Windows 11 and network connectivity problem

I have a 5 year old home PC desktop running Windows 11. Just within this past week, I am having connectivity problems where I will attempt to open a web site and I will receive error messages indicating the inability to reach a site. This is not affecting my separate work PC nor any other devices on my home network. It is only my home PC and it comes and goes. In other words, I can sometimes boot up the PC and web pages will load without a problem for 10 or 15 minutes. Then the error messages start all over again with references to the DNS server errors. This happens regardless of whether I am on Wi-Fi or hard wired with ethernet.

After speaking with the Geek Squad today at Best Buy and explaining the problem and the fact that I've already tried altering settings in Windows Network, the individual I spoke to agreed it may be a bad network card or a circuitry problem on the motherboard. He recommended me purchasing an external tp-link wireless USB adapter. I did so Saturday afternoon - with the hopes that this would resolve my connectivity problem on the home PC. Initially, it seemed to work.

But once again, after being online for a short amount of time, the error messages returned with a reference to the DNS server not functioning in order to load web pages. Does anyone have any idea as to what may be causing this problem? In the 5 years of owning this PC, I've never experienced such issues. Can anyone provide any clues as to what may be going on?

I could drop the PC off at a computer shop for them to run diagnostics. But I really hate doing that since I've got very personal things on the computer to include tax returns, banking information and all other kinds of personal info. I just want it fixed. Otherwise, I may have to replace the home PC. Thanks for any replies in advance.

Try this in your Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties

Preferred DNS server 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server 8.8.4.4

Yes, I went to my settings for Wi-Fi properties. I noted that Automatic (DHCP) under both IP assignment and DNS server assignment were already set that way. But I am not sure how to change those numeric values you listed.

scott784 said:

Yes, I went to my settings for Wi-Fi properties. I noted that Automatic (DHCP) under both IP assignment and DNS server assignment were already set that way. But I am not sure how to change those numeric values you listed.

Click to expand...

Leave the dot in (Obtain an IP address automatically)

Just click on (Use the following DNS server addresses) then type in the numbers

Thanks for the replies here. Since late yesterday, my internet connection on the home PC has been working fine with the tp-link external USB drive. I've used the home PC for several hours on Sunday and not a bit of problem. So I am going to consider it resolved for now - at least as far as connectivity using the external USB tp-link and wireless. In the event, it reoccurs, I'll fiddle with the IP settings. Again, feedback is appreciated.