When a Windows computer is having trouble connecting to the internet or the network, a few basic checks can often identify or resolve the issue. These steps help confirm whether the problem is with the device, the network connection, or internet performance.


1. Check the Network Connection

First confirm the computer is connected to the network.

  1. Look at the network icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.

  2. If using Wi-Fi, confirm it shows a connected Wi-Fi network name.

  3. If using a wired connection, confirm the icon shows a network connection without a warning symbol.

If you are not connected:

  1. Click the network icon.

  2. Select the correct Wi-Fi network.

  3. Click Connect and enter your password if prompted.


2. Test Internet Access

Open a web browser and try visiting a website such as:

https://www.google.com

If the page does not load, the computer may not have internet access.


3. Restart the Computer

Restarting often resolves temporary network issues.

  1. Click Start.

  2. Select Power → Restart.

  3. After the computer restarts, reconnect to Wi-Fi if needed and test again.


4. Perform an Internet Speed Test

Running a speed test helps determine whether the connection is slow or unstable.

  1. Open a web browser.

  2. Go to https://www.speedtest.net or search “internet speed test” in Google.

  3. Click Go or Run Speed Test.

  4. Wait for the test to complete.

The results will show:

  • Download speed

  • Upload speed

  • Ping/latency


5. Take a Screenshot of the Speed Test Results

After the speed test finishes, capture the results.

  1. Press Windows key + Shift + S.

  2. Select Rectangular Snip.

  3. Drag your cursor to capture the speed test results.

  4. The screenshot will be copied to your clipboard and appear in the notification area.

Click the notification if you want to save the screenshot, or paste it directly into an email.


6. Send the Screenshot to IT Support

If the issue continues, send the screenshot to IT.

  1. Open Outlook or your email application.

  2. Create a new email.

  3. Send the email to support@sbcoe.org.

  4. In the message, briefly describe the issue (for example: “Internet is slow” or “Cannot connect to websites”).

  5. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot of the speed test results into the email.

  6. Click Send.


When to Contact IT Immediately

Contact IT support if:

  • You cannot connect to any network

  • The network icon shows No Internet or Not Connected after restarting

  • Internet speeds are very slow or frequently disconnecting

Including the speed test screenshot and a short description of the issue helps IT troubleshoot the problem more quickly.