Share this article
Improve this guide
Can’t Connect to This Network on Windows 11: Fixed in 8 Ways
Conduct preliminary checks before any advanced solutions
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 18, 2023
updated onOctober 18, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
The Internet has become a necessity of late, and we are connected to it for most of the day. You will require a stable Internet connection for work, social networking, or purchasing a product from an e-commerce website.
However, several users have reported encountering theCan’t connect to this networkerror in Windows 11.
This error prevents you from connecting to a network, which usually helps access the Internet. The worst part, it doesn’t mention what’s causing the problem, which makes the troubleshooting even more confusing.
Hence, before we head to the fixes, it’s imperative to look at the possible causes of the Windows 11 can’t connect to this network error.
What is causing the Windows 11 Can’t connect to this network error?
While there can be many of these, we have listed the common ones to help you get acquainted with the issue and save some time while troubleshooting.
If you remember making any changes to the network settings in the recent past, try reverting to the previous one. In case that doesn’t help, follow the steps listed here to get rid of the Windows 11 can’t connect to this network error.
How can I fix the Can’t connect to this network Windows 11 error?
1. Some preliminary checks
Before we delve into many intricate fixes, it only makes sense to cross out the simpler ones initially.
Airplane mode basically cuts you off from any network. If the mode is turned on, you may encounter the Windows 11 can’t connect to this network error. Disable the mode and check if that fixes the problem.
Like any other machine, the modem/router also needs rest for effective functioning. Though they are meant to run for days at a stretch, the internal components may heat up and cause issues.
To fix this, unplug the router/modem from the source, wait at least 10 minutes, and then replug it. Some come with internal batteries and continue to function even when disconnected, in which case, you will have to take out the batteries to turn off the modem/router completely.
Another important aspect that often goes unnoticed is identifying whether the problem lies with the PC or the network itself. Hence, it’s recommended that you try connecting to the network using other devices.
If a connection is established on the other device, you can continue with the methods listed in the article, since the problem is limited to your PC.
Over prolonged use, there are chances of dust buildup in the ports, which may cause Windows 11 can’t connect to this network error. Though the dust buildup is usually minor, it’s recommended that you clean the ports.
To do that, unplug the cables, lightly blow air into the ports, and then firmly replug the cables. Now, check if you are able to establish a connection with the network you were earlier facing issues with.
2. Restart your Windows 11 PC
If you encounter issues with the system, a simple restart should be your primary approach. When you restart the computer, the OS is reloaded and any trivial or minor bug causing the can’t connect to this network Windows 11 error is eliminated.
3. Reconnect to the network
1. PressWindows+Ito launch theSettingsapp.
2.SelectNetwork & Internetfrom the tabs listed in the navigation pane on the left.
3.Click onWi-Fi.
4.Press onManage known networks.
5.Next, click on theForgetbutton next to the network you are facing trouble connecting to.
6.Now, go back to theWi-Fi settingsand click onShow available networks.
7.Select the network and click on theConnectbutton.If required, enter the password for it.
The network connection settings may get corrupt or misconfigured over time, which can cause network connections errors. In this case, it’s best to forget the network and then reconnect to it to try to fix the can’t connect to this network Windows 11 error.
4. Update the network driver
The Device Manager method works as an offline update and only installs driver versions that already exist on the computer. If you haven’t downloaded any previously, it’s highly likely that the driver won’t be updated.
In this case, you can look for thelatest driver versionin Windows Update or manually download it from the manufacturer’s website.
Also, you can use a dedicated utility to update the drivers installed on your PC. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a third-party tool that automatically scans the web for a newer version and updates the installed drivers.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
5. Update Windows 11
6. Run the Network adapter troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooters offered by Microsoft are an easy way of resolving trivial and intricate Windows errors. Once it’s run, check if the issue is fixed.
7. Disable VPN
8. Reset network settings
Before resetting the network settings, make sure you save any open files so as to avoid data loss since the computer would be restarted during the process.
After the reset, Windows 11 can’t connect to this network error should be fixed. This may also fixThe network you are using may require you to visit its login pageerror.
Which is better, Ethernet or Wi-Fi?
If you are facing issues with the network, it’s recommended that you switch to Ethernet or wired networks. These are far more reliable than Wi-Fi networks, where the connections are wireless.
Though both have their sets of pros and cons, Ethernet offers higher reliability. Until a few years ago, Ethernet also trumped Wi-Fi in terms of speed, but with the advancements in technology, the latest generation routers offer a speed at par with Ethernet.
There’s also the option toenable eSIM on Windows 11and use the cellular data network if the feature is available on your device.
That’s all there’s to this network connection error and its most relevant fixes. In case these don’t work, you can try toreset Windows 11 to its factory settingsorroll back to Windows 10if the problem started afterupgrading to Windows 11.
If you started encounteringInternet issues after updating Windows, find out how to easily fix them.
Also, learn tosolve issues with the hotspot in Windows 11orresolve the Wi-Fi disappearing problem, in case the icon doesn’t appear altogether.
Tell us which fix worked for you and your experience with Windows 11 in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Fix network issues,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
User forum
1 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
