Windows 10 cant connect to this network

WiFi Internet connection disconnected, Getting Unable to connect or Can’t connect to this network error while connecting to a wifi network? This is most probably occurs because of incorrect network configuration, the problem with the network WiFi adapter or installed driver for the WiFi adapter is outdated and incompatible with the current Windows 10 version. Here are simple fixes to fix the Wifi issue – windows 10 can’t connect to this network or windows was unable to connect to this network issue.

Windows 10 can’t connect to this network

Restart your network devices (router, modem, or laptop)  that help fix the problem if a temporary gitch prevents windows 10 to connect to the wifi network.

Temporarily Disable third-party Antivirus (if installed) or remove VPN if configured on your device and try to connect the WiFi network check get succeed.

Start Windows 10 to clean boot state and try to connect to the WiFi network. If any third-party software conflict causing the issue perform a clean boot and resolve the issue.

Forget the wireless connection

If you’re having “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network” error, you might want to “forget” your wireless connection to fix this problem. To forget the wireless network on Windows 10, do the following:

  1. Open Settings App and go to Network & Internet.
  2. Go to the Wi-Fi section and click Manage Wi-Fi settings.
  3. Scroll down to the Manage known networks, select your Wireless network and click Forget.
  4. After you’ve done that, connect to the same wireless network again.

Run Network Diagnostic Tool

Whenever you face a problem with the network and internet connection, Running the built-in network adapter troubleshooter is probably a good fix that automatically detects and fixes the problems that prevent your PC from connecting to the network and wifi.

  • Press Windows key + I to open windows settings.
  • Then click Network and internet then select Network troubleshooter.

Network troubleshooter Windows 10

  • This will start diagnostic the problem related to the network and internet.
  • During the process, the troubleshooter check network adapter driver compatibility, network configuration etc.
  • Well, wait until you complete the troubleshooting process and restart windows.
  • Let’s try to reconnect to the WiFi network and check it’s connected.

Reinstall the Network Adapter driver

Incompatible, outdated network adapter drivers mostly cause this type of problem. If the network troubleshooter didn’t fix the problem, We strongly recommend update or reinstall the network adapter driver with the latest version.

  • Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc and ok,
  • This will open the device manager, display all installed driver lists,
  • Expand Network adapters, right-click on the installed WiFi driver select uninstall.
  • Checkmark on Delete the driver software for this device and click uninstall to confirm the driver uninstallation. Once done restart windows.
  • On the next start windows automatically install a basic network Adapter driver for you.
  • Now try to connect to the WiFi network.

If the above steps don’t work, try downloading and installing the drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

Install the driver manually

Also, you can manually install the driver following the steps below.

  • Again Open Device Manager and find your network adapter.
  • Right-click it and choose Update Driver Software.
  • Click Browse my computer for driver software.

Update network driver

  • Now click on Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

Let me pick driver option

  • Make sure that Show compatible hardware is not checked.
  • Find your network adapter manufacturer and select the driver you wish to install.

Install Network driver manually

After you’ve installed the driver, restart your computer and try to connect wifi network again.

Use Network Troubleshooting Commands

If applying the above solutions, Windows 10 can’t connect to this network issue persists, you could run the network troubleshooting commands. Which may help to resolve issues like this.

Open the command prompt as administrator and perform the command below. After that, restart windows and check if Are you able to connect to the WiFi network?

  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh int ip reset
  • ipconfig /flushdns

Disable IPv6

Disable the IPv6 protocol following the steps below, and try to connect wifi network again.

  • Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl and click ok
  • This will open the network connections window,
  • Find your active wifi or ethernet adapter, right-click it and choose Properties.
  • Under properties, window locate and uncheck internet protocol version 6 (IPv6)
  • Click OK and check if the issue has been resolved.

disable IPv6

Change Power Management settings

  • Open Device Manager and navigate to the Network Adapters section.
  • Locate your wireless adapter and right-click it. Choose Properties from the menu.
  • Navigate to the Power Management tab.
  • Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power and save the changes.

Change Settings in Power Management Tab

Network Reset (Windows 10 users only)

If nothing else has worked, then a Network Reset would probably help. This is the most probable solution which reinstalls Network adapters & set networking components to default settings and fixes if you face connectivity problems. I personally found Performing network reset to resolve this issue for me. I recommend you try, but first, create a system restore point before performing a network reset.

  • Press Window + I keyboard shortcut to open the settings app,
  • Select the Network and Internet option
  • Then scroll to the option for Network Reset.
  • Click on it and initiate the reset, and wait for the task to complete,
  • After which, your Windows 10 computer will be restarted.

network Reset confirm

Now on the next start, try to connect the WiFi network and I am 100% sure this time you successfully get connected. Did these solutions help fix Can’t connect to this network error on windows 10, 8.1 and 7 computers? Let us know in the comments below. Also, Read

Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.