Connecting your Raspberry Pi to the internet is essential for many projects and updates. However, sometimes you might encounter a “No Internet Connection” error when using Windows 11. This issue can be frustrating but is usually fixable with a few simple steps.
In this guide, we will walk you through easy, detailed instructions to get your Raspberry Pi online again. No advanced knowledge is needed, and each step explains why it is important.
By following this step-by-step guide, you will be able to troubleshoot and solve the connection problem quickly. Let’s get started and bring your Raspberry Pi back online.
Even if you are new to Raspberry Pi or Windows 11 networking, this guide is designed to help you without confusion.
Quick Note: Before You Start
- Make sure your Raspberry Pi is properly powered on and connected to your local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Check that your Windows 11 PC is connected to the internet and functioning normally.
- Verify that your Raspberry Pi’s operating system (usually Raspberry Pi OS) is up to date if possible.
- Have your Raspberry Pi’s IP address or hostname handy, as it will be useful for network checks.
Step 1: Verify Physical Connections and Network Setup
The first and simplest step is to check the basic physical connections. If you are using an Ethernet cable, ensure it is firmly plugged into both the Raspberry Pi and your router or switch.
If you are using Wi-Fi, make sure your Raspberry Pi is within range of your wireless router. Weak Wi-Fi signals can cause connection problems.
Sometimes, a loose cable or weak signal is the root cause, so start by confirming these basics.
Step 2: Check Raspberry Pi Network Configuration
Next, verify that your Raspberry Pi has an IP address assigned. This is crucial because, without an IP, the Pi cannot communicate on your network.
To do this, open the Raspberry Pi terminal (if you have access) and type:
ip addr showLook for an active network interface (like eth0 for Ethernet or wlan0 for Wi-Fi) and check if it has an IP address listed under it.
If you don’t see an IP address, it means your Pi is not connected properly to the network.
Step 3: Ping Your Router from Raspberry Pi
Testing connectivity to your router can help identify if the Pi is connected to the local network. In the terminal, type:
ping -c 4 192.168.1.1Replace 192.168.1.1 with your router’s IP address if different.
If the ping succeeds, your Pi can communicate with the router. If not, the problem is likely with the network connection or router configuration.
Step 4: Restart Network Services on Raspberry Pi
Sometimes network services on the Pi may malfunction. Restarting them can help:
sudo systemctl restart networking.serviceAfter restarting, check if the Pi reconnects to the network by repeating the IP and ping tests.
Step 5: Check Network Adapter Settings on Windows 11
It’s important to ensure your Windows 11 PC’s network adapter settings don’t interfere with Raspberry Pi connections, especially if you are using SSH or VNC.
To check:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Network & Internet > Status.
- Click on Change adapter options.
- Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
- Make sure Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) is enabled and properly configured to obtain IP addresses automatically.
If your settings are manual, make sure the subnet matches your Raspberry Pi’s network to allow communication.
Step 6: Disable and Re-enable Network Adapter on Windows 11
Sometimes, simply resetting the network adapter on your PC can clear temporary glitches that affect connectivity.
To do this:
- Go back to Change adapter options as described above.
- Right-click your network adapter and choose Disable.
- Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.
After this, try to reconnect to your Raspberry Pi.
Step 7: Use Windows Command Prompt to Test Raspberry Pi Connection
On your Windows 11 PC, open Command Prompt by pressing Windows + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter.
Try pinging the Raspberry Pi’s IP address:
ping [Pi_IP_address]If the ping fails, the PC cannot see the Raspberry Pi on the network, indicating a network or firewall issue.
Step 8: Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Your Windows firewall or antivirus software might block incoming or outgoing connections to your Raspberry Pi.
To test this:
- Temporarily disable the firewall by searching for Windows Defender Firewall in the Start menu, then click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
- Turn off the firewall for your private network and check if the connection improves.
- If disabling the firewall fixes the issue, configure it to allow traffic on ports used by your Raspberry Pi (e.g., SSH port 22).
Remember to re-enable your firewall after testing.
Step 9: Update Raspberry Pi OS and Network Drivers
Outdated software or drivers can cause network problems. If you can access the Raspberry Pi terminal, update its software:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -yAlso, make sure your Windows 11 PC has the latest network drivers installed via Device Manager.
Alternative Method: Connect Raspberry Pi Directly to PC via Ethernet
If your router is having issues, you can connect the Raspberry Pi directly to your Windows 11 PC using an Ethernet cable. This requires enabling Internet Connection Sharing on Windows.
This method allows you to bypass the router and troubleshoot if the problem lies in the network infrastructure.
FAQs
Why does my Raspberry Pi show “No Internet Connection” even though it’s connected to Wi-Fi?
Your Pi might be connected to the Wi-Fi network but unable to access the internet due to incorrect DNS settings, router issues, or firewall blocks. Checking IP configuration and testing with ping can help diagnose this.
How do I find my Raspberry Pi’s IP address?
On the Pi terminal, type hostname -I to display its current IP address.
Can Windows 11 updates cause network issues with Raspberry Pi?
Yes, sometimes after Windows updates, network settings or firewall rules might change, blocking connections. Reviewing adapter settings and firewall rules can resolve this.
What ports do I need to open for Raspberry Pi remote access?
Common ports include SSH (22), VNC (5900), and HTTP/HTTPS (80/443). Ensure these are allowed through firewalls if you use remote access tools.
Is it safe to disable my Windows firewall?
Disabling the firewall temporarily for troubleshooting is safe if done briefly. Always re-enable it after testing and configure rules properly for security.
When Nothing Works
If you’ve tried all the above steps and still cannot connect your Raspberry Pi to the internet, consider these final options:
- Restart your router and modem to clear possible network glitches.
- Try a different Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi network to rule out hardware issues.
- Reset your Raspberry Pi’s network settings or reflash the OS if you suspect software corruption.
- Consult the official Raspberry Pi documentation and forums for specific troubleshooting advice: Raspberry Pi Forums.
- Check Microsoft’s support pages for Windows 11 network troubleshooting: Windows 11 Network Troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Fixing the “No Internet Connection” error on your Raspberry Pi when using Windows 11 is often a matter of following simple checks and adjustments. Starting with verifying physical connections, confirming IP addresses, and checking network settings helps identify common issues quickly.
Remember to test both your Raspberry Pi and Windows PC’s network configurations, and don’t forget to check firewall and antivirus settings that might block communication. Updating software and drivers often resolves hidden bugs.
With patience and the steps outlined above, you should be able to restore your Raspberry Pi’s internet connection and continue your projects without further delay.