How to Reset Internet after Power Outage? Try 9 Solutions

Have you ever experienced an electric power outage and upon resumption, your internet refuses to come on? This can be a very exasperating experience. Well, don’t worry, we’ve all been there! But not to worry, you’re not alone in this. We’re here to help you reset internet after power outage.

Before we get down to fixing the issue, let’s first understand How power outages affect your internet access?

Typically, after a power outage, your router or modem should automatically reboot and reconnect within a few minutes. However, sometimes, a power surge or a fluctuation during or following the outage can cause your router/modem to malfunction or not reboot properly. This can result in loss of network signal or connectivity issues.

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Internet Not Working After Power Outage? Here are 9 Solutions

And now, let’s move to the fix. There are several steps you can follow to regain your lost internet connection after a power outage.

1. Checking the basics

Often, the answers we seek are hidden in plain sight. Therefore, first, check if the power outlet your modem or router is connected to has electrical power. Make sure the power cable is firmly plugged in and not damaged.

If you have a power strip or surge protector, ensure that it hasn’t tripped or malfunctioned during the power outage.

2. Rebooting your router

Rebooting your router is often the go-to solution for most internet connectivity problems. To do this, simply unplug the power cable from the back of your router and wait for about 10-15 seconds before plugging it back in.

Allow the router a few minutes to fully reboot and establish a connection.

3. Checking the cable connections

While power issues are the most common culprits, it’s also important to inspect the cable connections. Ensure that the Ethernet cable from your modem is securely connected to the WAN or Internet port on your router.

It’s also a good idea to check the other end of the cable, ensuring it’s properly plugged into your modem.

4. Resetting your router

If a simple reboot doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to consider resetting your router. Find the small reset button on type of router you have, but these general steps should help you get started. It’s always a good idea to refer to your router’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions tailored to your device.

5. Contact your ISP

If you’ve followed all the steps above and your internet is still not working, it’s time to reach out to your ISP. Power outages can sometimes cause widespread issues that affect an entire area, so it’s worth getting in touch to see if there’s a larger problem at play.

They can provide you with information on any outages and the estimated time for restoration. Additionally, they may be able to provide guidance on specific troubleshooting steps tailored to their network.

If your internet is working fine on other devices however it is not working on your Windows PC try out these solutions to fix it.

6. Using Windows’ Network Troubleshooter

Windows offers a built-in solution to help you diagnose and fix various internet-related problems. Known as the Network Troubleshooter, this handy tool scans your system, identifies the source of the issue, and provides step-by-step guidance to resolve it. Here’s how you can use it to reset internet after power outage and get it working:

1. Open Windows Settings: Press the Windows key and the letter “I” simultaneously to launch the settings menu.

2. Access the Troubleshoot Section: Within the settings menu, locate and click on the “Troubleshoot” option.

3. Explore Additional Troubleshooters: Once inside the Troubleshoot section, you’ll find a variety of options. Look for the “Other Troubleshooters” link and select it.

4. Run Network Troubleshooters: In the list of additional troubleshooters, you’ll see options for Internet Connections, Network Adapters, and Incoming Connections. Choose the one that best aligns with your specific issue and click on it.

5. Follow On-Screen Instructions: After selecting a troubleshooter, simply follow the on-screen prompts to run the troubleshooter.

7. Reinstall Network Drivers and Restore Internet Connectivity

If your internet is not working after a power outage, a potential solution is to reinstall the network driver. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get your network adapter up and running again:

1. Open the Run Dialog Box: Press the Windows key and the letter “R” simultaneously to launch the Run dialog box.

2. Access Device Manager: Type “devmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box and hit Enter. This will open the Device Manager.

3. Expand the Network Adapters Menu: In the Device Manager, locate and click on the dropdown menu for “Network adapters.” This will expand the menu to display your network adapters.

4. Uninstall the Network Driver: Right-click on the network driver that corresponds to your internet connection and choose “Uninstall device” from the context menu.

5. Confirm the Uninstall: When prompted, click on the “Uninstall” button to confirm the removal of the network driver.

6. Add the Network Driver: After uninstalling the driver, click on the “Action” tab at the top of the Device Manager window and choose “Add drivers.”

7. Browse for the Driver Files: Click on the “Browse” button and select the network driver files that were previously transferred from the USB or downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

8. Click OK: Once you have selected the appropriate driver files, click on the “OK” button to proceed.

9. Follow On-Screen Prompts: Click on the “Next” button and carefully follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reinstallation process of the network driver.

By reinstalling the network driver, you can often resolve internet connectivity issues caused by a power outage.

8. Stay prepared for future outages

While power outages are out of our control, there are steps you can take to mitigate the impact they have on your internet connectivity.

Consider investing in a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) to keep your router and modem powered during brief power interruptions. This will help you maintain your internet connection, even in the event of a short outage. Think of a UPS as a backup generator for your internet, ensuring a continuous flow of power and connectivity.

Power outages can wreak havoc on your internet connection, but there are steps you can take to get it up and running again. Start by checking the power supply to your router and restarting your modem. Make sure all cables are securely connected and in good condition. With a little bit of troubleshooting and some proactive measures, you’ll reset internet after power outage easily.