What does “No Internet, Secured” mean on Windows? And how to fix it securely

Q: 1. Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi

1. Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi- Click the **Wi-Fi icon** in the **taskbar** - Select your **current network** - Click **Disconnect,** then **Connect** again - Test if access is restored This is often enough for **public Wi-Fi networks** at airports, cafes, or libraries in U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, where networks may temporarily cut access before login.

Q: 2. Restart your router and modem

If you’re at home or in a remote location: - Unplug your modem and router - Wait 30 seconds, then **reconnect** - **Reconnect to Wi-Fi** on your device This method works well for U.S. residential ISPs like Comcast, Spectrum, and AT&T.

Q: 3. Release and renew your IP address

Run these commands in **Command Prompt (Admin):** ``` ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns ``` Then **restart your browser**. Read more on [changing your IP address](/blog/change-your-ip-address).

Q: 4. Disable and re-enable your network adapter

- Go to **Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections** - Right-click your **Wi-Fi adapter** - Select **Disable,** wait 10 seconds, then click **Enable** This refreshes your Windows driver stack and resolves temporary glitches.

Q: 5. Check VPN connection and kill switch status

If you're using [NymVPN](/blog/what-is-nymvpn), your **kill switch** may be blocking all traffic when no routing path is active. - Open **NymVPN** - **Disconnect** and then **reconnect** - If restored, this confirms your kill switch is working as designed To test if your VPN is working properly, check out Nym’s guide on [How to check if your VPN is working](/blog/vpn-check).

Q: 6. Reset TCP/IP stack

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: ``` netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset ``` Restart your PC afterward. This often fixes **corrupt network configuration files** caused by software updates.

Troubleshooting connection problems and preventing data leaks

Author: Benjamin Nemeroff

July 25, 20255 mins Read

If you’re using a VPN and suddenly see “No Internet, Secured” on your Windows laptop or PC, you’re not alone. This common issue affects users in the U.S., Europe, and globally — and while it may sound like your connection is safe, it actually means your internet access is blocked.

In this guide, the Nym cybersecurity team explains:

What the “No Internet, Secured” error really means
What causes it (including VPN-related triggers)
How to fix it step-by-step without compromising your privacy
Why using a decentralized VPN like NymVPN is a safer long-term solution

Try NymVPN for 80% off

What does “No Internet, Secured” mean on Windows?

This error message typically appears in the network status when:

You’re connected to a Wi-Fi network
That network uses encryption protocols like WPA2 or WPA3
But your device can’t reach the internet

In simple terms, your PC is connected to a Wi-Fi signal, but the router doesn’t have internet access, or it’s being intentionally blocked.

Common causes of the “No Internet, Secured” error

This issue can be triggered by a range of technical and privacy-related conditions, including:

Temporary ISP outages
Misconfigured [IP address](/blog/what-is-my-ip] or DNS settings
VPN kill switches that block all traffic during disconnects
Driver or software updates that interfere with your network stack
Public Wi-Fi access points that require login before granting full connectivity

When using NymVPN, the error may show up if your connection is intentionally blocked to prevent leaks. You can learn more in What is a VPN kill switch and why it matters.

How to fix “No Internet, Secured” on Windows

Here are seven privacy-preserving ways to resolve the issue, from basic reconnections to deeper configuration resets.

1. Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi

Disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi- Click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar

Select your current network
Click Disconnect, then Connect again
Test if access is restored

This is often enough for public Wi-Fi networks at airports, cafes, or libraries in U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, where networks may temporarily cut access before login.

2. Restart your router and modem

If you’re at home or in a remote location:

Unplug your modem and router
Wait 30 seconds, then reconnect
Reconnect to Wi-Fi on your device

This method works well for U.S. residential ISPs like Comcast, Spectrum, and AT&T.

3. Release and renew your IP address

Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Then restart your browser. Read more on changing your IP address.

4. Disable and re-enable your network adapter

Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter
Select Disable, wait 10 seconds, then click Enable

This refreshes your Windows driver stack and resolves temporary glitches.

5. Check VPN connection and kill switch status

If you're using NymVPN, your kill switch may be blocking all traffic when no routing path is active.

Open NymVPN
Disconnect and then reconnect
If restored, this confirms your kill switch is working as designed

To test if your VPN is working properly, check out Nym’s guide on How to check if your VPN is working.

6. Reset TCP/IP stack

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Restart your PC afterward. This often fixes corrupt network configuration files caused by software updates.

7. Temporarily disable IPv6

IPv6 misconfiguration can cause this error on some networks.

Open Network and Sharing Center
Click your active connection in Properties
Uncheck Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)
Click OK and restart your connection

To understand how IPv6 affects your VPN, learn about the difference between IPv4 and IPv6 and what they mean for your privacy.

Why you shouldn’t disable VPN protections permanently

VPN features like kill switches and metadata obfuscation are essential, especially when using dApps or working with sensitive information.

Traditional VPNs may log data or expose your activity to third parties. NymVPN protects against this by:

Obscuring your IP address
Preventing DNS leaks, even during connection drops
Adding cover traffic via its decentralized mixnet
Mixing data packets to prevent traffic analysis

For more on how this works, explore What is metadata and what can it reveal?

Geo tip for travelers and remote workers

If you're traveling internationally or using public networks in cities like San Francisco, Toronto, London, or Berlin, NymVPN offers strong resistance to network-level censorship or surveillance. Your location and connection times stay hidden, even if your internet temporarily drops.

Fixing errors is one thing. Preventing leaks altogether is another. With NymVPN, you get:

Kill switch protection that works
Metadata privacy via a mixnet
No personal information required for signup
No centralized logs, 100% guaranteed
Support for Windows, Linux, and macOS

So stay private with NymVPN, no matter what your network says.

Nym's Noise Generating Mixnet

"No Internet, Secure": FAQs

Why does Windows say “No Internet, Secured”?

Your device is connected to a secure Wi-Fi network, but the router isn’t able to reach the internet, or your VPN may be blocking traffic intentionally via its kill switch.

Can a VPN cause this error?

Yes. If your VPN connection drops and your kill switch is active, all internet traffic will be blocked to prevent data leaks. NymVPN users may see this message as a sign that privacy protections are working.

How can I fix this error without disabling my VPN?

Use the steps above to reset your network, reconfigure your IP, or reestablish your VPN connection. Never disable privacy settings permanently: these exist to protect your identity and activity online.