Windows Can’t Connect To This Network – How to Fix It

When attempting to connect to a network on your operating system, it’s not uncommon to stumble upon the Windows can’t connect to this network error notification. The error is direct and brief, showing no indication of what is preventing you from connecting to the network in question.

This naturally, leads to all kinds of frustration for the end users, as they may need to connect to the network to begin work, or to stream a video – whatever it may be.

For those of you reading this, I’m assuming you’ve found yourself in the exact same spot, and are thus, clueless of what to do next. I know you may be frustrated but there is no need to fret.

Fortunately, there are a wide array of solutions that you can adopt to potentially fix this problem. In this tutorial, we’ll explore every eventuality, from the more simple solutions to the relatively advanced methods.

However, before we get to the solutions, let’s talk about the potential causes of this error.

What Causes Windows Can’t Connect To This Network Errors?

Okay, so you’re unable to go online because Windows can’t connect to this network, or so it says. But what? What are the general causes of this problem? Well, the most notably are listed below:

• Issue with your driver(s): It’s possible a driver, belonging to a network device (which could be a wireless adaptor or motherboard) is outdated, corrupted or missing.
• Failed connection attempt: This can occur when the operating systems initial attempt to connect to a network happened incorrectly.
• Improper network settings: One or more of your network settings may be incorrect. This could be anything from a proxy setting, to VPNs, DNS etc.
• Corrupt system files: An abrupt system shutdown or malicious file could have infiltrated and corrupted integral system files.

Having some relative idea of what may be causing an error, puts you in a more advantageous position when it comes to fixing it. Thus, you should have a better understanding of the causes and the potential fixes you may or should want to deploy.

Anyway, let’s get to the solutions.

How to Fix It

Windows can’t connect to this network is one of but many network errors end users are likely to experience on their Windows based systems. This variety of similar or related errors, is what has prompted such a wide plethora of solutions.

So…let’s discuss those solutions.

Restart your operating system. As is customary when it comes to fixing Windows errors, I always like to start with the simplest solution. In this case, it’s a basic system reboot. In this particular instance, it may be all that is required to fix the problem. This is especially true, when the problem is temporary.

So, if that works, then you’re good to go. However, if that does not, then you may want to try something a little more, complicated, such as the solutions outlined below.

Update NIC Drivers

In the vast majority of cases, it has been found, that most Windows can’t connect to this network errors can be fixed, simply by updating your network drivers.

So, which drivers do you update? Ideally, you’d want to update all of them. So if you’re wireless adaptor is separate from your motherboard, then you should update them both. However, if you have an integrated wireless adaptor, then your motherboard drivers should cover everything.

To acquire the drivers, you will need to know the brand and version of device(s) in your system, then go to the manufacturer’s website to acquire them.

However, if that sounds all too complicated for you, then you can simplify the process by using a driver automation tool like DriverFinder. This tool, when run, will scan, detect and update the drivers for all the devices installed in your system.

All you need to do is click where asked, and you’re done.

So, if that interests you, then visit the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT DRIVERFINDER

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Windows Can’t Connect To This Network

Another method you can use, which is more of a holistic approach, is to use a Windows repair tool such as Advanced System Repair Pro. This tool is, as the name states, advanced and capable of fixing a plethora of issues that could be the catalyst for the error you’re facing.

After you download and install the tool, it will automatically begin its scan, where it will proceed to detect the numerous issues on your systems.

This can range from BSOD errors, to DLL errors, registry errors, Appcrashes and more. This tool also has a built-in virus scanner, allowing it to detect and remove malicious files from your system.

So, if any of this sounds interesting to you, then I recommend you visit the link below for more information:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Forget the Network

I’m assuming you’ve already tried rebooting your system, well, if that didn’t work, then you may want to try rebooting your Wi-Fi connection. To do that, you will need to forget the network, and re-establish your connection.

It’s not uncommon for the network data that is saved for your connection(s) to become corrupted. Thus, clearing it all out and starting again can, oftentimes fixed the problem.

Anyway, to do that, simply follow the steps below:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + I, and click on Network & Internet.

3. This will take you to the Network & Internet screen, from here, click on Wi-Fi.

4. On the Wi-Fi screen, click on Manage known networks.

5. The Manage known networks screen will appear, now, click on Forget next to network you’re trying to connect to.

Note: This will remove all data corresponding to this network, from your system. You can now try, reconnecting to the network in question.

Use Network Troubleshooter

There could be a hundred and one issues that could be preventing you from connecting to that network. Naturally, that means you could be looking for an isolated issue. This brings us to the built-in network troubleshooter. That is capable of detecting and fixing a number of connection based problems.

So how do you access it? Well, it’s simple, just follow the step-by-step instructions outlined in my post on fixing “Your Internet Access is Blocked” errors.

Refresh Network

Perhaps corrupted network settings is why Windows can’t connect to this network. Thus, as a possible solution, you could try resetting your network setting.

The whole process will require you to run a series of commands, including clearing network cache and flushing your DNS. You can find instructions on how to do this, on my post on fixing DNS_PROBE_STARTED errors.

Toggle Airplane Mode On & Off

Another method you can try to fix “Windows can’t connect to this network” involves, toggling a feature Airplane Mode, on and off. Airplane mode is a setting on your portable device (such as laptops and smartphones), designed to disable all transmission signals.

It’s for this reason, turning it on and off can be helpful, as it allows the device to fully disconnect, before reconnecting again.

If this interests you, then follow the steps below:

1. First, boot into your device, with administrative rights (if it’s a laptop).

2. Next, click on the Notification Icon (on the bottom right-hand corner), then click on Airplane mode.

Note: This will enable Airplane mode, blocking all transmission signals. Wait at least 60 seconds.

3. Now, click on the Airplane mode again, to disable the feature.

4. Once Airplane mode has been disabled, retry the network connection.

Disable IPv6

IPv6 or IP Version 6 is the latest Internet Protocol, which is destined to eventually replace the older IP version 4. However, for now, it’s knowns to cause the occasional compatibility issue. Thus, you may want to consider disabling it, on your Wi-Fi connection, then evaluate whether or not it fixes the Windows can’t connect to this network error notification.

Anyway, this can be done, by doing the following:

1. Follow steps 1 – 2 of Forget the Network.

2. On the Network & Internet screen, click on Status.

3. Status should pop up, now, scroll down and click on Change adapter options.

4. A Network Connections applet should appear. Now, right-click on your Network Connection and select Properties.

Note: Your Network Connection is what you use to connect to the internet, which in this case would be your Wi-Fi Connection.

5. This will bring up the Wi-Fi Properties applet, now, scroll down and un-tick the box for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Then click on OK.

Now you can retry establishing a network connection.

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