Bumping into the “Can’t Connect to This Network” error in Windows 11 is like hitting a digital wall – annoying and inconvenient, especially when you’re in a hurry to surf the web. This pesky error can pop up for a myriad of reasons, be it quirky network settings, stubborn hardware, or software throwing a tantrum. Fear not, here’s a no-nonsense guide that even computer rookies can use to tackle and tame this error.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Router
Often, a simple restart can resolve many connectivity issues.
- Click on the Start button, select the power icon, and choose Restart.
- Unplug your router from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
- Once both devices are back on, try connecting to the network again.
Step 2: Forget and Reconnect to the Network
Sometimes, removing the network and reconnecting can resolve the issue.
- Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
- Click on Network & Internet in the left-hand menu.
- Select Wi-Fi and then click on Manage known networks.
- Find the network you are trying to connect to, click on it, and then select Forget.
- Go back to the list of available networks, select your network, and enter the password to reconnect.
Step 3: Run the Network Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix network problems.
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on System, then select Troubleshoot.
- Click on Other troubleshooters.
- Find Network Adapter in the list and click Run. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
Step 4: Update Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connectivity issues.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Find and expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows search for and install any available updates.
Step 5: Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can resolve many connectivity issues by restoring default settings.
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on Network & Internet.
- Scroll down and select Advanced network settings, then click on Network reset. Click Reset now and confirm your choice.
Step 6: Check Network Adapter Settings
Incorrect settings on your network adapter can prevent you from connecting to a network.
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
- Right-click on your network adapter and select Properties.
- Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and ensure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected. Click OK to save the changes.
Step 7: Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily
Sometimes, antivirus software or firewalls can block network connections.
- Right-click on your antivirus icon in the system tray and choose the option to disable it temporarily.
- Open Settings, go to Privacy & Security, and select Windows Security. Click on Firewall & network protection, choose your network profile, and turn off the firewall temporarily.
The “Can’t Connect to This Network” error in Windows 11 can be resolved through several troubleshooting steps, from simple restarts to updating drivers and resetting network settings. By following this guide, you should be able to identify and fix the issue, ensuring your computer can connect to the network smoothly. If the problem persists, contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or seeking professional help might be necessary.