Are you faced with the frustrating “Can’t connect to this network” error on your Windows device and wondering why it keeps cropping up? Bother not! You are not alone in having encountered this network problem after updating to Windows 11 24H2. Having dived deep into the details, I’ve jotted down all the possible solutions to fix the issue. So, let’s get on to figure out the culprits that tend to trigger this network problem and try effective ways to resolve it.
Fix “Can’t Connect to This Network” Error on Windows 11 24H2
So, why has this “unable to connect to the network” surfaced on your PC? Some of the usual suspects of the problem include –
- Ill-timed network configuration
- Hardware incompatibility
- Malfunctioning network adapter
- Outdated network drivers
- Corrupted network drivers
- Random Windows software bug
In this in-depth guide, we are going to take on each of the aforementioned hurdle and sort it out through a workable solution. So, kickstart the guide and check whether or not you have troubleshooted the issue after each guide. Hopefully, it shouldn’t take long to restore the status quo.
1. Check Airplane Mode
If the airplane mode is active, you don’t need to look anywhere but at this very devil.
- To do so, use the Win + A keyboard shortcut to bring up the action center.
- Disable the Airplane mode button.
2. Turn OFF/ON Wi-Fi
Probably, the easiest way to resolve the network-related glitches is to disable/enable Wi-Fi. Should a minor glitch is hampering your connection, it will let you get rid of it.
- Press the Win+A to access the Action Center > click on the Wi-Fi icon to turn it off.
- After that, restart your computer > turn on Wi-Fi, and check if your computer is able to connect to the network in question.
3. Forget and Reconnect to the Network
Another helpful solution that you should keep in mind is the ability to forget and reconnect to the network.
- Open the Settings on your PC > Select Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Now, click Manage Known Networks, and hit the problematic network > click Forget.
- After that, reconnect to the network by entering the password.
4. Disable and Re-Enable the Adapter
Giving your adapter a soft reset is a viable option as it has the knack for fixing miscellaneous issues pertaining to network.
- Open the Device Manager on your PC (Start menu > search for Device Manager and launch it).
- Now, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Disable device.
- After waiting for a few seconds, right-click and choose Enable device.
5. Reset the Network Adapter
When it comes to effectiveness (with regard to network problems), the option to “reset the network adapter” has always been a safe bet. Therefore, we are going to count on it to sort out this issue as well.
- Go to the Settings app on your PC > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
- Scroll down and choose More settings > Network reset.
- Click on the Reset Now button to reinstall network adapters.
- Then, restart your PC and find out if you have gotten the better of the problem.
6. Reset Router to Factory Settings
Resetting your router to factory settings is always a viable way to sort out network-related issues.
- To get it done, press and hold the reset button on your router for about 30/40 seconds > fine-tune the router settings.
- Once the configuration is done, try reconnecting.
7. Update Network Drivers
If your network drivers are outdated, try updating them as there is a high chance that they could be at the heart of the problem.
- To do so, press the Win + X keys and choose Device Manager.
- Now, use the small arrow to the left to expand the Network Adapters section.
- Then, right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and hit Update driver.
- Click on “Search automatically for drivers” and install the latest ones.
- Just in case there is no update available, navigate to the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver on your PC.
8. Reinstall Network Drivers
Should your PC continue to face “Unable to connect to this network”, reinstall the network drivers. A fresh installation may work in flushing out this persistent network issue.
- Launch Device Manager (Win+X > choose Device Manager in the list) and then expand the Network Adapters section and right+click on your Wi-Fi adapter.
- Choose Uninstall driver and then restart your computer.
9. Run Network Troubleshooter
For times when Windows faces frustrating network-related problems, the built-in network troubleshooter comes into action. No prizes for guessing! We’re going to rely on this very solution to fix this Windows issue.
- Dive into your Settings app and then the System tab in the left sidebar. Select Troubleshoot and hit Other troubleshooter.
- After that, run the Internet Connections and Network Adapter troubleshooters to diagnose and fix the issue.
10. Flush DNS and Reset Network Configuration
Another pretty reliable solution that you should not miss out is the flexibility to flush DNS and reset the network configuration. It excels in taking on the corrupted network configuration and restoring the full-on functionality of network.
- Press the Win + R keys to fire up the Run dialog.
- Now, type cmd.
- Then, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Then, input the below-given commands one by one:
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset
- Once you have entered the commands, reboot your PC.
11. Check for Network Conflicts
Getting rid of the conflicting network is a reliable way to resolve network errors. Thus, we should bring it into consideration as well.
- Navigate to the Settings app and select Network & Internet.
- Click Wi-Fi and hit Manage known networks.
- Now, remove all the useless networks.
12. Check for Windows Updates
Should your Windows device continue to encounter network problems, go for the software update since it appears to be the after-effect of a classic Windows bug.
- • Open the Settings app on your PC and choose Windows Update.
- Now, check for updates, and then go ahead to download and install the latest Windows update.
13. Disable Power Saving for the Network Adapter
For a handful of users, turning off the power-saving mode for the network adapter has come in handy. Therefore, give it a go as well.
- On your PC, bring up “Device Manager”.
- Now, double-click your Wi-Fi adapter and navigate to the Power Management tab.
- Then, untick the “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” option.
14. Check Router and Network Settings
It would also be apt to take a close look at your router and network settings, ensuring they are in the right spot.
- Unplug your router, and wait for some time (about 30-50 seconds and then plug it back in.
- Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Check the “MAC filtering or parental controls in the router settings” to make sure the network isn’t blocking your device.
15. Use a Static IP Address
Using a static IP address is a decent way to overcome Windows 11 network issues; especially when basic tips are not yielding the desired results.
- Launch the Control Panel on your device and choose Network and Sharing Center.
- Now, select your network and hit Properties.
- Then, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) option and set a static IP by inputting the following details –
- IP address: 192.168.1.x (be sure to replace x with any number from 2 to 254)
- Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
- Default gateway: take a look at your router’s IP (typically 192.168.1.1).
16. Contact your ISP for further assistance.
If you are yet to eliminate the issue, the problem might be related to the router or Internet Service Provider (ISP). So, contact your ISP and get the issue sorted out at the earliest.
17. Disable IPv6
Find out if your router supports IPv6. If it doesn’t, disabling IPv6 will enable you to resolve the problem.
- Fire up the Control Panel on your PC and choose Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on your active connection and choose Properties in the menu.
- Untick the box for “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.
- For confirmation, hit OK and then reconnect to your network.
18. Turn Off Random Hardware Addresses
Make sure the random hardware addresses are not in direct conflict with a network
- Navigate to the Settings app on your PC > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Now, click on your network.
- Under the Properties section, disable the Random hardware addresses.
19. Reset Your IP Configuration
No luck as yet? No worries! We will now reset the IP configuration to prevent the problem from going forward.
- Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator on your PC.
- Now, run the following commands one by one:
netsh int ip reset
netsh advfirewall reset
netsh interface ipv4 reset
netsh interface ipv6 reset
Having run the commands, restart your PC.
20. Enable Wireless Services
Have you disabled the essential network services on your device? Make sure they are up and running without any restrictions.
- Fire up the Run dialog by using the Win + R keyboard shortcut on your PC.
- Now, enter services.msc and then press Enter.
- Check out the following services and make sure they are enabled and running.
• WLAN AutoConfig
• Network Connections
• DHCP Client
- Then, right-click on each service, and choose Properties.
- After that, set the Startup type to Automatic.
21. Manually Configure DNS Settings
Switching to a public DNS has long been a neat way to resolve connection network errors.
- Launch Settings and head into Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Choose your network and click on the Edit option under IP settings.
- Select the Manual option.
- After that, enable “IPv4 and then set the following –
• Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4.
- In the end, make sure to Save the change and reconnect to your network.
22. Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Third-party antivirus packages could be at loggerheads, preventing your PC from connecting to the network. In such a situation, disable the antivirus program temporarily.
23. Disable Firewall For Your Active Network
If “Firewall” is proactive and given the full license to safeguard your device against malicious connections, I won’t hesitate to put the blame on it.
- Dive into the Settings app on your device and go to Privacy & Security.
- Select Windows Security and click Firewall & Network Protection.
- Now, either disable the Firewall completely or turn it off for your specific network.
24. Disable Proxy Settings
Is a proxy server active on your PC? Disable the proxy server as it might be working as a roadblock for your connection:
- Open the Settings and select Network & Internet > followed by Proxy.
- Go to the “Manual proxy setup section”, and turn off Use a proxy server.
- Then, make sure that “Automatically detect settings” is active.
25. Replace the Network Adapter
Ensure that your Wi-Fi adapter is not faulty. If it is damaged or malfunctioning, I would recommend you switch to an external USB network adapter as a replacement.
26. Perform a Clean Boot
The “unable to connect to a particular network problem” could also be the byproduct of third-party apps’ interference with your connection:
- Launch the Run dialog by using the “Win + R” keyboard shortcut > type msconfig > Enter.
- Navigate to the Services tab, and then click Hide all Microsoft services.
- After that, click on the Disable All button.
- Then, choose the “Startup” tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Next, turn off all the redundant programs.
- Next, reboot your Windows device and check your connection.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope your PC has eventually managed to take control of the network problem and put it aside for good. However, considering the fact that unexpected bugs are part and parcel of software, make sure to keep the above solutions handy. By the way, feel free to share your feedback about the solutions that restored your misfiring network.
