What is a common first step to take when addressing connectivity problems on a user's laptop connected to a public WiFi network?

When addressing connectivity problems on a user's laptop connected to a public WiFi network, one of the first steps is to check for a captive portal. Captive portals are commonly used by public WiFi networks to present users with a login page or terms of service agreement that must be accepted before internet access is granted. If the user is not directed to this login page automatically, they may not realize that they need to engage with it to complete the connection process.

By checking for a captive portal, the technician can confirm whether the laptop is connected to the network but not able to access the internet due to this requirement. This is particularly relevant in public spaces like cafes or airports, where users often need to open a web browser to reach a login page.

Assessing the other choices reveals that they address different aspects of connectivity issues but may not be the most immediate step in the context of public WiFi networks. Updating the network driver would typically be a more involved procedure and is not the first line of troubleshooting. Connecting with a VPN is relevant for security and privacy but would not solve initial connectivity issues. Pinging the router can be used to test connectivity, but it presumes that the user has already established a connection, which may not be the case if they