Fix Unable to Connect to This Network
Many Windows users face the "Unable to Connect to This Network" issue. This article offers solutions to fix the problem and restore network functionality.
1. Check for Network Driver Updates
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can cause the "Unable to Connect to This Network" issue. Ensuring that your network adapter drivers are up-to-date can effectively resolve this problem. Using Driver Sentry is recommended for automatic driver detection and updates, saving time and reducing the risk of downloading incorrect drivers.
Download the latest version of Driver Sentry, install it, and open the software. Click "Scan".
After scanning, the software will display drivers that are missing or need updates. Locate the network adapter driver and click "Upgrade".
Restart your computer after the update to ensure the updated driver takes effect.
2. Restart Devices
Click the Start menu, select the "Power" button, and then click "Restart".
Unplug the router, wait a few minutes, and plug it back in. Once the router has fully restarted, try reconnecting to the network.
If you're using a modem, restart it as well to ensure the connection is stable.
3. Forget the Network and Reconnect
Click the network icon in the taskbar and select "Open Network & Internet Settings".
Under Wi-Fi in the left-hand menu, click "Manage Known Networks".
Locate the problematic network in the list, click it, and choose "Forget".
Reconnect to your network by selecting it again and entering the password.
4. Refresh Network Settings Using Command Prompt
Type Command Prompt in the search box, right-click, and select "Run as Administrator".
In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
After completing the commands, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
5. Disable IPv6
Open the search bar, type "Control Panel", and open it.
Click "Network and Sharing Center", then "Change Adapter Settings".
Right-click the current network adapter (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select "Properties".
In the "This connection uses the following items list", uncheck "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)" and click "OK".
Reconnect to the network and verify if the problem is resolved.
6. Reset Network Settings
Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
Select "Network & Internet", then go to the "Status" section.
Scroll down and click the "Network Reset" option.
Click "Reset Now" and follow the prompts to confirm. This will uninstall and reinstall network adapters and reset network settings to their defaults.
After the reset, the computer will automatically restart. Check if the network connection has been restored.
7. Check Windows Services
Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter to open the Services Manager.
Locate the following network-related services in the list and ensure they are running:
DHCP Client
Network Connections
Network List Service
If any of these services are not running, right-click them and select Start.
After ensuring the services are running, verify if the network connection issue is resolved.
8. Run Network Troubleshooter
Press Win + I to open the Settings menu.
Select "Update & Security", then go to the "Troubleshoot" section.
In the Troubleshoot page, click "Additional Troubleshooters".
Find "Network Adapter", click it, and select "Run the Troubleshooter". The system will automatically detect and attempt to fix network connection issues.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process and check if the issue is resolved.
Follow these steps to fix the "Unable to Connect to This Network" issue. If it persists, contact your ISP or technical support.
See also:
Fix Fallout 3 Crashing on Windows 10
Guide to Fixing a Computer That Keeps Crashing
