Wireless networking issues in Windows 10 are usually straightforward to fix. But occasionally, you might run into a "No Internet, secured" message that appears as a pop-up from the system tray.

This error refers to a wireless configuration or connection problem. It's frustrating, but this error is relatively simple to deal with. Let's explore the solutions to fix the "No Internet, secured" Windows 10 error.

What Does "No Internet, Secured" Mean?

You may have seen the error message pop up in the System Tray area of the Windows 10 taskbar. Or perhaps as a notification. But what does "No Internet, Secured" actually mean?

An unusually vague message for Windows 10, the error generally means that your internet connection is down. However, it can also appear when you have an active connection.

Confused? That's not surprising. The error is, it seems, intentionally vague. After all, if your computer no longer has an internet connection, whether it is secured or not is irrelevant.

While it can appear on any Windows 10 device, it is prevalent with Microsoft Surface devices. If your computer relies on the same network card or driver, you might see it occur regardless. Other conditions can cause the appearance of the "No Internet, secured" error, too.

How to Fix the "No Internet, Secured" Error

Several fixes are available for this ambiguous error. Unfortunately, these depend on your computer setup and network adaptor. As such, not all these fixes will work. However, we've listed them in order of likelihood—just work through the tips in order.

This list will give you an idea of what's required to fix the "No Internet, secured" error:

  1. Disable your VPN
  2. Refresh the Windows 10 IP configuration
  3. Reset Winsock
  4. Check your PC's connection properties
  5. Disable IPv6
  6. Set a New DNS Server
  7. Update the network device driver
  8. Run the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 10
  9. Restart your router

Take the time to read the steps carefully before attempting to fix the error.

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

Have you connected your PC to the local Wi-Fi network, only to be surprised by the "No Internet, secured" error?

Don't worry. If you're using a VPN, the VPN client's built-in security features can cause this problem. Specifically, it can be the kill-switch designed to disconnect you from the internet when the VPN server goes down.

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 problem was with the VPN server. Update your VPN client if possible, then connect to a new VPN server. If everything connects okay, you've fixed the error!

2. Refresh the Windows 10 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. 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 is a specification for your PC's communication 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.
  2. Here, click Change adaptor options, right-click the connection concerned, and click Properties. 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 made 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 due to the latter 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 10 PC when prompted.

6. Set a New DNS Server to Fix “No Internet Secured”

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like the internet phonebook, 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 the default DNS configuration on your system fails. While it isn't always apparent if that is the cause of the "No Internet Secured" error, it is a fix worth trying.

how to set dns in windows
  1. Open the settings screen by clicking the Wi-Fi connection icon in the system tray, then Network & Internet Settings.
  2. Here, click Change adaptor options, right-click the connection concerned, and click Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
  4. Check Use the following DNS server addresses and input:
  5. Preferred DNS Server: 9.9.9.9
  6. Alternative DNS Server: 1.1.1.1
  7. Press OK

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.
device manager update network adapter

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

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

8. Run the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 10

Finally, if you're still receiving the "No Internet, secured" error message and the computer remains offline, try this.

Windows 10 features several troubleshooting tools, 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 Network & internet > Network troubleshooter.

windows 10 network adapter troubleshooter

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. So, if none of the other fixes have worked, it’s time to restart your wireless router.

Your router typically has a button that can be pressed to reset it. Alternatively, you could log onto the admin screen and reset the device from there. If neither option is possible, a simple power cycle should suffice.

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

Easily Fix "No Internet, Secured" Errors in Windows 10

By now, you should have resolved your problem and reconnected your Windows 10 PC to the internet. If not, there's a small possibility that the issue is with the network itself. If you suspect this, try connecting to a different network and comparing the results.