Question
Issue: How to fix "Can't connect to this network" error in Windows?
Hello. I keep trying to connect to my Wi-Fi on my Windows laptop but every time I receive the “Can't connect to this network” error. What is the problem? Any tips would be appreciated.
Solved Answer
The “Can't connect to this network” error in Windows is a common issue that can impact users in different ways. This error usually occurs when Windows is unable to establish a connection to a wireless network. The error message appears when a user attempts to connect to a Wi-Fi network, but the connection fails.
Windows provides an easy way to connect to wireless networks, making it convenient for users to access the internet from anywhere. However, when this error occurs, users may experience difficulties accessing the internet, which can impact their ability to complete important tasks and activities.
There are several possible solutions to the “Can't connect to this network” error, including restarting the router and computer, running the network troubleshooter, updating network drivers,[1] and more. In some cases, the issue may be resolved by simply forgetting the network and then reconnecting to it.
It is important to identify and fix this issue as soon as possible to ensure smooth and seamless internet connectivity. In this guide, you will find 9 steps that should help you fix “Can't connect to this network” error in Windows. However, the manual troubleshooting process can be lengthy. You can use a maintenance tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[2] corrupted files, and registry[3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Method 1. Run the Network Troubleshooter
- In Windows Search, type network troubleshooter
- From the search results, click Find and fix network problems
- Click Next in the troubleshooter
- Windows will detect and attempt to fix connection issues on your PC
Method 2. Reconnect the Wi-Fi Network
- Open Windows Settings
- Go to Network & internet and click on Wi-Fi
- Select Manage known networks
- Click the Forget button next to the network you can't connect to
- Reconnect to the Wi-Fi and enter the password
Method 3. Install Windows Updates
- Click Start and select Settings
- Go to the Windows Update section
- Click Check for updates and wait
- Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates
- Reboot your system
Method 4. Update or Roll Back Network Driver
If you have not updated your network drivers in a while, you may be seeing the error because the driver is outdated. On the other hand, if you recently updated the driver and started experiencing the issue then, it may be worth trying to roll back the update.
Update Network Driver:
- Right-click the Start button
- Select Device Manager
- Expand the Network adapters section
- Right-click on the wireless adapter for your device
- Click on Update driver
- On the next window, choose Search automatically for drivers
- Windows will download and install the latest drivers for your device
Roll Back Network Driver:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the Network adapters section
- Right-click on the network driver and select Properties
- Go to the Driver tab
- Click on the Roll back driver option
- Windows will install the previous version of the network driver
- Reboot your computer
Method 5. Reinstall Network Driver
Corrupted drivers could be the cause of this issue. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using DriverFix, which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can reinstall them manually:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the Network adapters section
- Right-click the network driver
- Click on Uninstall device
- Check the Attempt to remove the driver for this device option
- Click on Uninstall
- Upon restarting the PC, Windows will automatically reinstall the driver
Method 6. Disable IPv6
- Locate the network icon on the System Tray
- Right-click on the icon and choose Network and Internet settings
- Click on Advanced network settings
- Under Related settings, choose More network adapter options
- Right-click on the wireless network and choose Properties
- Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) option
- Click OK and try to reconnect to the wireless network again
Method 7. Re-enable the Wireless Network Adapter
- Right-click on the Network icon in the System Tray
- Click on Network and Internet settings
- Click on Advanced network settings
- Choose More network adapter options
- Right-click the wireless adapter and click Disable
- Wait, then right-click the wireless adapter and choose Enable
- Reboot the PC and try reconnecting to the network
Method 8. Flush DNS
- Type cmd in Windows Search
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
- Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
- Close the Command Prompt
- Reboot the computer to see if the error persists
Method 9. Perform a Network Reset
- Right-click on the Start button and go to Settings
- Click on Network & internet in the navigation bar on the left
- Choose Advanced network settings
- Under More settings, click on Network reset
- Click on Reset now
- Your PC will reboot
Repair your Errors automatically
ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:
Prevent websites, ISP, and other parties from tracking you
To stay completely anonymous and prevent the ISP and the government from spying on you, you should employ Private Internet Access VPN. It will allow you to connect to the internet while being completely anonymous by encrypting all information, prevent trackers, ads, as well as malicious content. Most importantly, you will stop the illegal surveillance activities that NSA and other governmental institutions are performing behind your back.
Recover your lost files quickly
Unforeseen circumstances can happen at any time while using the computer: it can turn off due to a power cut, a Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) can occur, or random Windows updates can the machine when you went away for a few minutes. As a result, your schoolwork, important documents, and other data might be lost. To recover lost files, you can use Data Recovery Pro – it searches through copies of files that are still available on your hard drive and retrieves them quickly.
Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.
- ^ Device driver. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death. Howtogeek. Tech Insight Magazine.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is the Windows Registry?. Lifewire. Software and Apps.
