You try to connect your Windows 10 device to Wi-Fi, and instead of getting online, you're met with the message: “Can’t connect to this network”. It’s a common issue that can interrupt work, delay meetings, or block access to important files stored online. What makes it more irritating is how unclear the cause often is which leaves users stuck between guesswork and trial-and-error fixes.
But you don’t need to go in blind. The key is identifying what’s causing the problem if it’s a corrupted network profile, a driver issue, or a setting changed by an update. In this guide, I’ll take you through exactly how to fix Windows 10 can’t connect to this network error with practical, reliable steps.
Why Does the “Windows 10 Can’t Connect to This Network” Error Occur?
Understanding why the “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network” error appears is the first step toward resolving it and in my experience, it's also the most overlooked. Each time I’ve faced this issue, identifying the root cause made the fix far more straightforward. From outdated drivers to conflicting Wi-Fi profiles, the underlying problem often reveals itself with just a bit of investigation.
Here's what might be going on:
Corrupted or Outdated Network Drivers: These are like the translators between your hardware and operating system. If they’re out of date, communication breaks down. You may notice your Wi-Fi disappearing entirely or failing to respond.
Incorrect Wi-Fi Password or Profile Conflict: Sometimes your PC remembers an old password or conflicting profile, which can block a successful connection. This often happens after a router reset or network name change.
Recent Windows Updates: A system update might reset or misconfigure your adapter settings without warning. Post-update, default settings may override your previous configurations, disrupting stable network access.
Router Misconfiguration or Hidden SSID: If your router settings change or your network is hidden, your device might struggle to reconnect. In such cases, even manually selecting the network doesn’t help unless the right settings are restored.
Security Software Interference: Overprotective antivirus or firewall settings can sometimes treat your network as a threat. This is a common reason users can’t connect to wireless network Windows 10, especially after a recent software update or install.a
Pinpointing the root cause early on makes solving the problem much more efficient. In many cases of Windows 10 not connecting to Wi-Fi, the fix is simple once the source of the conflict is clear. I’ve resolved this issue faster by identifying what was actually blocking the connection. If nothing stands out right away, the next steps will walk you through practical fixes that work.
How to Fix “Windows 10 Can’t Connect to This Network”?
These next steps are designed to fix the “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network” error with practical solutions that address its most common causes. They go beyond generic advice and reflect fixes that have consistently worked when basic troubleshooting didn’t.
Fix 1: Forget and Reconnect to the Network
Forgetting and reconnecting to the network is the first fix I recommend, and it’s one that has worked reliably in my experience. Each time the saved profile became corrupted or outdated, this step cleared the issue immediately. It’s quick, doesn’t require advanced settings, and often restores the connection in seconds. I’ve used it more than once when other devices connected fine but my PC wouldn’t.
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and open “Settings”. It’s the gear icon on the left, or you can type “Settings” into the search bar and hit Enter.
Step 2: In the Settings window, click on Network & Internet, then select the Wi-Fi section from the left-hand sidebar to view available options.
Settings
Step 3: Click on Manage known networks to see a list of all the Wi-Fi networks your PC has previously connected to and saved.
Step 4: Find the network you’re having trouble with, click on it once, and then select the Forget button to remove the saved profile from your system.
Step 5: Return to the list of available Wi-Fi networks, click on the same network, and enter your Wi-Fi password to reconnect from scratch.
This method clears out any corrupted or outdated Wi-Fi profile that may be blocking your connection. It’s one of the fastest ways to fix the ‘Windows 10 can’t connect to this network’ error. You won’t need to restart your entire system, which makes it ideal for quick troubleshooting. I’ve used it several times as a first step, and in many cases, it resolved the issue immediately.
Fix 2: Reset or Update Network Adapter
Resetting or updating the network adapter is the next method I recommend, and it’s been effective whenever the connection issue wasn’t profile-related. I’ve seen this work especially well after Windows updates that silently change adapter settings. It doesn’t take long, and often brings the connection back without needing to adjust anything else.
Step 1: Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager from the menu. This will open a window where you can manage all hardware drivers installed on your system.
Step 2: In Device Manager, expand the Network adapters section by clicking the arrow next to it. You’ll see a list of network devices currently available on your PC.
Step 3: Locate your wireless network adapter, then right-click on it and choose Update driver from the context menu. This will open the driver update window.
Step 4: In the dialog that appears, select Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will now check online and locally for any available updates.
Step 5: If the driver is already up to date or updating doesn’t fix the issue, go back to the Settings app and open Network & Internet from the main menu.
Step 6: Click on the Advanced network settings, then select Network reset. Confirm the reset when prompted, and allow your PC to restart to apply the changes.
This method has saved me more than once. Updating is easy and often effective, but a full reset is sometimes necessary, especially after major Windows updates. It wipes all your network settings and starts fresh like a factory reset for your internet configuration.
Fix 3: Use Command Prompt to Reset IP Stack
Using Command Prompt to reset the IP stack is the third fix I turn to, especially when all else fails. It addresses deeper network conflicts that basic settings can’t reach. I’ve used it in persistent cases like when you can’t connect to a wireless network on Windows 10 despite multiple resets. It’s quick to run, and the results are often immediate.
Step 1: Click the search bar in the taskbar and type Command Prompt. When it appears in the results, right-click and select Run as Administrator to open it with elevated permissions.
Step 2: First, reset the Winsock catalog to remove any network-related corruption:
netsh winsock reset
Step 3: Then, reset the IP settings to restore the default TCP/IP configuration:
netsh int ip reset
Step 4: Now, release the current IP address assigned to your system:
ipconfig /release
Step 5: Next, request a new IP address from the network:
ipconfig /renew
Step 6: Finally, flush the DNS cache to clear outdated or incorrect domain entries:
ipconfig /flushdns
Step 7: Once all commands have been entered, close Command Prompt and restart your PC to complete the reset.
What these commands do is basically refresh the entire network configuration, rebuild the IP stack, and flush DNS settings. When I’ve had persistent connection errors that didn’t respond to simpler fixes, this was the magic bullet. It clears hidden blocks that may be preventing your PC from establishing a solid connection.
Stay Productive with WPS Office While You Troubleshoot Connectivity
When your connection drops and nothing’s loading, staying focused becomes its own challenge. That’s when having tools that just work without demanding attention makes a real difference. WPS Office has been one of those steady, quiet companions for me, helping me keep things moving while I sort out the network mess. Even offline, it lets you stay organized, review your work, or make quick edits without missing a beat.
If you’ve been jumping between adapter resets, command-line fixes, and profile reconfigs, it doesn’t take long for things to get messy. Tracking what you’ve tried and what actually worked can save hours the next time this happens. Here’s how WPS Office helps keep your network troubleshooting organized:
WPS Writer: Document each step as you go. From commands you’ve run to error messages you’ve seen, having it written down keeps you from repeating the same fix twice.
WPS Spreadsheet: Log SSIDs, driver update dates, adapter resets, and system changes in one place. You can sort by result and spot patterns when things go wrong again.
WPS PDF: Open and annotate those driver manuals, network config docs, or support articles without getting lost in the noise. Highlight only what matters.
WPS Cloud: Sync your notes across devices so if you’re helping someone else or your own connection drops again, you’ve got everything ready to go.
WPS helps you stay grounded while your network connection does anything but. I’ve used it to keep detailed records of fixes, note which commands worked on which systems, and even put together quick-reference guides for recurring Wi-Fi problems. It’s the kind of backup system you don’t realize you need until you do
FAQs
1. Why do I keep getting the “can’t connect to this network” message on Windows 10?
It could be due to outdated network drivers, incorrect Wi-Fi credentials, or system updates that mess with adapter settings.
2. Will forgetting and reconnecting to the network delete my files?
No. This only removes the saved Wi-Fi profile and has no impact on your personal files.
3. What if my phone connects but my PC doesn’t?
That usually points to a problem with your PC’s network adapter. Try updating or resetting it.
4. Can antivirus software block my connection?
Yes. Some security tools can interfere with network connections. Try disabling them temporarily to see if that’s the issue.
Stay Connected And Stay in Control with WPS Office
Finally resolving the “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network” issue feels like your system just took a breath and reset itself. The Wi-Fi reconnects, everything loads again, and the stress lifts. But even when you're offline and mid-troubleshoot, having the right tools can make all the difference.
That’s why I keep WPS Office in my corner. It’s not loud or flashy, but it’s reliable when it counts, letting you review, edit, and organize your work without missing a step. And once your connection comes back, everything syncs seamlessly. It’s a quiet backup plan that saves the day more often than you’d expect.
