secured”), it still doesn’t have full internet access. According to the diagnostics, the issue usually lies in one of these areas: your IP or DNS settings, network adapter driver, router/DHCP configuration, VPN or security software interference, or a hardware/firmware glitch. MakeUseOf+2How-To Geek+2

Step-by-Step Fixes You Should Try

Work through these in order — often the early ones will resolve it without needing the later ones.

1. Run Windows Network Troubleshooter

A good first start is using Windows’ built-in tools. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Run the troubleshooter. On Windows 11 use System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network & Internet. Microsoft Support+1
Follow the prompts and reboot when done, then check if the error persists.

2. Reset Your Network Settings / Reset TCP/IP Stack

Sometimes your network configuration is corrupted. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset → Reset now (Windows 10/11) and confirm. How-To Geek+1
You can also manually run these commands in a Command Prompt (Admin):

These commands clear out old network stacks, refresh your IP lease and clear DNS cache. PureVPN+1

3. Update the Network Adapter Driver

Out-of-date or incompatible drivers often trigger this error. Open Device Manager → Network adapters → (your adapter) → Update driver (or download from your PC/manufacturer site). After updating, restart your PC. How-To Geek+1

4. Check Your Network Adapter Settings / Disable IPv6

There may be mis-configured adapter options. Go to Control Panel → Network & Sharing Center → Change adapter settings → right-click WiFi → Properties. Make sure at least:

• Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) is checked and set to “Obtain IP address automatically” & “Obtain DNS server address automatically”

• Consider unchecking IPv6 if your network doesn’t support it well (uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)). How-To Geek+1
  Click OK and reboot.

5. Disable VPN, Security Software or Proxy That Might Be Blocking Access

If you use a VPN client, firewall or proxy, sometimes their “kill switch” or malformed settings cause “No Internet, Secured”. Disable your VPN temporarily, exit the client, and test again. PureVPN
Also check that your antivirus/firewall is not blocking the connection path.

6. Restart Your Router / Check Router Firmware / DHCP Settings

If nothing on your PC is the issue, your router or network may be. Try:

• Power-cycling your router & modem: unplug both, wait ~30 seconds, plug back modem first then router. Microsoft Support

• Checking router firmware: log into your router’s admin panel, find firmware update section, update if available. Medium

• Checking DHCP: ensure your router is handing out IP addresses (DHCP server enabled) and no conflicts exist. Microsoft Learn

7. Try a Different Network or Use Ethernet (If Possible)

If your PC connects fine via another WiFi hotspot (phone tethering) or via wired Ethernet, then the issue is likely your home WiFi network, not the PC. This helps isolate hardware vs network. MakeUseOf

Pro Tips & Prevention

• Keep your Windows OS and network drivers updated — newer updates include connectivity-fix patches.

• Avoid loading up too many network-heavy apps or VPNs that block traffic.

• If you see this error recurrently, switching to a public DNS (like 8.8.8.8 / 1.1.1.1) may improve stability. MakeUseOf

• Position your router well (avoid interference), and consider upgrading the router if it’s old and causing issues.

The “No Internet, Secured” message doesn’t mean your WiFi password is wrong — it means there’s a network layer issue preventing internet access. Often it’s a quick fix: run the troubleshooter, reset your networking stack, update drivers. In more stubborn cases you’ll dig into router settings or disable interfering software. Work through these steps and you’ll usually be back online in under 15 minutes.