The “Can’t connect to this network” error in Windows means your PC is unable to join a Wi-Fi network you've connected to before. This usually happens because of temporary router issues, incorrect passwords, or outdated drivers. The quickest way to fix it is to restart your devices, reconnect to the network, update drivers if needed, and reset network settings if those steps don’t work.
What does ‘Can’t connect to this network’ mean and why does it happen?
This error message appears when your Windows PC tries but fails to connect to a Wi-Fi network you've used previously. Common causes include temporary router glitches that block new connections, outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers on your PC, incorrect network settings like a wrong password or mismatched security type, and sometimes software conflicts or Windows updates that interfere with the connection process.
How do I know if the problem is my PC or the network?
To identify whether the issue is with your PC or the network, check if other devices can connect to the same Wi-Fi. If your phone or another computer connects without problems, the issue is likely with your PC. Next, run the Windows Network Troubleshooter by right-clicking the network icon in the system tray and selecting "Troubleshoot problems." This tool can detect configuration issues on your PC. If other devices also can’t connect, the problem is probably with your router or internet service provider, not your computer.
What are the easiest fixes I should try first?
Start with these simple steps to fix temporary issues: 1. Restart your PC to refresh system processes and clear minor bugs. 2. Restart your router and modem by unplugging them from power for about 30 seconds, then plugging them back in. This often resolves router-side connection problems. 3. On your PC, open Wi-Fi settings, locate the network you're trying to connect to, select it, and choose "Forget." Then reconnect by entering the password carefully. 4. Double-check that the Wi-Fi password you enter is correct, as mistyped credentials commonly cause this error. These steps are safe and often restore the connection quickly.
How do I update or reinstall my network drivers safely?
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause connection failures. To update them safely: 1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager. 2. Expand the "Network adapters" section and find your Wi-Fi adapter. 3. Right-click it and choose "Update driver." 4. Select "Search automatically for updated driver software." Windows will look online and install any available updates. If updating doesn’t help, you can reinstall the driver: 5. Right-click the adapter again and select "Uninstall device." 6. Confirm the uninstall and restart your PC. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically. Avoid downloading drivers from third-party sites to prevent incompatible or malicious software.
How can I reset my network settings without losing important data?
If updating drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, resetting network settings can help. This removes and reinstalls all network adapters and resets IP addresses and DNS settings to defaults but does not delete personal files or installed programs. To reset: 1. Open Settings and go to "Network & Internet." 2. Scroll down and click "Network reset." 3. Click "Reset now" and confirm. Your PC will restart. Afterward, reconnect to your Wi-Fi by selecting it and entering the password. This step can fix deeper network configuration problems safely.
How do I verify that my fixes worked and the connection is stable?
After trying fixes, confirm your connection is stable. First, open a web browser and visit several websites to ensure internet access. For a more technical check, open Command Prompt and enter:
ping google.comIf you receive replies with response times in milliseconds, the connection is working. If the ping fails or times out, problems remain. Watch the connection for a few minutes to see if it drops again. You can rerun the Windows Network Troubleshooter to check for new errors. Stable access and successful pings mean your fixes worked.
What should I do if none of these fixes work?
If the issue continues, try these advanced steps: Check for Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any available updates. Updates sometimes fix connection problems. Temporarily disable security software or firewalls that might block network access, but remember to turn them back on afterward. If the problem persists, contact your internet service provider or router manufacturer to check for outages or hardware faults. In rare cases, your PC’s network adapter hardware may be defective and need professional repair or replacement.
Conclusion
If you've tried all these steps and still see the “Can’t connect to this network” error, the problem may be hardware-related or require expert help. Meanwhile, if possible, connect your PC to the internet using an Ethernet cable to stay online until your Wi-Fi issue is resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Windows say ‘Can’t connect to this network’ if my password is correct?
Even with the correct password, this error can appear due to outdated drivers, incorrect security settings, or temporary glitches on your router or PC. Restarting devices and updating drivers usually fixes it.
Will resetting network settings delete my files?
No. Resetting network settings removes network adapters and resets configurations like IP and DNS but does not delete your personal files, documents, or installed programs.
Can antivirus software cause this connection error?
Yes. Some antivirus or firewall programs can mistakenly block network access, causing connection errors. Temporarily disabling them can help determine if they are the cause.