This guide covers public Wi-Fi networks (hotel, station, train, café, campsite, hospital) that ask you to accept terms or sign in on a sign-in page, also called a captive portal, when that page doesn't show up on Windows 10 or 11. Windows is connected to the Wi-Fi network, but the Internet remains unreachable.
According to Microsoft, Windows tests each new network by contacting a test server. If a portal intercepts that test, Windows briefly shows a notification offering to open the browser on the sign-in page. This notification often goes unnoticed. Microsoft also lists VPNs, proxies, DNS servers and third-party software that intercepts the test among the causes that prevent it from completing.
If the "Your connection isn't private" warning appears on a public Wi-Fi network, see also Erreur « Votre connexion n'est pas privée » dans le navigateur (French guide). On your own home Wi-Fi, with no sign-in page, follow Wi-Fi connecté mais aucun accès Internet (French guide) instead.
Problem
- Connected to the public Wi-Fi, but no sign-in page opens.
- The browser shows an error or a security warning instead of the network's page.
- Windows reports a connection with no Internet access.
- Other devices (phone) do show the sign-in page on the same network.
Before you start
- Check the exact network name with the venue: a network with a similar name may be a fake access point.
- Note whether a VPN, a proxy or manual DNS servers are configured on the PC.
- Avoid sensitive operations (banking, shopping) on a public network.
| Observation | What to try |
|---|---|
| No window opens after connecting | Step 1 |
| The browser shows an error or a security warning | Step 2 |
| A VPN or a proxy is configured | Step 3 |
| DNS servers entered manually in Windows | Step 4 |
| The page showed up once, nothing since | Step 5 |
Step 1: open the sign-in page manually
When to use it: always first. The Windows notification only appears briefly.
Suggested solution
- Click the Network icon on the taskbar, then the public Wi-Fi network: if it offers Open browser or a similar action, click it.
- Otherwise, open your browser and enter the address that Windows itself uses for this case:
http://www.msftconnecttest.com/redirect
- The network should redirect you to its sign-in page. Accept the terms or enter the credentials provided by the venue.
Expected result: the sign-in page appears, and the Internet works once the sign-in is confirmed.
Step 2: use an HTTP address and a private browsing window
When to use it: if the browser shows an error or a security warning instead of the network's page. The portal intercepts browsing, and secure (HTTPS) sites refuse that interception.
Suggested solution
- Open a private browsing window (Ctrl + Shift + N in Edge and Chrome, Ctrl + Shift + P in Firefox): it doesn't use tabs already open or your remembered sites.
- Enter the address from step 1, with http:// and not https://.
- If your browser is set to force HTTPS or secure DNS, try another browser installed on the PC.
Expected result: the sign-in page appears. Close the private window once connected.
Step 3: pause the VPN and check the proxy
When to use it: if a VPN or a proxy is configured. Microsoft states that VPNs and proxies can intercept or divert the Windows connection test.
Suggested solution
- Disconnect the VPN from its app while you complete the sign-in page.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Proxy.
- If a manual proxy or a setup script is active and doesn't match this public network, turn it off temporarily (see Use a proxy server in Windows).
- Disconnect from the Wi-Fi, then reconnect.
- Once the page is confirmed, turn the VPN back on if you use one.
Expected result: the sign-in page appears without the VPN or proxy. Note the setting you changed so you can restore it on your other networks.
Warning: on a work PC, the VPN and proxy are often enforced by the company. Don't change them without your IT department's approval.
Step 4: set DNS back to automatic on this network
When to use it: if you entered DNS servers manually in Windows. Microsoft lists DNS resolution problems among the causes that prevent the connection test from completing, and the portal usually relies on the DNS servers provided by the network.
Suggested solution
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi, then the properties of the public network.
- Next to DNS server assignment, click Edit.
- Choose Automatic (DHCP) and save.
- Disconnect from the Wi-Fi, then reconnect.
Expected result: the sign-in page appears after reconnecting.
Step 5: forget the network and reconnect
When to use it: if the page appeared during a previous connection but nothing since.
Suggested solution
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks.
- Select the public network, then Forget.
- Reconnect to the network from the Network icon on the taskbar.
- Open the address from step 1 again.
Expected result: the network asks you to sign in again, and the page appears.
Special cases
- Random hardware addresses: Windows can use a random hardware (MAC) address for a network (Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks > Properties). If the portal keeps asking you to sign in, check whether this option is on for that network, and ask the venue whether its access is limited per device.
- Third-party security software with web filtering: Microsoft lists third-party software that intercepts the test among the possible causes. Check the vendor's documentation for how it behaves on public networks, without turning protection off.
- Don't disable the Windows connection test: Microsoft doesn't recommend it. It is what lets Windows detect sign-in portals.
- Nothing works, even on the phone: the problem is on the venue's network. Report it to the front desk.
Final check
- ☐ The network's sign-in page appeared and was confirmed.
- ☐ Websites open normally.
- ☐ Any VPN, proxy or DNS changes were restored for your other networks, if needed.
Sources
- Microsoft Learn: Network Connectivity Status Indicator overview for Windows
- Microsoft Learn: Network Connectivity Status Indicator FAQ for Windows
- Microsoft Learn: An Internet Explorer or Edge window opens when your computer connects to a corporate network or a public network
- Microsoft Support: Connect to a Wi-Fi network in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Use a proxy server in Windows
Sign-in page still not showing up?
Reply to this topic with:
- Your Windows version and browser.
- The type of place (hotel, station, train, etc.) and whether your phone shows the page.
- The exact message shown by the browser with the address from step 1.
- Whether a VPN, a proxy, manual DNS or security software with web filtering is installed.