How to fix limited access problem − Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7

The most common reason for the limited access Wi-Fi problem on Windows computers is the router (and/or modem) itself, which for some reason have stopped distributing the Internet connection properly.

To address this, restart your router, and/or modem, via the power button, or, even better, by unplugging them from power, and plugging them back in after a couple of minutes (e.g. 2 minutes).

Another reason for the limited Internet connection issue is a program running on the computer. If it became unresponsive, for some reason, it might have disrupted all the processes on your computer, including the Internet access.

Restart your computer and check if the error message will reappear. A more effective solution you can try is to turn off your computer, and turn it back on after a couple of minutes.

Maybe the Ethernet cable has been accidentally misplaced, on the router's or on the computer's end, causing the limited connection error to appear.

In this case, what you need to do is to disconnect the Ethernet cable on both ends, and reconnect it, firmly.

If your Internet connection comes through the modem, and the modem is connected to a router (through an Ethernet cable) it is possible that the Ethernet cable connecting the router and modem has been disconnected or damaged. The computer wouldn't know this, because the connection between your computer and the router is well-established, and on your computer you would only see a "limited access" or "limited connectivity" error.

Make sure that your modem and router are connected and that the Ethernet cable connecting them is not damaged.

Maybe in the background your computer has been disconnected from the Wi-Fi network, but your computer "didn't get the message well," as it is still connected to the Wi-Fi network, and it only shows a "limited access" icon in the taskbar.

Disconnect your computer from the Wi-Fi network, and reconnect it again after a minute or two.

When you remember a Wi-Fi network to your computer, you also remember a set of instructions "on how to behave when the Wi-Fi network is available" that are invisible to you, but are known to the computer. Maybe that set of instructions is no longer valid for some reason (e.g. changes made in the router), and need to be updated to new ones. To update the instructions, you need to forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it.

To do so, feel free to follow the steps below:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the notification area (in the bottom, right-hand corner of the screen) and click on Network settings;
2. Click on Manage known networks;
3. Select the network you want to forget and click on Forget;
4. Reconnect to the network, by entering its password.
   
   

When saving a Wi-Fi network to your computer, you also save a set of instructions "on how to behave when the Wi-Fi network is available" that are invisible to you, but are known to the computer. Maybe the instructions are no longer valid for some reason (e.g. changes made in the router), and need to be updated to new ones. To update the instructions, you need to forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it.

To do that, feel free to follow the steps below:

1. Open PC Settings and click on Networks;
2. Click on Connections and select Manage known networks;
3. Select the network you want to forget and click on Forget;
4. Reconnect to the network, by entering its password.

When saving a Wi-Fi network to your computer, you also save a set of instructions "on how to behave when the Wi-Fi network is available" that are invisible to you, but are known to the computer. Maybe the instructions are no longer valid for some reason (e.g. changes made in the router), and need to be updated to new ones. To update the instructions "on how to behave," you need to forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect to it.

To do that, feel free to follow the steps below:

1. Open the start menu and click on Network and Sharing Center;
2. Click on Manage wireless networks;
3. Right-click the connection you want to delete, and then click on Remove network;
4. Reconnect to the network, by entering its password.

Maybe the reason for this issue is the ISP provider itself, which has technical difficulties. Contact them, let them know of the issue, as well as all the courses of actions you have taken, and if it is on their end, they will fix it. 

Resetting the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the Internet - learn more on Searchnetworking) can help you fix the limited access/connection error.

To reset the TCP/IP, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the start menu and type CMD, or command prompt;
2. Once it appears, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator;
   * Enter the administrator's password, if prompted
3. Once the Command Prompt opens, type the following commands in the same order as they are written here, and hit Enter once you write each of them (i.e. write the first one and hit Enter and write the second one and hit Enter):
   
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh int ip reset
   
   
4. Close the command prompt and restart the computer.
   
   

Note: If you use a static IP address you will need to set it again once your computer turns on. If you don't know how or whether your IP address is static or dynamic, contact the Internet provider you are subscribed to.

If the commands above didn't work, use the one below:

netsh int ip reset C:\logreset.txt

If the one above didn't enter the following sequence, pressing Enter after each one:

netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
netsh int tcp show global

Restart the computer.

Maybe you have accidentally changed the computer's power settings and as a result, your computer won't turn off properly. All you need to do is to change the time after which your laptop will go to sleep. If you are not sure how, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the start menu, type power options and click on the first item; 
   * Alternatively, if you use a laptop, you can right-click the battery icon in the notification area (in the bottom, right-hand corner) and select Power Options;
2. Click on Change plan settings next to the Balanced power plan;
3. Click on Restore default settings for this plan;
4. Click on Save changes.

The Windows network troubleshooter is a powerful utility designed to address network-related problems, one of them being the limited access issue.

What you need to do is to run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions. To run the troubleshooter, right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right-hand corner of the screen and click on Troubleshoot (problems).

The limited access problem can be the result of an outdated network driver. Updating your computer's drivers on time is a must, to prevent errors outdated drivers can cause.

Feel free to check out the don't know how to download and install drivers guide. if you are not sure how to find and install the appropriate drivers your computer needs.

Maybe a virus invaded your computer and damaged files that are crucial for it to connect to the Internet. Scan your computer for viruses, using an antivirus software. If a virus is detected, then all you need to do is to remove it.

To learn more how to protect your computer and clean it from viruses, feel free to check the Computer virus protection guide.

Maybe the firewall or antivirus settings stop your computer from connecting to the Internet. If this is the case, all you need to do is to open the Windows firewall or antivirus settings, and reconfigure them so that they let the computer access your Internet connection. 

Note: If you don't feel comfortable adjusting these settings, make sure to consult guides, or a tech-savvier friend.

If none of the other solutions worked, what you can consider is to switch to a different type of Internet connection. For example, if you were connected via Wi-Fi, connect via Ethernet cable now, and if you were connected via Ethernet cable, connect via Wi-Fi now. 

If none of the other solutions worked, it is possible that the router has malfunctioned and needs to be replaced. If you have a modem, connect your computer to the Internet directly via the modem. If your connection wasn't limited, then the router was the culprit, and replacing the router would fix the issue.

Maybe the Ethernet cable is damaged, preventing a proper connection flow. Before you decide to buy a new Ethernet cable, try plugging in the cable in another computer. If the same error appears there, too, consider replacing the cable.

If none of the other solutions worked, it is possible that the computer's network card has been damaged, depriving your computer of Internet access. In this case, what you need to do is to take your computer to a repair shop, and have the network card fixed.