Key Takeaways

• The “No internet, secured” error indicates a connectivity issue, which can be caused by VPN settings, IP configuration problems, outdated network drivers, etc.
• Fixes include disabling VPN, refreshing the IP configuration, resetting Winsock, checking network adapter properties, disabling IPv6, modifying DNS settings, and updating network drivers.
• As a last resort, running the Windows network troubleshooter or restarting your router can help resolve this error on your Windows 10/11 device.

The “No internet, secured” error is probably one of the most frustrating networking issues you can run into on your Windows 10/11 device. This pesky pop-up in your system tray indicates a wireless configuration or connection problem.

It’s frustrating, but don’t worry; this error is relatively simple to deal with. Let’s explore the most effective solutions to the “No internet, secured” error and get you back online in no time.

What Does “No Internet, Secured” Mean?

You may have seen this error message pop up in the System Tray area of the Windows taskbar. Alternatively, it can manifest as a notification or a yellow triangle icon next to the Wi-Fi symbol. But what does “No internet, secured” actually mean?

Fundamentally, “no internet, secured” indicates an issue with your internet connection—despite being connected to a secure wireless network. Your PC can “see” the Wi-Fi network and confirm it is secured, but for some reason, you can’t actually access the internet (that is, open webpages or access applications).

The “no internet, secured” error can appear on any Windows 10/11 device, and usually stems from a problem with your internet service provider (ISP), an incorrect IP address configuration, or even outdated drivers.

Fortunately, numerous fixes are available for this ambiguous error.

1. Disable Your VPN to Fix the “No Internet Secured” Error

If you’re using a VPN, the VPN client’s built-in security features can cause the “No internet, secured” error. Specifically, the kill switch of your VPN (designed to disconnect you from the internet when the VPN server goes down) could cause this error.

To check if this is the problem, disable your VPN (using the disconnect function) or even exit it entirely. Then, take a moment to reconnect to the internet and try a regularly updated website—perhaps a trusted news site.

If everything connects, then the issue is with the VPN server. Update your VPN client if possible, then connect to a new VPN server. If everything connects OK, you’ve fixed the error!

2. Refresh the Windows 10/11 IP Configuration

Not using a VPN yet still experiencing continued incidence of the “No internet, secured” message? Some commands are available to help you deal with the error.

Right-click Start, then select Windows PowerShell or Terminal. Here, enter the following commands in order:

ipconfig /release 

ipconfig /renew 

This will force your computer to request a new IP address from your local router. In many cases, this will resolve the error.

3. Reset Winsock to Tackle the “No Internet, Secured” Error

Another command-line solution to the “No internet, secured” error is to reset Winsock.

While it might sound like a feature of your local airfield, Winsock is the Windows Sockets API. This specification allows your PC to communicate with network services, specifically the widely used TCP/IP.

To reset Winsock, use the following command:

netsh winsock reset catalog 

Wait a moment; if the network doesn’t automatically reconnect, do so manually.

4. Check Your PC’s Connection Properties

Still no joy? It’s time to check your PC’s network adaptor.

1. Open the settings screen by clicking the Wi-Fi connection icon in the system tray, then Network & Internet Settings or More Wi-Fi Settings.
2. On a Windows 10 device, click Change adaptor options, right-click the connection concerned, and click Properties. Alternatively, on a Windows 11 device, click Hardware properties > More adapter options > Edit. Confirm the following are checked:
   • Client for Microsoft Networks
   • File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
   • Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
   • Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
   • Link-layer Topology Discovery Responder

Click OK to confirm. If you make any changes, restart Windows when prompted.

5. Fix the No Internet Secured Error by Disabling IPv6

IPv6 is a networking protocol designed to replace IPv4 because the latter is running out of IP addresses. However, while IPv6 should run on most hardware, it is susceptible to errors.

You can disable IPv6 by repeating the previous step. Simply uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), then click OK to confirm the choice. Restart your Windows PC when prompted.

6. Modify Your DNS Server Settings to Fix “No Internet, Secured”

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet’s phone book, except it is automated and covers the entire globe. For example, when you type www.makeuseof.com in your address bar, DNS converts the URL into an IP address, taking you to the website you requested.

However, sometimes, your system’s default DNS configuration fails. While it isn’t always apparent if that is the cause of the “No internet, secured” error, it is a fix worth trying.

1. Open the settings screen for your Wi-Fi connection by repeating the steps in fix number 4.
2. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
3. Check Use the following DNS server addresses and input:
4. Preferred DNS Server: 9.9.9.9
5. Alternative DNS Server: 1.1.1.1

Press OK, and you’re good to go.

7. Update Your Network Device Driver

As there is a chance that the device driver for your network card is at fault, you should take the time to update it.

1. Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
2. Here, expand Network Adapters, select your network device, then right-click and select Update driver.

Wait while the device driver is updated, then reboot Windows. If successful, your Windows 10/11 PC should automatically connect to the network as usual.

If this doesn’t work, try Disable device, reboot the computer, and then Enable Device.

8. Run the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 10/11

If you still receive the “No internet, secured” error message and your computer remains offline, try this next fix.

Windows 10 and 11 feature several troubleshooting tools and software toolkits that automatically check for errors and make (or suggest) repairs.

To launch the Network Troubleshooter, press Windows key + I to open Settings. Then, on a Windows 10 PC, navigate to Network & internet > Network troubleshooter.

On Windows 11, click System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and internet.

Follow the steps provided in the tool to repair your network connection.

9. Restart Your Router to Fix the No Internet Secured Error

You can only experience the “No internet, secured” error on Wi-Fi. If none of the other fixes have worked, it’s probably time to restart your wireless router.

Most routers have a button that you can press to reset them. Alternatively, you could log onto the admin screen and reset the device. If neither option is possible, a simple power cycle should suffice.

Once the router is powered up, reconnected to the internet, and Wi-Fi is operational (check the router’s LED notifications), retry the connection.

At this point, you should have resolved the underlying issue and reconnected your Windows PC to the internet. If not, there’s a chance the issue is with the network itself. If you suspect this, try connecting to a different network and comparing the results.