Question My laptop starts reacting strangely with my WiFi ?

[Trifoilum]

Laptop: Lenovo Legion Y545
Router: D-Link Dir-612
VPN: NordVPN
Total connected devices: 5-8; usually around 6.

So I don't really get what's going on between my Laptop and WiFi recently.

1) if I connect to my WiFi directly from my Laptop, it doesn't work. The screen says No connection. I cannot ping to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 (RTO). I also cannot ping to WAN.
2) If I connect to my WiFi from my phones and other phones, it works normally.
3) If I connect to my phone and use my phone's mobile data, it works normally.
4) If I connect to my WiFi from my phone AND THEN use tethering and connect to my laptop, it also works. A bit slower than otherwise, but works.
5) If I simply change my WiFi's name from the router and then reconnect to the new WiFi, then

Everything works normally...for a few days, and then it goes error again.

At first I wondered if there's a problem with my VPN setting, but if I got the internet to connect then everything works normally.

This is what I've tried, all to no avail:

• I've tried ipconfig /release and /renew and /flushdns.
• I've tried forgetting the WiFi and reconnecting.
• I've tried forgetting the WiFi, restarting my laptop, and reconnecting.
• I've tried shutting down VPN (not uninstalling tho).
• I've tried setting a manual IP address. Not working.
• I've checked for updates to my Laptop's Network Adapter. They said it's up to date.
• I've checked for updates to my WiFi router. The latest driver came out in 2020 while this has been going fine for years until recently.
• I've checked MAC addresses; nothing is filtered. There are no blocked device and whatnot either.

What is happening here?

 

[bill001g]

I tend to never install any vpn on my machines directly anymore after having to reinstall windows to actually remove a vpn. Nord is a bit better it seems to uninstall cleanly. I tend to run vpn on a router or other device. Using one of the open source vpn clients tends to be a bit more stable, mostly because it is you that configured thing rather than some magic install script.

A better test is to ping your router IP. Even when the vpn is running you can ping your router IP because that one IP must go directly.

IPCONFIG /all might also give you a clue. You can ipconfig /release and the ipconfig /renew and get proper IP. If you get a IP it means the router is talking to you over the wifi.

Maybe try to disable IPv6 and see if that makes any difference. IPv6 seem to cause many more problems than it solves.

 

[hussaj]

When you can't connect, right mouse at the network tray icon and " Troubleshoot problems"
See what you can get from that

 

[Ralston18]

If the troubleshooters do not find and/or fix something then run "ipconfig /all" (without quotes) via the Command Prompt.

Post the full results.

You should be able to copy and paste the results with no need to retype everything.

= = = =

Also the router's logs (if available and enabled) may provide some clue.

Who has full admin rights to the router? You will need help from that person.

 

[NightHawkRMX]

I agree withe the above about posting the results of ipconfig /all
May yield good insight into what the issue may be.

Disable Nord VPN unless you need it for a specific website/use. It is likely doing nothing but a disservice to you to be operating a VPN on your home network. Slows things down, adds an extra layer of complexity that can cause issues, and essentially does nothing for security.

 

[hardwithaware]

Its your vpn. Because your wifi dosen't recognize Whatever option you chose on the vpn. I've had this issue before and i turned off the vpn i had back then. and it fixed the issue. Try Turn off your vpn.