I have been experiencing many cases with Windows 10 where the network icon looks like this:
The problem is, it should not. If you are using a wired Ethernet connection it should look like this:
If you are using a Wifi connection it should look like this:
So the bottom line is your Windows 10 NCSI (or Network Connectivity Status Indicator) is broken. This could happen because of an update, it could happen because of a registry change performed, it could happen due to a piece of software making changes to your system and it certainly will happen if you used any type of Windows 10 cleanup tool such as my Windows 10 Exorcist v1 (and for that I am sorry but hey at least I am giving you the fix).
NCSI is a feature within the Microsoft Windows infrastructure which applications can simply ask Windows via API "Hey, are we connected to the Internet?" and supposedly NCSI will accurately answer Yes or No. For example, Spotify Desktop as well as Windows Update both use NCSI and both receive inaccurate information if you have the
So this script is written in Windows PowerShell. Simply right click on the .PS1 file and select Run With PowerShell. It will automatically elevate itself to Administrator (privilged-level) execution to perform the required tasks. Now once executed and elevated permissions are granted, it will ask you if you want to run in Normal Mode or Aggressive Mode. At first I would recommend Normal Mode unless you are running this because of a Windows 10 cleanup script (such as the Windows 10 Exorcist v1), in which case you should run in Aggressive mode.
The difference between Normal and Aggressive.
If you believe you have the because of a bad Windows Update (totally possible), then try Normal mode.
If you have the because of an aggressive piece of code (such as the Windows 10 Exorcist v1), then you will most likely need to run Aggressive mode.
- Q: Can I run Aggressive mode after trying Normal mode?
- A: Yes and it WILL work!
- Q: Will this make changes to my system?
- A: Yes however the changes that are made will actually be reverting your system back to a stock NCSI configuration. Aggressive mode as well, will revert your system to a stock configuration, but it will advance further by altering additional system settings back to their stock settings.
- Q: Will Aggressive mode undo Windows 10 Exorcist v1 and/or other Windows 10 cleanup scripts?
- A: To some degree, yes. MS Telemetry and tracking will be re-enabled but I am creating a new script to help with that which does not affect NCSI.
- Q: Are you making money at this?
- A: No but I would appreciate any donations for all of my time and effort.
- Q: Do you have a website?
- A: You can check out my personal site
- Q: Can I contact you with any questions or for a custom script?
- A: Sure, just go to my personal site to reach out to me.
