How To Fix ‘Can’t Connect To This Network’ Error in Windows 10

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Who would imagine a day without internet access? So just think that while working or when we about to start work over the net, our operating system refuses to connect to our network. Well, there is no doubt this will be a nightmare.

But, this problem is no imaginary. Over the years, no doubt Windows 10 has become one of the most used operating systems. But just like any other operating system, Windows 10 has got its own problems.

One such is the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error which the users of Windows 10 might come across while using it daily.

Now as we know every problem has got its own solutions. So in this article, we will deal with the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error and the probable causes behind this error interfering with the normal functioning of the user.

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The article is surely divided into six sections. The first part will include the fixation of the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error for wireless networks and then the second part will include the solutions to the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error if it shows after the Windows 10 is upgraded.

While the third part will focus on the solutions which will be related to the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error based on the APN.

Moving on we will deal with the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error and the WEP issues followed by the error occurring after the device is released from the Sleep Mode.

And last but not least the article will provide the readers with solutions to the ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error in case it happens after the password is changed.

So in this article, the readers will not only get the idea about solving Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error but at the same time will also know about the different scenarios in which this ‘Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error can occur.

So let us begin with dealing the situations one by one.

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Contents

How can I fix Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network Error?

Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error is something the Windows 10 users are face to face quite often in their daily lives. So in this article, we have come up with six scenarios where the users are most likely to face the

Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network’ error and also the solutions to the below-listed problems.

1. First, we will come with Windows 10 can’t connect to a wireless network followed by the solutions to the listed problems.

2. Secondly with the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network after an upgrade and the solutions to the problem too.

3. Third, we will deal with Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network, enter an APN, and try again and the way to resolve it.

4. On the fourth place is the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network and WEP problems and the way the user can get rid of this problem.

5. Fifth place is for Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network after waking from Sleep Mode followed by the solution to the issue.

And last, but not least in the sixth place is the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network after password change and the way to resolve the issue.

So let us begin with the first scenario.

Fix – Windows 10 can’t connect to a wireless network

The first probable scenario where the Windows 10 users are most likely to face Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error is while working with wireless networks. So here are the listed solutions to help the users resolve the problem.

Solution 1 – Uninstall your network adapter

The first solution to the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error while using a wireless network is to uninstall the adapter that the user is working with. Most of the time the adapter consists of some problems for which the user is unable to work normally.

Therefore it is advised to the users that the drivers present in the device need to be uninstalled.

And then eventually re-install them for resolving the problem of the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error. Here are the steps on how you can implement this solution practically.

Step 1: The first step includes the selection of the Device Manager option from the dialogue list. And in order to bring the list, we are required to press the Windows key + X simultaneously. This brings us the list containing the Device Manager option, which we can select thereafter.

Step 2: After the Device Manager is made to operate there will be an option where we need to choose our network adapter or specifically the network we are longing to connect out operating system with. To select the network adapter we need to right-click on it, once we have located the network adapter from the list of other options, that will be provided to us.

Step 3: Once the network adapter we are longing to connect our operating system with is selected, the user will be provided with a list containing the option of Uninstall. We need to select the Uninstall option from the list that is given below.

Step 4: After the Uninstall option is selected, we will be shown a dialogue box that would contain the message ‘Delete the driver software for this device’. Along with this, there will also be an option called OK, we are required to click on it.

Step 5: Once the user is sure about the uninstallation of the driver from the device, we are required to restart our system. The new driver will be automatically installed by Windows 10.

Once the new driver is installed make sure to check if the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error persists or not. If not then the user can continue with the normal functioning of the device and if the error still continues to haunt the user then move to the other solutions to resolve the problem.

Solution 2 – Update your network adapter drivers

Another reason that we have predicted for the occurrence of the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error is the update issue with the adapter that the user is working with.

Often there are chances that the wireless network that the user is working with is facing interference with the normal working because of the outdated driver that is being used.

In order to resolve this problem, the user is advised to download and implement the latest drivers for the adapters that he or she is using. Well, there is nothing much to do for finding the solution.

All that is required for the user to do is to have a device with a stable internet connection so that he or she can reach the official website of the network adapter manufacturer and then download the latest available driver for his or her network adapters.

And thus after the installation of the drivers, the issue with the upgradation of the drivers will be resolved. There are various options for the users to implement for the upgradation of the drives in the system one such way is doing it manually.

In this, the user is required to go to each and every device manufacture’s website for the upgradation of the device drives. Once the user reaches the official websites of each device manufacturer, he or she is required to search on the web to find the perfect driver which will be suitable for the device type as well as the model.

But there are various loopholes in this process. The very first loophole is time. The manual search takes a lot of time and ends up being tedious at times. Not only this but there are always chances of wrong driver installation bu the user, and this might lead to malfunctions in the device and makes things worse.

Therefore to be on the safe side, we should always rely on automatic tools for the up-gradation of Windows driver. One such automated tool is the TweakBit Driver Updater. This tool is one of the most common of its types and at the same is recognized by Microsoft and Norton Antivirus.

After a lot of failed attempts, we have come up with the best and the easiest solution for automatic up-gradation of the drivers. Below are the steps listed. The user is required to follow them and make sure that the Windows 10 can connect to this network error no longer persists.

Step 1: The process begins with the installation of the TweakBit Driver Updater. After the installation is complete there will be scanning of the device the user is working on by the TweakBit Driver Updater program. The TweakBit Driver Updater will check for the outdated drivers in the device automatically. The TweakBit Driver Updater will make sure that the versions of the installed drivers are on par with the latest cloud database versions. In case they are not then new updates will be recommended. This process requires a bit time and thus the user is requested to hold on patience and wait until the scanning is completely done.

Step 2: Once the TweakBit Driver Updater is done with the scanning for outdated drivers in the device, a report consisting of the list of drivers having problems will be shown to the user.

Step 3: The user is required to review the list and make the decision of either individually upgrading the drivers or upgrading all the drivers at the same time.

Step 4: In case the user chooses to update each driver individually then he or she is required to select the ‘Update Driver’ link which will be provided along with the name of the driver.

Or in case the user chooses to update all the drivers at the same time then there is an option for that as well. There will be an ‘Update All’ button present at the bottom. The selection of the ‘Update All’ button will make sure that all the recommended drivers are updated all at once automatically.

Check if Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error persists. If yes then move on with the next solutions.

Solution 3 – Change channel width for your network adapter

One of the most predicted reasons for Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error is the fact that the channel width of the adapter is not in a proper state. So, in this case, it is advised for the user to change the width of the channel.

But in order to follow the adjustments in the channel width, the user is required to follow certain steps. The steps are mentioned in the most convenient way possible for the easy understanding of the users.

Step 1: In the beginning, we are required to familiarize the device with the kind of network the user is using so that the user is required to enter the type of network. So it is required to press Windows + S and an area pops up, where it is required to enter the name of the network.

Step 2: The user will be provided with an option of Network and Sharing Centre from the list of options that will be present on the list.

Step 3: After we have selected the Network and Sharing Centre from the list of options that will be present on the list, we are required to choose the option of Change Adapter Settings.

Step 4: Once we are done with the above-mentioned steps we are required to choose the wireless adapter we are using and select it by right-clicking on it. Then from the menu option, we are required to choose the Properties option and select it.

Step 5: After the selection of the Properties option the user will be introduced with a window. From that window, we will have to move to the Advanced Tab.

Step 6: Once we are inside the Advanced Tab we need to select the 802.11 Channel and change the value of the 802.11 Channel. There are often chances for some users to change the value of the channel to about 20 MegaHertz and find a solution to the error they have been experiencing all this time. But this value may differ from device to device. So it is not necessary that every network will find a solution with the 20 MegaHertz value.

Step 7: In order to save the changes, in the end, the user is required to click the option OK.

Check if Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error persists. If yes then move on with the next solutions.

Solution 4 – Disable IPv6 on your computer and router

One of the other reason to solve the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error is to disable the IPv6 Network Protocol. However, in order to do so, any Windows 10 user must follow the following steps.

Step 1: First, we need to open the Network and Sharing Centre.

Step 2: Then we have to navigate to the connection section. Once we reach there we are required to locate our own current connection.

Step 3: Once we locate our own current connection we will be provided with a connection status window.

Step 4: In the connection status window there will be an option for Properties. We are required to select that.

Step 5: Once we are done with that we are required to find the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/ IPv6). After we locate the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/ IPv6)we are required to uncheck it.

Step 6: In order to save the changes, in the end, the user is required to click the option OK.

Step 7: To apply the changes that have been made we are required to restart the computer.

In case after the restart, the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error continues then there might be a situation where the user will have to disable the IPv6 of the router.

Though we cannot disagree with the fact that disabling the IPv6 of the router is not an easy process and might get complicated at times.

However, every router has got its own set of rules and regulations. So it is advised to the user that before disabling the IPv6 of the router the user is required to check the instruction manual and make about the steps that have to be followed are exactly the same as mentioned in the manual.

Solution 5 – Make sure that your adapter and router are using the same security type

The user can protect the data with the help of various security options like WPA2-PSK (AES) and WPA-PSK (AES). To make the network work properly the user should make sure that the router and computer are having the same security type.

The security type of the router can be set using the instructions manual of the router. Once the security type of the router is set one should make sure the same security type is also on the computer.

For doing that the user is required to follow the steps:

Step 1: From the Network Setting Center click on the Manage Wireless Networks.

Step 2: After finding the wireless network, right-click, and choose the option Properties from the menu.

Step 3: From the Security Tab, we can find the Security type. the user is required to select the same security that the router is using.

Step 4: To save the changed click OK.

Solution 6 – Add the connection manually

Step 1: Open the Network and Sharing Center.

Step 2: Select the option Set up a New Connection or Network.

Step 3: Chose the option Manually Connect to a Wireless Network.

Step 4: Click Next.

Step 5: Information such as network name, security key, and security needs to be provided.

Step 6: Click Next to finish the process.

Solution 7 – Change the wireless network mode

The user can change the network mode of the router and the wireless adapter in order to make sure that the network works. To make the network work properly the user should make sure that the router and computer are having the network mode type.

The network mode of the router can be set using the instructions manual of the router. Once the network mode of the router is set one should make sure the network mode type is also on the computer.

For doing that the user is required to follow the steps:

Step 1: From the Network Setting Center click on the Change Adapter Settings.

Step 2: After finding the wireless network, right-click, and choose the option Properties from the menu.

Step 3: From the Properties window, choose the Configure button.

Step 4: Moving to the Advanced Tab we need to select the Wireless Mode.

Step 5: The value of the Wireless Mode needs to be changed. Usually, in most cases the value is 802.11b. However, it may vary from device to device.

Solution 8 – Forget the wireless connection

Step 1: Open the Settings App.

Step 2: Move to the Network and the Internet.

Step 3: Go to the Wi-Fi section.

Step 4: Select the Manage Wi-Fi Settings.

Step 5: Move to Manage known networks.

Step 6: Select the wireless network.

Step 7: Click on Forget.

Step 8: Connect to the same wireless network.

Solution 9 – Disable and enable your wireless connection

Step 1: Move to Network and Sharing Center.

Step 2: Click on the option of Change Adapter Setting.

Step 3: Locate the wireless network. Right-click to select it.

Step 4: Choose Disable.

Step 5: Right-click the same connection again.

Step 6: Choose Enable.

Solution 10 – Install the driver manually

Step 1: Open the Device Manager.

Step 2: Find the network adapter.

Step 3: Right-click and select the option of Update Driver Software.

Step 4: Choose to Browse my computer for driver software.

Step 5: Click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

Step 6: Uncheck the option Show compatible hardware.

Step 7: After finding the network adapter manufacturer, select the driver to be installed.

Step 8: Restart the computer.

Solution 11 – Use ipconfig /release command

Step 1: Press the Windows key + K.

Step 2: Choose the Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 3: Enter ipconfig/release and press Enter. Then do the same with ipconfig/renew.

Step 4: Close the Command Prompt. Reconnect to the network again.

Solution 12 – Change your network adapter

If none of the above-mentioned methods work, then, in that case, the user is advised to change the network adapter. There are situations where a certain network adapter is not compatible with the Windows 10. So the network adapter needs to be replaced with a new model.

Fix – Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network after upgrade

Solution 1 – Use Command Prompt

The user might use the command prompt to fix the network issues manually. At times the configuration of the network settings change after the user upgrades his or her Operating System. This leads to Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error.

To fix Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error the user is required to follow these steps:

Step 1: Open command prompt – Press ‘start+R’ which will open the Run dialog box. Type ‘cmd’ and press enter. It will open the command prompt. Else the user might press ‘start+x’ and find command prompt option from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Enter the commands – “ipconfig /release”, and press enter. This will remove existing network configurations. Then enter the command “ipconfig /renew”, and press enter. This will reset the

network configurations of the user to its default settings.

Step 3: Restart – For changes to take effect, the user must restart the computer.

Solution 2 – Uninstall ESET Smart Security/antivirus software

Sometimes ESET smart security or any other antivirus software might lead to Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error.

In that case, we need to uninstall the software. To uninstall, go through the following steps:

Step 1: Open control panel – Press “start+R” and type control panel in the Run dialog box. Click OK and the user will see the control panel appearing.

Step 2: Select uninstall the program – Click on “Uninstall a program” under category ‘Programs’.

Step 3: Select and uninstall ESET or any other antivirus installed in the system – Just the user will have to go through the list of programs and find ESET security or any antivirus software that is installed in the system.

Then the user is required to go through the installation wizard to uninstall the program from the system. The user might be prompted to give administrator permission. Agree and proceed.

If the user has a password set in the software, then he or she might have to enter it to uninstall. In case the user has forgotten the password, then he will need to use ESET unlock tool.

If a dialog box appears where the user needs to select a reason for uninstalling the program, simply choose any reason and proceed.

Step 4: Restart – restart the computer and check if the network issues are gone.

In case the user is not comfortable using the ESET Smart Security, then, in that case, it is required to uninstall any antivirus software, that the user has been using.

The presence of antivirus software such as BitDefender and Comodo firewall has often been one of the reasons for the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error.

Solution 3 – Check if IPv4 and IPv6 protocols are enabled

IP address falls under the category of the Network Layer. It is primarily used for communication purposes i.e., the user will need it when he or she wants to connect to the internet, and even if the user wants to connect the device to any other device.

It can be subdivided into 2 more categories,

  1. IPv4
  2. IPv6

If IPv4 or IPv6 are not enabled, the user will not be able to connect to the internet. To check if they are enabled, the user is required to follow these steps:

Step 1: Open control panel – Press “Start +R” and type control panel in the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Open Network and Internet settings – Choose the “Network and Internet” option in the control panel.

Step 3: Change adapter options – Click on “Change adapter options”.

Step 4: Status – Click on “Status”.

Step 5: Details – Click on “Details”.

Step 6: Check – If the user sees an IP address in both IPv4 and IPv6 options, it means both of them are enabled.

Fix – Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network, Enter an APN and Try Again

 Solution – Enter new Internet APN

WEP or Wired Equivalent Privacy is a security protocol that is specified in Wi-Fi standard 802.11b, which is designed to provide a WLAN with a level of security and privacy comparable to what is usually expected of a wired LAN.

We can create manual connectivity to deal with the problem.

The following steps show how a connection can be manually created:

Step 1: Right-click on the Wireless Network Connection icon on the taskbar.

Step 2: Click and open the Network and Sharing Center.

Step 3: Click on Set up a new connection or network.

Step 4: Click Manually connects to a wireless network.

Step 5: Click next.

Step 6: Enter <the name of the user or the name in which the device is registered > into the Network name field.

Step 7: Select the WEP security type drop-down menu.

Step 8: The encryption type will be WEP by default.

Step 9: Check if the checkbox ‘Start this connection automatically’ is marked or not and mark according to the need of the user. If the user wants to use this connection in the future, mark this box.

Step 10: Enter the security key.

Step 11: Click next.

Step 12: Click on Change connection settings.

Step 13: The connection tab will appear.

Step 14: Click on the security tab which is right next to the Connection tab.

Step 15: Click on settings.

Step 16: Select security type as per the requirement of the user.

Step 17: Click on OK.

Step 18: The connection is created manually.

Fix – Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network and WEP problems

Solution – Create connection manually

The creation of the wireless connection manually has already been facialized to the readers. But the part that is left to be dealt with is a connection to the network that uses WEP security.

So in order to do that we need to set a specific kind of security type to the WEP. The following are the steps which the user is required to follow:

Step 1: If the user is looking for the safest form of network security, then it must be made clear that WEP is not the one. So the user is required to change the network security to WPA2 security type.

Step 2: The user will have to change the security type on the router.

Step 3: Once the security type is changed on the router the name should be changed on the device as well.

Fix – Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network after waking from Sleep Mode

 Solution 1 – Disable IPv6 / Change Power Management settings

 The user is advised to check the Power Management Settings of the adapter he or she is using in case the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error arises once the device is turned on from the Sleep Mode.

In order to execute the process, the user is required to follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: The Device Manager option is required to be chosen from where the Network Adapters sections can be obtained.

Step 2: The user will be able to find the wireless adapter he or she has been using. Once located the wireless adapter is needed to be selected. For doing that we are required to right-click on it.

Step 3: A drop-down menu will be provided where we have to choose the Properties option.

Step 4: Once we have chosen the Properties option we are required to select the Power Management Tab.

Step 5: In this Power Management Tab, we are required to uncheck all the options which will allow the computer to turn off the device and save power.

Step 6: The changes that we have made are required to be saved.

Step 7: In a vase, the user is working with any USB devices then the same steps are to follow for the USB devices as well. Once this is done the device will no longer recognize any USB devices.

Solution 2 – Change Power Options

Step 1: To begin with the process we need to start with pressing Windows + S.

Step 2: A drop-down menu appears. Select the option of Power Options from the list.

Step 3: Choosing the Power Options will provide us with the Power Window. The user is required to find his or her required plan.

Step 4: Select the option of Change Plan Settings.

Step 5: The user is required to move to the Change Advanced Power Settings.

Step 6: A list will be provided to us. Select the option of Wireless Adapter Settings.

Step 7: Then navigate to the Power Saving Mode.

Step 8: The user is required to change the setting to the option of Maximum Performance.

Step 9: Save the changes made.

Alternative Way

The above process can be performed in a different way.

Step 1: Move to Power Options.

Step 2: High-Performance power plan option is required to be selected.

Solution 3 – Turn off Connect to Wi-Fi hot-spots

Step 1: Move to Settings.

Step 2: Navigate to the Network and Internet option.

Step 3: After moving into the Wi-Fi option, we need to select the Manage Wi-Fi Settings.

Step 4: Turn off the options Connect to Wi-Fi hotspots and Send Information about Wi-Fi connections to help discover nearby Wi-Fi.

Solution 4 – Disable and enable your network connection / turn on and off Airplane mode

Step 1: Disable and then enable the network connection.

Step 2: The Airplane mode can be turned on and then off again.

Fix – Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network after password change

Solution – Forget your network, delete your network from Preferred networks list, check your security type

There are chances to encounter the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error when the password has been changed recently.

In that case, the forget option for the network is what is advised for the user to sort the Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error.

Follow the steps given below to forget the network from the list of Preferred network lists.

Step 1: After opening the Network and Sharing Center, choose the option of Change Adapter Settings.

Step 2: After locating the wireless adapter, we need to select it by right-clicking on it.

Step 3: A menu will be provided from where choose the options of Properties.

Step 4: Find the Configure button and move to the Wireless Network Tab.

Step 5: Delete the network from the list of Preferred Networks.

Step 6: Save the changes.

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Conclusion

Windows 10 Can’t Connect To This Network error is a problem that is faced by many Windows 10 users. So in the article, we made an effort to familiarize the readers with all the possible causes of the error and with their solutions as well.

I hope this article will be beneficial to readers facing Windows 10 that Can’t Connect To This Network error.

Source – https://windowsreport.com/windows-10-cant-connect-this-network/