How to Fix Issues with Netflix On a Windows PC

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn How To:

  • Fix most common Netflix issues with your PC or Mac

Before We Begin:

  • Have a working Netflix account
Netflix Icon

2. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

Microsoft Windows.
Apple macOS.

3. Restart

  1. From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Restart... (2).
Apple menu with Restart option selected. Screenshot.

Any unsaved work will be lost.

4. Reboot

One of the main causes with the inability to get on the Internet is that your networking equipment could have malfunctioned. Sometimes performing a reboot will resolve this issue.

Your network may consist of one or more of the following networking devices:

Modem

This is the primary device used to get you on the Internet.

  • Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
  • Typically has 1 or 2 Ethernet ports which connect to a router.

Gateway

This is an all-in-one device that has both a modem and a router built in. It is a primary device used to get you on the Internet.

  • Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
  • Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
  • Typically has Wi-Fi built into it

Router

This device allows you to connect multiple devices to your Internet connection using a single external IP address.

  • Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
  • Typically has Wi-Fi built into it.

Switch

This device helps to extend the wired functionality of devices by providing your additional Ethernet ports.

  • These are typically plug and play.
  • This device is not a router.

Access Point

This device will provide wireless access to your existing network.

  • Used to extend the range of your network
  • Usually plugged into a router / gateway via Ethernet connection.

Range Extender

This device will extend the range of your existing WiFi network by rebroadcasting your WiFi network.

  • Standalone device plugged into a power source.
  • Usually located 15-30 feet from the router.


Next we will want to power cycle the networking devices.

Modem / Gateway

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.
  4. Wait for the device to go online.

Router

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.
  4. Wait for the device to go online.

Switch

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.

Access Point / Range Extender

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.

5. Verify Network Status

  1. Click on the Apple Menu and go to System Preferences.
Apple Menu with System Preferences Highlighted
  1. Click On Network.
Network
  1. Click on the Network Adapter which you are checking.
List of network adapters
  1. Here you will find the status of your internet connection.
Connection status indicators. Green for Connected, Amber for Not Configured, and Red for Not Connected.

6. Test the App

Open your Netflix app and test if it works.

Netflix Icon

7. What's next?

8. Connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. By default it will be in the upper right corner near the time and date.
Wi-Fi symbols.
  1. If Wi-Fi is off, choose Turn Wi-Fi on.
macOS Wi-Fi menu with Wi-Fi On highlighted.
  1. The strength of each nearby network is shown next to its name. More darkened bars indicate a stronger network connection.
Wi-Fi menu with signal strength indicator highlighted.
  1. Select the Wireless Network Name (SSID) of the network you want to connect to.
Wi-Fi menu with networks highlighted.
  1. Networks that have a lock icon next to their name require a password. After you select your network, enter the network password when you're prompted. If you don't know the network password, check with the owner of the Wi-Fi network you're trying to join.

9. What's next?

10. Restart Your PC

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

  • Using the Mouse
  • Select the Start menu.
Windows 10 Start button

  • By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
  • Select Power, then select Restart.
Start menu with Power and Restart highlighted.
  • Using the Keyboard
  • Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Keyboard with Windows and X keys highlighted.
  • Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Keyboard with Alt and F4 keys highlighted.
  • Select Restart, then OK.
Shut Down dialog with Restart and OK highlighted.

11. Reboot

One of the main causes with the inability to get on the Internet is that your networking equipment could have malfunctioned. Sometimes performing a reboot will resolve this issue.

Your network may consist of one or more of the following networking devices:

Modem

This is the primary device used to get you on the Internet.

  • Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
  • Typically has 1 or 2 Ethernet ports which connect to a router.

Gateway

This is an all-in-one device that has both a modem and a router built in. It is a primary device used to get you on the Internet.

  • Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
  • Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
  • Typically has Wi-Fi built into it

Router

This device allows you to connect multiple devices to your Internet connection using a single external IP address.

  • Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
  • Typically has Wi-Fi built into it.

Switch

This device helps to extend the wired functionality of devices by providing your additional Ethernet ports.

  • These are typically plug and play.
  • This device is not a router.

Access Point

This device will provide wireless access to your existing network.

  • Used to extend the range of your network
  • Usually plugged into a router / gateway via Ethernet connection.

Range Extender

This device will extend the range of your existing WiFi network by rebroadcasting your WiFi network.

  • Standalone device plugged into a power source.
  • Usually located 15-30 feet from the router.


Next we will want to power cycle the networking devices.

Modem / Gateway

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.
  4. Wait for the device to go online.

Router

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.
  4. Wait for the device to go online.

Switch

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.

Access Point / Range Extender

  1. Unplug the power from the device.
  2. Wait 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the power back into the device.

12. Verify Network Status

To Check Network Status on Windows 10

1st Method

  1. The Network icon in the lower right corner of the screen can tell you a lot about your network connection and the state it’s in.
Windows 10 notification area with network icon highlighted. Screenshot
  1. The Network icon represents the current status of your network connection. Depending on the current status of your connection, the appearance of this icon will change. The following are the different icons you might see and their corresponding meanings.
Ethernet Icon
  1. Represents an Ethernet connection and successful connection to the internet.
Ethernet Icon
  1. Represents an Ethernet connection with no connection to the internet.
Network Icon
  1. No network adapters are detected or enabled.
Wi-Fi icon
  1. You’re connected to WiFi and the Internet.
Wi-Fi icon
  1. Connected to WiFi, but no Internet connection is detected (also known as limited connectivity).
Wi-Fi icon
  1. A wireless adapter is detected and there are wireless networks in range, but you’re not connected to one.
Wi-Fi icon
  1. Your wireless network adapter is recognized, but no WiFi networks are found and you’re not connected to WiFi. 
  2. If you want to see even more information about your connection status, click the Network icon itself regardless of what status it currently displays.
Windows 10 system tray wired network icon.

  1. or
Windows 10 system tray wireless network icon.
  1. This will bring up the Network menu. Within your network menu, you can see the status of your current connection. If your device is capable of connecting to WiFi, you will also see a list of wireless networks your device is currently in range of.
Windows 10 Wi-Fi list. Screenshot

  1. The status underneath each network name represent either your device's current connection status to that network, or additional attributes of that network.
  2. Connected, Secured: This means you are connected to this WiFi network, and the network is secured with a password.
  3. Connected: This means you are connected to this WiFi network. This network may not be password protected.
  4. Secured: This is an available WiFi network that requires a password to successfully connect to.
  5. Open: This is an available WiFi network with no password required.
  6. The icons to the left of each network name indicate an individual network's signal strength. This will vary depending on your physical distance from each network's point of origin, among other factors.
Wi-FI symbol with full bars
  1. WiFi network with very strong signal (Best).
Wi-Fi symbol with 3 of 4 bars
  1. WiFi network with strong signal (Good).
Wi-Fi symbol with 2 of 4 bars
  1. WiFi network with weak signal strength (OK).
Wi-Fi symbol with 1 of 4 bars
  1. WiFi network with very weak signal (Worst).
Wi-Fi symbol with shield highlighted
  1. This WiFi network is not password-protected (Open network).

2nd Method

  1. Select the Start button.
Windows 10 Start button
  1. Select Settings.
Settings Icon in Start Menu
  1. Select Network & Internet.
Settings menu with Network and Internet highlighted. Screenshot
  1. Select Status. Your current connection status will be displayed on the right side of the screen.
Network and Internet menu with Status highlighted. Screenshot

13. Test the App

Open your Netflix app and test if it works.

Netflix Icon

14. What's next?

15. Connect to Wi-Fi

  1. Click on the Notifications icon and then click on Network.
notification center open with notifications icon and network highlighted
  1. Click the network you wish to connect to.
available networks with an example network selected
  1. Choose if you wish to automatically connect to your network, and then click on Connect.
selected network listed with connect automatically box and the connect button highlighted
  1. Enter in your security key and click Next.
Security key field with next highlighted
  1. Choose whether or not you want to be visible to the network.
Do you want your computer to be discoverable with yes and no boxes highlighted

  1. It is recommended to allow your PC to be discovered on private home networks because that allows you to see other wireless devices on the Network. If you're at a public location it is suggested to select "No".
  2. You can verify your connection by checking to see if it now says "Connected" next to the network.
Notification showing you are now connected to Wi-Fi

16. What's next?

17. Reset Password

Reset your password by sending yourself a password reset email from Netflix.

  1. Navigate to https://www.netflix.com/LoginHelp.
https://www.netflix.com/LoginHelp
  1. Type the email tied to your Netflix account and choose how to reset your password.
Netflix's password reset
  1. Selecting email will send you an email with a link to resetting your password.
  2. Selecting text message will send you a verification code through your cell phone.
  3. Selecting voice call will call your selected number with the verification code needed to reset your password.

18. Change Your Language and Subtitles

  1. Sign in to https://www.netflix.com/ on a computer or mobile browser.
netflix.com
  1. If prompted, select your profile picture.
Who's watching? Select Netflix profile. Screenshot.
  1. Visit the Account section of the Netflix website.
Netflix account tab
  1. Under My Profile, select Language.
My profile language tab
  1. Select your preferred language.
Netflix language list
  1. If your preferred language is already selected, select English and sign out, then repeat the steps above.
  2. Return to the device experiencing the issue and sign out and sign back in to save this setting.
  3. Changing the language for your profile will also change the subtitle and dubbing options you see, putting your preferred language first on available titles.

19. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.

Microsoft Windows.
Apple macOS.

20. Browser Choice

There are many different browsers available on macOS. The easiest way to determine which browser you are using is to look at the icon you use to open it, as well as the control bars at the top.

Apple Safari

Apple Safari

Safari toolbar.
Google Chrome.

Google Chrome

Chrome Toolbar on macOS
Mozilla Firefox.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox Toolbar on macOS
Opera.

Opera

Opera Browser on macOS

21. Clear Browser History (macOS)

  1. Open Safari.
Apple Safari.
  1. Select the Safari menu, then select Clear History.
Safari menu with Clear History highlighted.
  1. Select Clear all history, then select Clear History.
Clear History dialog with clear all history and clear history button highlighted.

22. Test Netflix

  1. Open your browser, and visit Netflix.
Main Desktop Browsers.

  1. Make sure the page loads properly, and try watching something.
Netflix Icon

23. What's next?

24. Clear Browser History (macOS)

  1. Open Google Chrome.
Google Chrome.
  1. Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
Menu.
  1. Select Settings.
Chrome Menu with Settings highlighted.

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.
Chrome Settings with Advanced highlighted.
  1. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
Advanced Settings with Clear browsing data highlighted.
  1. For Time range, select All time. Make sure all three check boxes are checked, then select Clear data.
Clear browsing data with Time range, check boxes, and Clear data highlighted.

25. Clear Browser History (macOS)

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
Mozilla Firefox.
  1. Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
Menu.
  1. Select Library.
Firefox Menu with Library highlighted.
  1. Select History.
Library with History highlighted.
  1. Select Clear Recent History.
History with Clear Recent History highlighted.
  1. For Time range to clear, select Everything. Then select Clear Now.
Clear history with Time range and Clear Now button highlighted.

26. Clear Browser History (macOS)

  1. Open Opera.
Opera.
  1. Select the Opera menu, then select Clear Browsing Data.
Opera menu with Clear Browsing Data highlighted
  1. For Time Range, select All time. Make sure all three checkboxes are checked, then select Clear data.
Clear browsing data with time range each check box and Clear data button highlighted

27. Additional Information

To better assist you, please answer this question.

28. Uninstall Netflix

  1. Click Start then Settings.
Windows start menu with the start button and settings highlighted.
  1. Next, Select Apps.
Windows Settings with Apps highlighted.
  1. Scroll down and Netflix, and click on Uninstall.
Windows 10 netflix uninstall

29. Install App (Windows 10)

  1. Select Start.
Windows Start menu
  1. Select the Microsoft Store.
Windows Store
  1. Search for "Netflix".
Microsoft Store app with search icon and netflix highlighted. Screenshot
  1. Select Netflix.
Microsoft Store app with Netflix app highlighted. Screenshot
  1. Click Install.
Netflix App page with Install highlighted. Screenshot

30. What's next?

31. Browser Choice

There are many different browsers available on Windows. The easiest way to determine which browser you are using is to look at the icon you use to open it, as well as the control bars at the top.

Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge browser bar.
Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer browser bar.
Google Chrome.

Google Chrome

Chrome for Windows Toolbar
Mozilla Firefox.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox Toolbar on Windows
Opera.

Opera

Opera Browser on Windows

32. Clear Browser History

  1. Open Google Chrome.
Google Chrome.
  1. Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
Menu.
  1. Select Settings.
Chrome Menu with Settings highlighted.

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.
Chrome Settings with Advanced highlighted.
  1. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
Advanced Settings with Clear browsing data highlighted.
  1. For Time range, select All time. Make sure all three check boxes are checked, then select Clear data.
Clear browsing data with Time range, check boxes, and Clear data highlighted.

33. Test Netflix

  1. Open your browser, and visit Netflix.
Main Desktop Browsers.

  1. Make sure the page loads properly, and try watching something.
Netflix Icon

34. What's next?

35. Clear Browser History

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
Mozilla Firefox Icon
  1. Click the Menu button in the top right of the screen.
Menu button
  1. Click on Options.
Options highlighted
  1. Click on Privacy & Security.
Privacy & Security highlighted
  1. Click the Clear History button located unther the History category.
Clear History button highlighted
  1. Select the time range you wish to clear.
Time range highlighted
  1. Click the Details button to expand them.
Details expand button highlighted
  1. Choose the item categories you wish to clear.
Item categories highlighted

  1. SettingCheckboxBrowsing & Download HistoryChecked
  2. Browsing History - While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.
  3. Download History - These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
  4. Form & Search HistoryCheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.CookiesCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
  5. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
  6. Active LoginsCheckedActive logins are sites that you are currently logged into that you have asked to remember that you are logged into. Clearing them just logs you out of these sites.Offline Website DataUncheckedIf you've allowed it, a website can store files on your computer so that you can continue to use it when you are not connected to the Internet.Site PreferencesUncheckedSite specific preferences, including the saved zoom level for sites, character encoding, and the permissions for sites. 
  7. Click the Clear Now button.
Clear Now button highlighted

36. Clear Browser History

  1. Open Opera.
Opera Logo
  1. Open the Opera Menu located in the top left hand corner of the window.
Opera Menu
  1. Click Settings.
Settings highlighted
  1. Click Privacy & Security.
Privacy & Settings highlighted
  1. Click Clear Browsing Data.
Clear Browsing Data highlighted
  1. Choose the time frame of data that you want to clear.
Time range highlighted
  1. Select the item categories you would like to clear.
Details expand button highlighted

  1. SettingCheckboxBrowsing HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Download HistoryCheckedThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Cookies and other site dataCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
  2. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
  3. Cached images and filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Autofill Form DataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled-in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.News Usage DataPersonal ChoiceRemoves information saved by Opera for news. This information, if enabled, will send anonymous data to Opera to provide better experience while using the news. 
  4. Click the Clear Browsing Data button.
Clear browsing data button highlighted

37. Clear Cache and History

  1. Open Microsoft Edge, select the menu in the top right, and select Settings.
Microsoft Edge.

Edge browser with menu open and settings highlighted.
  1. Select Privacy & security on the left, then select Choose what to clear on the right.
Edge Settings with Privacy and security and Choose what to clear highlighted.

  1. Select the item categories you wish to clear, then select Clear.
Clear browsing data with options and Clear highlightd.


  1. SettingCheckboxBrowsing HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Cookies and saved website dataCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.
  2. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
  3. Cached data and filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.Tabs I've set aside or recently closedCheckedThis clears tabs that you have set aside, as well as tabs that you've recently closed.Download HistoryPersonal ChoiceThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Autofill dataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Media LicensesUncheckedClears any saved media licenses. These are typically used for streaming sites that you may have purchased content from.Website PermissionsUncheckedClears any permission granted to web sites. These permissions include permissions to access your audio devices such as your mic, and location services.

38. Clear Cache and History

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
Internet Explorer.
  1. Select the Gear icon in the top right corner, then select Internet options.
Settings with Internet Options highlighted.
  1. Under Browsing history, select Delete.
Internet Options with Delete button under Browsing History highlighted.
  1. Go through the list of options here, to ensure the proper items are cleared.
    Once you have chosen your options, select Delete.
Delete Browsing History options.

  1. SettingCheckboxPreserve Favorites website dataUncheckedInternet Explorer segments out pages you have marked as favorites. We need to be sure to clear all data, not just some of it.Temporary Internet files and website filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.Cookies and website dataCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
  2. You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
  3. HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Download HistoryPersonal ChoiceThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Form DataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Tracking Protection, ActiveX filtering and Do Not TrackPersonal ChoiceA number of pages will track your use of those pages, and if you've opted out of such tracking. This setting tends not to be well respected from page to page, and some pages simply do not give you the option. While it can affect how a page is displayed, it will only do so in the advertising or other 'personalized content' on that page; not the page itself. It is okay to check or uncheck this option. 
  4. When complete, a message will open at the bottom of your browser letting you know the history has been deleted.
History delete notification.
  1. It can take quite a while to delete the cache and history, please be patient.