ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED means your device has no internet access at all. Your browser tried to load a page but could not reach the internet. This is different from a specific website being down — the problem here is that no internet is reaching your device. You may still be connected to your local Wi-Fi network, but the internet itself is not available.

Affected Models

Google Chrome
Microsoft Edge
Chromium-based browsers
Windows
macOS
Android
ChromeOS

Common Causes

Your Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet cable has become disconnected
Your modem or router has lost its connection to your ISP
Your ISP has an outage in your area
Your device's network adapter has been disabled or has malfunctioned
A software issue (such as a bad driver or Windows update) disabled your network connection

How to Fix It

Check your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Look at the network icon in your taskbar (bottom right on Windows). If there is an X or exclamation mark, you are not connected.

On Windows, click the network icon and make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on and connected to your network.
Check if other devices in your home have internet. Try your phone or tablet. If they also have no internet, the problem is with your router or ISP.

If other devices work fine, the problem is isolated to your computer.
Restart your router and modem. Unplug both from power, wait 30 seconds, then plug the modem in first. Wait for it to connect fully (about 2 minutes), then plug in the router.

This is the most effective first step for restoring lost internet connections.
On Windows, run the network troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Internet Connections and click Run.

Windows can automatically detect and fix common network problems like disabled adapters or misconfigured settings.
Check that your network adapter is enabled. Press Windows+X, open Device Manager, expand Network Adapters. If your adapter has a down arrow icon, right-click it and choose Enable.

An accidentally disabled adapter will prevent any internet access.

When to Call a Professional

If restarting your modem and router does not restore internet access, contact your ISP. Ask if there is an outage in your area. If no outage is reported, ask them to check your line status remotely. If the internet works on other devices but not yours, a technician can help diagnose your computer's network adapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Wi-Fi shows connected but I get this error. Why?

Being connected to Wi-Fi means your device is linked to your router. But it does not mean your router has internet. The router could have lost its connection to your ISP. Think of it as being connected to a bus, but the bus has not moved because the road is blocked.

Could a Windows update have caused this?

Yes, it happens. Some Windows updates change network adapter settings or update drivers in ways that break internet access. If the problem started immediately after an update, try rolling back the network adapter driver in Device Manager by right-clicking it and choosing Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.

How do I tell if my ISP is having an outage?

Use your phone's mobile data to visit downdetector.com and search for your ISP's name. You can also check your ISP's Twitter/X account, as they often post outage notices there. Alternatively, call your ISP's support number — they will tell you if there is a known outage in your area.