Why can’t Windows 11 connect to this network?
Why can’t Windows 11 connect to this network?
3 Answers

What\’s the Deal with Windows 11 Not Connecting?
If your Windows 11 is throwing a tantrum about the network connection, don\’t freak out! It\’s likely just one of a handful of issues, from a simple mix-up with your settings to something bigger, like hardware trouble. Let\’s break it down step-by-step to figure this mess out.
1. Quick Check: Basics First
• Double-check your Wi-Fi switch. On laptops, it could be a key combo like FN + F5/F2. Also, peek at your Windows settings to make sure Airplane mode isn’t on.
• Maybe your router’s too far away or dealing with some serious gadget interference. Get closer or inspect what might be messing with it.
2. Built-in MacGyver Tool: The Network Troubleshooter
• Head to Settings > Network && Internet > Status, and run the Network troubleshooter from there. It\’s like a mechanic for your internet—it\’ll try to sort things out automatically.
3. Forget It Like It’s a Bad Relationship
• Go to your Wi-Fi settings, forget the stubborn network, and then reconnect. Give it your secret passphrase after you forget it, so it\’s like starting fresh.
4. Time for Some Command Prompt Magic
• Pull up Command Prompt as an admin and type these spells: netsh winsock reset, netsh int ip reset, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, ipconfig /flushdns. They\’re tech\’s way of hitting the \”reset\” button.
5. Is Your Driver Out of Date?
• Right-click on Start, go to Device Manager, and check if your network drivers need updating. Sometimes rolling back or reinstalling them does the trick too.
6. The On/Off Toggle Trick
• In Device Manager, try disabling and then enabling your wireless adapter. It’s like telling your computer to take a deep breath and try again.
7. Ultimate Reset: Network Settings Nuke
• As a last resort, you can reset all network settings in Windows. Just be ready to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and reconfirm your configurations afterwards.
8. Tweak IPv6, DNS, and IP Settings
• Having troubles with IPv6 or DNS? Try unchecking IPv6 in the adapter options. Also, let your computer automatically grab IP and DNS addresses to avoid extra hassle.
9. When in Doubt, Restart Everything
• Reboot your PC and give your router a break by unplugging it for half a minute. If everything else on your network\’s also playing up, it might be time to give your ISP a shout.
10. Software Shenanigans
• Turn off any VPN, firewall, or antivirus software temporarily to see if they’re being the party poopers. Just remember to turn them back on for security\’s sake.
Hopefully, these steps help you survive the dreaded “Windows 11 can’t connect to this network” saga. However, if the problem still stubbornly hangs around, it might be time to call in the pros.

Let\’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this \”Windows 11 Can\’t Connect to This Network\” ordeal. Most of the time, it\’s some rogue settings, outdated drivers, or hardware hiccuping. Don\’t worry; I\’ve got your back with these fixes.
1. Old or Messed Up Network Drivers
You\’ve gotta understand: network drivers are like the messengers between your computer and the network. If they\’re outdated or corrupted, you\’re looking at some serious connection problems.
What You Can Do:
- Update those Drivers:
- Hit Win + X and open up the Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Right-click your network adapter and choose Update driver. Let it search automatically.
- Be sure to reboot your computer afterward.
- Roll Back Drivers (if you just updated them and things went south):
- In Device Manager, right-click the network adapter, head over to Properties.
- Under the Driver tab, see if you can click Roll Back Driver.
- Again, a quick reboot is your friend.
- Reinstall Drivers:
- Uninstall the device from Device Manager.
- Restart your PC and let it do its thing with reinstalling the drivers.
- If it\’s still a mess, get the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Weird Network Adapter Settings
Sometimes, your network adapter just has mind-of-its-own settings, like disabling key protocols. Let\’s fix that.
Check This Out:
- Pop open your Network Settings:
- Go into Network & Internet Settings.
- Dive into More network adapter options.
- Right-click your adapter, select Properties, and ensure both IPv4 and IPv6 are checked. Make sure they’re set to Obtain an IP address automatically unless you’re a static IPs superstar.
- Temporarily Knock Out IPv6:
Uncheck IPv6 in adapter properties to see if that\’s the baddie.
3. Sleeping Network Services
Your Wi-Fi needs key services to be awake, like WLAN AutoConfig and DHCP Client. If they’re snoozing, you\’re not connecting anywhere.
Try This:
- Give those Services a Kick:
- Run services.msc from the Run dialog (Win + R).
- Find WLAN AutoConfig, DHCP Client, and DNS Client, right-click each, and hit Restart.
- Make sure their Startup type is on Automatic.
- Reset the Network Stack:
- Open Command Prompt as an admin.
- Run those commands:
- A restart here is your secret weapon.
netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
4. IP/DNS Chaos
Messy static IP/DNS settings or a clogged DNS cache can shut down your internet party.
Here\’s the Plan:
- Flush that DNS Cache:
- Admin Command Prompt again and run ipconfig /flushdns.
- Switch to Public DNS Servers:
- In adapter Properties, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Choose Use the following DNS server addresses. Try using:
- Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
- Alternate DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS)
5. Firewall and Security Drama
Sometimes, your firewall or security software is a little too enthusiastic, blocking stuff you need.
Here\’s Your Move:
- Pause That Firewall:
- Jump into Windows Security, find Firewall & network protection, and turn off the firewalls temporarily for all network profiles.
- Whitelisting:
Add your network to the allowed list in your antivirus settings.
6. Quirky System Configurations
Corrupted files or leftover VPN stuff can mess things up as well.
What to Do:
- Disable Those Virtual Adapters:
- Head to Device Manager and under Network adapters, right-click and disable or uninstall virtual ones like a TeamViewer VPN.
- Go for a Network Reset:
- In Network & Internet Settings, choose Network reset and click Reset now. Confirm it, and relax.
7. Physical Hardware Grip
Something physically wrong? Could be the router or even your ISP.
Quick Steps:
- Power Cycle Your Router:
- Turn it off for a solid two minutes, then fire it up again.
- Try with Another Device:
See if another device can connect. This can pinpoint if the problem’s on your computer.
Wrapping It Up:
Feeling stuck? Remember, a System Restore might roll things back to the good ol\’ days. Keep your Windows updated to prevent future network hitches. Most troubles like this can totally be tackled on your own. Give it a whirl!
That\’s it! Hope this helps you out.

Dealing with that “Windows 11 can’t connect to this network” issue? No worries, I’ve got some simple fixes you can try.
- Give Your Device a Quick Restart:
Sometimes all it takes is turning it off and on again. Seriously, it’s like magic for tech problems.
- Double-Check Your Wi-Fi Settings:
Make sure your Wi-Fi is actually turned on (don’t laugh, it happens!). Head over to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi and make sure you’re trying to connect to the right network.
- Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi:
This is like rebooting your network memory. Here’s the drill:
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
- Poke around in Manage known networks.
- Find your stubborn network and hit Forget.
- Reconnect and enter your Wi-Fi password.
- Run the Network Troubleshooter:
This built-in hero is pretty handy:
- Open Settings and go to System > Troubleshoot.
- Find Other troubleshooters and choose Internet Connections.
- Follow whatever guidance it provides. It usually knows what to do.
- Update Your Network Drivers:
Outdated drivers can be a sneaky source of trouble:
- Open up Device Manager.
- Look under Network adapters.
- Right-click your adapter and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and let it do its thing.
- Reset Network Settings:
Use this as a last resort—it’s like a network reset button.
- Go to Settings > Network & internet > Status.
- Scroll down and pick Network reset.
- Just follow the instructions. It’ll wipe your settings clean, so you might have to set some stuff back up after.
- Check Your Router and Modem:
Last but not least, make sure your router and modem are up for the task. Give ’em a little reboot too, and see if other devices are connecting fine.
These tricks usually do the job and are pretty popular fixes among frustrated folks like us. If you’re still stuck, maybe poke around on Microsoft’s official support page or dive into discussions on places like Super User. Good luck!