Restart the router and PC, run ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew, make sure IPv4 is set to Obtain an IP address automatically, update the network driver, and use Network reset if it persists.

The short explanation

Windows identifies a network by its gateway. With no valid DHCP address (often a 169.254.x.x address) or no gateway, it labels the connection “Unidentified”. Cables, router DHCP problems, static IP settings and drivers are the common causes.

Symptoms

  • “Unidentified network” under Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
  • “No internet” with a 169.254.x.x IP address.

Common causes

  • Router DHCP failure.
  • Wrong static IP settings.
  • Faulty cable, port or adapter driver.
  • Third-party firewall interference.

Try these fixes

  1. Restart router and PCPower-cycle the router for 30 seconds.
  2. Check cable and portTry another cable or router port for Ethernet.
  3. Renew and resetRun the commands below as administrator and restart.
  4. Automatic IP settingsncpa.cpl → adapter → Properties → IPv4 → obtain IP and DNS automatically.
  5. Update the driverInstall the latest Ethernet/Wi-Fi driver from the maker.
  6. Network resetSettings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset.

Command

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Elevated Command Prompt; restart afterwards.

Check it's fixed: The network shows its name with 'Connected' and internet access.

Avoiding it in future

Avoid manual IP settings unless needed and keep drivers current.