“Windows 10 can’t connect to this network” is one of the common issues faced by Windows users when they try to connect to a network. Besides, telling you cannot connect the error doesn’t explain anything more. This makes resolving errors difficult.
Hence, to help fix can’t connect to the network here we will enlist 7 best ways. Using them, one by one, you can easily troubleshoot the problem and connect to your chosen network on your PC.
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How can I fix Windows 10 network connection errors?
Method 1 – Update network adapter drivers
Sometimes due to an outdated network driver, you might face issues with the wireless network. To fix this error, we need to update the faulty drivers
Note: To update drivers, you need a device with an active internet connection.
To update network drivers, you can either visit the manufacturer’s site or can use the best driver updater utility. Once the driver is downloaded, you can copy it on a USB and then can install it on the device on which you face can’t connect to a network error.
Once the latest driver is installed the issue will be fixed.
But doing so manually will be a time consuming and tedious job. Also, all users aren’t tech-savvy and might end up installing incorrect drivers. Therefore to avoid all this from happening, we suggest using an automatic driver update tool.
For this, you can use the Driver Updater module provided by Advanced System Optimizer. To use it, follow the steps below:
1. Download, install and run Advanced System Optimizer.
2. Launch the PC Optimization software.
3. Click Windows Optimizers and scan the PC for faulty or outdated drivers.
4. Update the network driver and wait for the process to finish.
Note: To update all drivers you will have to upgrade to the Pro version.
- Once the driver is updated, restart the system and see if the error, can’t connect to the network problem is resolved or not.
Method 2 – Uninstall Network Adapter
Even after updating the driver if you are unable to go online, then we suggest uninstalling and reinstalling the driver. To do so, follow the steps below:
1. In Windows search, type Device Manager
2. Select the search result to open the Device Manager.
3. Look for the network adapter, double click to unhide the driver.
4. Select it, right- click > Uninstall device
5. Restart the system after uninstalling the driver, this will help Windows to automatically install new network drivers.
Now try checking your PC the error should be resolved. If not, let’s move to the next step.
Method 3 – Alter network adapter’s channel settings
1. Type Control Panel in the Windows search bar
2. Click Network & Internet
3. Network and Sharing Center
4. Change adapter settings
5. Look for your wireless adapter > right-click > Properties
6. Click Configure > Advanced tab.
7. Select the 802.11 channel width and edit the value. (Changing value to 20 MHz has helped several users.)
8. Save changes by clicking OK
Method 4 – Forget The Network & Reconnect To It
To some users, the idea of forgetting the network and reconnecting might sound lame, but this obvious step is missed most of the time. Hence, if none of the steps have worked so far, there’s no harm in using this fix.
To learn how to do that, follow the steps below:
1. Head to the system tray and look for the network icon.
2. Right-click > Open Network & Internet settings.
3. Click the Wi-Fi option in the left sidebar and view wireless adapters.
4. Next, hit Manage known networks and view all networks.
5. You can now see a list of all networks you have ever connected. Click the one using which you are facing problem > right-click hit Forget button
6. This will remove the network from the list. To reconnect scan > enter password and try connecting to the network.
Method 5 – Enable Disable Flight Mode
While using a smartphone when you face a network issue toggling Airplane mode is suggested, the same can be done in Windows when facing “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network”
To learn how to do that, follow the steps below:
1. Open Windows Action center by clicking the notification-like icon at the bottom-right corner
2. Click the Flight mode option and turn it on.
3. Once enabled wait for a minute and then disable it.
4. Reconnect to your network the issue should now be resolved
Method 6 – Run CMD Commands To Fix The Issue
The “Can’t connect to network” error can be due to IP address conflict or due to DNS cache. To fix such issues, Microsoft recommends releasing IP addresses and flushing the DNS cache.
To learn how to do that follow the steps below
- Open elevated Command Prompt
- Next, in Command Prompt window copy paste following commands one after the other. Make sure you press the Enter key after entering each command.
netsh winsock reset
netsh int IP reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
3. Let the commands run and then restart the system, this should fix network not connected errors on Windows.
Method 7 – Reset Your Network Settings
Incorrect network configuration can also lead to “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network”. To resolve it, resetting network settings is the right decision.
To do so, follow the steps below:
1. Press Windows + I
2. Look for Network & Internet option
3. Select Status from the left sidebar
4. Scroll down and look for Network reset option.
5. Click on the Reset now button to reset your settings.
Method 8 – Disable IPv6 On Your PC
To fix Windows 10 can’t connect to network error, try disabling IPv6 on your system. This will not affect any system functionality unless you are working on something with the required IPv6.
1. Look for the Network icon in the system tray.
2. Right-click > Open Network & Internet settings.
3. Change adapter options
4. In the new window that opens look for Wireless name,> right-click > Properties.
5. Uncheck the box next to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). This will disable IPv6 > Ok.
6. Check the system the problem should now be resolved.
Method 9 – Use The Network Troubleshooter
If nothing has worked so far, then the last resort is to use the built-in network troubleshooter. This will help fix the underlying issues. To use it, follow the steps below:
1. Press Windows + I
2. Select Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters
3. Network Adapter > Run the troubleshooter
4. The troubleshooter will now look for a problem and will fix it.
So, this is all using these simple fixes you can easily resolve: “Windows can’t connect to this network” and can connect to the Internet again. In case you are unable to fix the issues using the best fixes explained above do let us know in the comments section. In addition to this, those who can fix the issue let us know which one worked for you in the comments section.