The “Windows Can’t Connect To This Network” error on Windows 11 and Windows 10 can result from several different causes, but you have multiple troubleshooting options available.
Start by restarting your computer and router, then forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network. If that doesn’t work, try the Network Troubleshooter, refresh your wireless adapter, and update the Wi-Fi driver. For more persistent problems, resetting TCP/IP settings or performing a Network Reset may help.
In this guide, I have explained all these steps in detail!
Windows Can’t Connect To This Network on Windows 11/10
The “Can’t connect to this network” message usually appears when Windows cannot establish a connection with your selected Wi-Fi network. Your computer may detect the wireless network but fail during authentication, IP address assignment, or communication with the router.
For example, the problem may occur after a Windows update, changing your router password, installing a network driver, or waking your laptop from sleep mode. Sometimes, the issue is related to the router rather than your computer.
The following steps help you identify the cause and restore your connection.
- Restart your Windows PC and Wi-Fi router to resolve temporary connection issues.
- Forget the saved Wi-Fi network and connect again using the correct password.
- Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter to identify common connection problems.
- Disable and re-enable the wireless network adapter through Windows settings.
- Update or reinstall the Wi-Fi network driver using Device Manager.
- Reset TCP/IP and DNS settings through Command Prompt.
- Perform a Network Reset if other troubleshooting methods fail.
These solutions address common problems that prevent Windows 11 and Windows 10 from connecting to a wireless network.
Let’s learn in detail!
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Wi-Fi Router
Before changing advanced settings, restart your computer and wireless router. A temporary network malfunction can prevent Windows from connecting properly, and restarting the devices may resolve the problem.
First, save your work and restart your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer. Next, unplug your Wi-Fi router from its power source. Wait approximately 30 seconds, reconnect the router, and allow a few minutes for the internet connection to become available.
Once the router’s connection is restored, try connecting your computer again.
Windows PC > Start > Power > Restart
If other devices, such as your phone or tablet, also cannot connect to the same Wi-Fi network, the issue may be related to the router or internet service. If other devices work normally, continue with the next step.
Step 2: Forget the Wi-Fi Network and Reconnect
Windows saves information about previously connected wireless networks, including network credentials and connection settings. If these saved details become outdated or incorrect, your computer may fail to connect.
Forgetting the Wi-Fi network removes its saved connection profile. You can then reconnect by entering the current Wi-Fi password.
On Windows 11
Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Find the wireless network you’re trying to use and select Forget.
Next, return to the Wi-Fi settings, select your network, and click Connect. Enter the correct password and select Next.
On Windows 10
Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Select your wireless network and click Forget.
Afterward, select the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar, choose your network, and enter the password.
Make sure you use the correct password, including uppercase letters and special characters. If you recently changed the router password, the previous saved credentials may no longer work.
Step 3: Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows includes troubleshooting tools that can help identify common network connection problems. Running the appropriate troubleshooter is a useful next step if restarting and reconnecting did not resolve the error.
On Windows 11
Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Locate Network and Internet if it is available, and select Run. Depending on your Windows version, you may instead be directed to the Get Help application for network troubleshooting.
Follow the instructions shown on the screen and apply any recommended solution.
On Windows 10
Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Select Internet Connections or Network Adapter, and click Run the troubleshooter.
Allow Windows to check for potential issues. The troubleshooter may identify problems with network configuration, adapter settings, or connectivity.
Keep in mind that Windows troubleshooting tools cannot resolve every network problem. If no solution is found, continue to the next method.
Step 4: Disable and Re-Enable the Wi-Fi Adapter
Your wireless network adapter allows your computer to communicate with Wi-Fi networks. Occasionally, the adapter may experience a temporary software issue that prevents it from connecting.
Disabling and re-enabling the adapter can refresh its operation without restarting the entire computer.
Open the Start menu, search for Control Panel, and open it. Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
Right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, which may be labeled Wi-Fi, and select Disable. Wait approximately 10 seconds, then right-click the same adapter and select Enable.
Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings > Wi-Fi
Try connecting to your wireless network again. If the adapter was temporarily unresponsive, this process may restore connectivity.
You can also access adapter settings through Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings on Windows 11.
Step 5: Update or Reinstall the Wi-Fi Driver
An outdated, corrupted, or incompatible Wi-Fi driver can cause connection problems on Windows 11 and Windows 10. This may happen after a Windows update or when the wireless adapter’s driver files become damaged.
You can check the driver through Device Manager.
Open the Start menu, search for Device Manager, and select it. Expand Network adapters and locate your wireless adapter. Its name may include terms such as Wi-Fi, Wireless, Intel, Realtek, Qualcomm, or MediaTek.
Right-click the adapter and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers. Follow any instructions Windows provides.
If updating does not resolve the issue, you can try reinstalling the driver. Right-click the wireless adapter in Device Manager and select Uninstall device. Confirm the action if prompted, then restart your computer.
Windows may reinstall the adapter driver automatically after restarting. However, driver availability depends on your computer manufacturer and Windows configuration. If the adapter remains unavailable, download the appropriate driver from your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s official support website using another device if necessary.
Important: Avoid removing the driver without first checking whether you have a way to reinstall it, especially if your computer has no other internet connection.
Step 6: Reset TCP/IP and DNS Settings
Windows uses networking components such as TCP/IP and DNS to communicate with websites, routers, and other devices. Incorrect or corrupted network configuration can sometimes contribute to connectivity problems.
You can reset certain networking components through Command Prompt. This method is suitable for users who are comfortable following commands carefully.
Open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following commands one at a time. Press Enter after each command.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
Allow each command to finish before entering the next one. These commands reset Winsock, reset TCP/IP settings, renew your IP address, and clear the DNS resolver cache.
After completing the commands, restart your computer and try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
Some commands may display messages indicating that a restart is required. Restart Windows when the process is complete.
Step 7: Check Your Router’s Wi-Fi Settings
If your computer still cannot connect, the problem may be related to your router’s wireless configuration. Certain compatibility issues can occur between a router and a computer’s Wi-Fi adapter.
First, check whether your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If both are available, try connecting to the other frequency band. Some older adapters may have compatibility limitations with particular wireless configurations.
You should also check whether the router has recently received a firmware update or whether its wireless security settings have changed.
If you have access to the router’s administration page, review its wireless settings. Avoid changing advanced options unnecessarily, and consult your router manufacturer’s documentation if you are unsure about a setting.
If other devices cannot connect either, contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer for further assistance.
Step 8: Perform a Network Reset
A Network Reset removes and reinstalls network adapters and restores network settings to their default configuration. This can help when previous troubleshooting methods have not resolved the problem.
However, you should use this option toward the end of the troubleshooting process because it may remove saved network information and require you to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks.
On Windows 11
Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
Select Reset now and confirm the action if prompted. Windows may restart your computer after the reset.
On Windows 10
Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
Select Reset now and follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
After the reset, reconnect to your wireless network by selecting the network name and entering its password.
Note: A network reset may affect VPN software, virtual network adapters, and other network-related configurations. You may need to configure these settings again.
FAQs
Why does Windows say “Can’t connect to this network”?
This error can occur because of incorrect Wi-Fi credentials, router problems, outdated drivers, wireless adapter issues, or network configuration errors. The exact cause depends on your computer and network environment.
Why can’t my Windows 11 laptop connect to Wi-Fi but my phone can?
If your phone connects successfully but your laptop does not, the issue may be related to the laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter, saved network profile, driver, or compatibility settings. Try forgetting the network, restarting the adapter, and updating the driver.
Will resetting network settings delete my personal files?
No. A standard Windows Network Reset does not delete your personal documents, photos, or installed applications. However, it resets network-related settings and may require you to reconnect to Wi-Fi and configure certain networking software.
Should I update my Wi-Fi driver if the internet is not working?
You can update the Wi-Fi driver using another internet-connected device to download the appropriate driver, or by using available Windows driver options. Make sure you select a driver compatible with your computer model and Windows version.
What should I do if none of these solutions work?
If the problem continues, check whether other devices can connect to the same network. You can also test a different Wi-Fi network or mobile hotspot. This helps determine whether the issue is related to your computer or the original router.
If the wireless adapter is missing from Device Manager or consistently fails across different networks, consider contacting your computer manufacturer’s technical support.