Help-Desk Triage Card Builder

Symptom in, ordered checklist and escalation summary out. Printable.

FREE TOOL · SOURCES LINKED · REVIEWED 2026-10-16

No internet: first checks

Reference only. Follow your organization's IT policies and change process. Each step links its official vendor source.

Windows

  1. Physical: Is the cable seated / Wi-Fi turned on / airplane mode off? Any link lights?
  2. Local config: Does the PC have a valid IP address, gateway and DNS server? ipconfig /all An address starting 169.254 usually means the PC did not get an address from DHCP. source
  3. Network: Can you reach the default gateway shown by ipconfig? ping <default gateway> Replies = local network OK. Timeouts = problem between PC and gateway (some devices block ping, so confirm another way). source
  4. Name resolution: Does DNS answer? nslookup example.com An address back = DNS works. A timeout or error = DNS problem. source
  5. Path: Where does traffic stop? tracert example.com The last hop that answers shows roughly where the path breaks. source
  6. Service: Can you reach the specific service port? Test-NetConnection example.com -Port 443 TcpTestSucceeded True = port reachable from this PC. source
  7. Vendor guide: Microsoft's Wi-Fi troubleshooting steps source

Mac

  1. Built-in check: Wi-Fi Recommendations in the Wi-Fi menu, then Wireless Diagnostics (hold Option, click Wi-Fi). source
  2. Vendor guide: Apple: If your Mac isn't connecting to the internet over Wi-Fi source

ChromeOS

  1. Vendor guide: Google: Fix Chromebook connection problems source

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