How to consistently connect my RPI 5 to may laptop?

I own a RPI 5 and I just started using it. I used the RPI Imager to install the RPI5 software and had it connected to my home WIFI. I initially used an ethernet cable to connect it via SSH with PuTTY and allowed the use of VNC. I used VNC and all that and connected to the Pi via WIFI. I got to control it and do everything with it. But after not using it for a while, whenever I open my Pi, it doesn't seem to connect to the internet automatically. I do not own a separate monitor to see what's happening within the Pi. I also am not able to connect to the Pi again via ethernet. I try using PuTTY again but it just says that the network is unavailable. The only way I get to connect to the Pi again is if I do the whole process again of installing the RPI5 software with the Imager program. If anyone can help me with this please it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

are you using the IP to ssh and vnc?

When I use PuTTY, the SSH tab is on. I also use VNC

yes but are you using the IP for that or hostname? because every now and then the IP changes maybe if you've reset your router etc. you could use the hostname which won't change and you SSH and VNC to [hostname].local

or you could set a static IP so it never changes https://discord.com/channels/818384379197784084/1193810781473607732 I always prefer hostnames but it's your choice

I did use hostnames before in PuTTY

It's what I use now. I really haven't customized my RPI as much so its still raspberrypi.local. I have the Pi connected to my laptop via an ethernet cable and when I open PuTTY and use the host name it says the network does not exist. I'm sure I haven't changed anything.

never seen that error

double-check your laptop is connected to the same network as the pi

My problem is, when I boot up the Pi, it doesn't automatically connect to any network. I double checked with my router and it does say that the Pi didn't connect with it yet. I tried using an ethernet cable and PuTTY but to no avail since I had the problems I mentioned earlier

pi 5? do you have a micro hdmi and display?

the display can just be temporary

The only way to get forward is to connect a monitor otherwise its like driving blind.

I found a way to fix it, if my wifi is on while I connect it to the pi, the ethernet connection works perfectly. It just acts weird when its connected to wifi.

I don't own an external display, I only have my laptop.