Wi-Fi Adapter says, “Can’t connect to this network”

One of the most common difficulties Windows users encounter is the “can’t connect to this network.

The Internet has become an essential requirement, and if you are refused access to it for no apparent reason, it may be frustrating.

This guide’s approaches are the most likely to blame for the issues.

For this, attention closely to any modifications you may have done previous to the problem, such as upgrading or replacing the router, altering the master password of your Wi-Fi network, or whatever.

Based on what happened, you can use one of the ways listed below, or if you have no experience with modifying things, begin with method one and work your way through till the problem is resolved.

Table of Contents

How to Fix the “Can’t Connect to this network” problem?

Follow the below guide to resolve this issue in simple ways.

Update the Network Adaptor Driver

We’ll teach you how to update the network adapter drivers in the first technique manually to address this issue.

In most cases, it is caused by out-of-date network adapter drivers, so that should be the initial thing you can attempt.

  • To access the menu just above the start menu, click Windows key + X.
  • From the drop-down menu, choose Device Manager.
  • Click Network Adapters from the drop-down menu
  • Click “Update driver software” from the context menu when you right-click on the device.
  • Choose “Automatically search for updated driver software” from the drop-down menu.
  • After that, the new driver will start to download and install automatically. Once you’re finished, select “Close.”
  • You can restart your computer if it can’t find or upgrade the driver; you may reinstall it by reconnecting your computer to the router via Ethernet and then downloading the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
  • When that doesn’t function, go back to the fourth step and select “Browser my Computer for Driver Software”, followed by “Let me pick from a list of devices.”
  • Pick the correct driver from the list after unchecking the “Show compatible Hardware” choice.

In a second option, we’ll teach you how to work on fixing the problem by switching off your router for a few minutes and then reconnecting.

Turn off the Adapter and Reconnect

  • To switch off your router, click the power located on the back.
  • Before switching it on again, wait 30 minutes.
  • Simply connect to the network again after it appears in your Wi-Fi connection search list to see whether the problem persists.

Try Windows Troubleshooter

  • In the Run dialogue, press Windows key + R and type Control Panel. Enter the code.
  • Type “Troubleshooter” into the “Search control panel” box on the top right corner of the window and click enter.
  • Choose “Troubleshooting” from the search results.
  • By tapping on the Hardware and Sound panel, you may now navigate to it.
  • Select Hardware and Devices from the drop-down menu.
  • Select “Configure a device” on the Hardware and Sound page and follow the instructions to determine if you have Windows 10 compatible drivers. Move to the next step if you haven’t already.
  • Just save network drivers to your computer after downloading them from your company’s website.
  • In the Run dialogue, hit Windows key + R and input “devmgmt.msc.”
  • Right-click on your network adapter in the Network adapters section.
  • Choose characteristics from the drop-down menu, go to the Driver tab, and finish the uninstallation.
  • Go to the location where you downloaded the driver. Go on to the compatibility mode by right-clicking on it and selecting Move over to the compatibility mode.
  • Choose “Windows 7” from the list of options behind the “Run this software in compatibility mode for” checkbox.
  • Next, right-click on the driver file you just downloaded. Choose “Run as administrator” from the drop-down menu and click “Okay” when asked.
  • After you’ve completed the installation, restart your computer.

Forget the Network

In certain situations, the network may not be functioning correctly owing to a computer configuration error. As a result, we’ll forget the network in this phase and reconnect it again to repair the problem. 

  • Choose “Open Network and Internet Settings” from the context menu of the “Wi-Fi” icon in the system tray.
  • In the left column, click the “Wi-Fi” button.
  • Choose the “Manage Known Networks” option, and then choose your existing Wi-Fi network.
  • Click “Forget” and then “Close” to exit the settings.
  • Reconnect to your internet connection and verify whether the problem has been resolved.

Reset your Network

If there are faults or problems in the Windows 10 network settings, this issue might occur. As a result, we’ll reset our network configurations in this step. As a result:

  • To access settings, enter “Windows” + “I.”
  • Choose “Network & Internet” from the drop-down menu, then “Network Reset” from the list.
  • Waiting for it to be reset after clicking the “Reset Now” button.
  • Check to see whether the problem still exists.

Modifying the Transmission Mode

It’s possible that your router doesn’t support the transmission channel you choose in the transmission settings.

As a result, we’ll change the transmission mode in this phase and see whether it solves the problem. 

  • To open the Run prompt, press “Windows” + “R.”
  • Type “devmgmt.msc” and hit “Enter.”
  • Right-click on your “Network Adapter” in the expanded “Network Adapters” listing.
  • Click the “Advanced” option after clicking “Properties.”
  • Choose “802.11n” from the list, then “Disabled” from the “Value” drop-down.
  • Check to verify whether the problem still exists.

Enable and Disable the Wireless Adapter

The problem can be resolved by first deactivating the network adapter and then re-enabling it. This, according to reports, resolves the network adapter’s issue and allows it to load normally. Follow the steps outlined below to do this.

  • To open the Run prompt, press “Windows” + “R.”
  • Enter “Devmgmt.msc” and hit “Enter.”
  • Right-click on your “Network Adapter” in the expanded “Network Adapters” list.
  • Disable your adapter by right-clicking it and selecting “Disable Device.”
  • Wait 10 seconds before right-clicking it again and selecting “Enable Device.”
  • Also, attempt to turn off all other network adapters on the inside, leaving only the one utilized by the PC turned on.
  • Check to determine if the problem still exists.

Conclusion

The techniques listed above are the best, quickest, and most straightforward solutions we’ve come up with for resolving the “Can’t Connect to the Network” issue. We hope that you got it well. Best of luck!