Can't connect to a local WiFi network? The problem is more common than you might think. If you try to join a WiFi network on your Windows desktop or laptop computer and see an error message that says "can't connect to this network," here are seven of the best ways to troubleshoot and solve this frustrating problem.
Restart Windows
There are a number of issues related to your network settings that might be the culprit when you see a "Can't connect to this network" error, but sometimes the simplest resolution is to simply restart your computer. Click the Start button, then the Power icon, and choose Restart. It won't always resolve the issue, but it's sometimes the easiest fix.
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Forget your WiFi network
There may be corrupted data in your WiFi network's saved settings. To troubleshoot this option, click the WiFi icon in the system tray at the bottom right, find the WiFi network that won't connect, and right-click. In the pop-up menu, choose Forget. Then try to connect to the network again, being sure to accurately enter the WiFi password.
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Toggle airplane mode
It's possible that turning airplane mode on and off again can reset the WiFi network, allowing it to connect successfully. Click the WiFi icon in the system tray at the bottom right. Click Airplane mode, wait a few moments, and then click it again to turn it off.
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Run the network troubleshooter
Windows includes a network troubleshooter that can help resolve issues like this. Click Start and type "troubleshoot." In the search results, click Troubleshoot Other Problems. In the Settings window, find Network Adapter and click Run. Allow the troubleshooter to run and see if it solves your problem.
Let Windows choose your IP and DNS settings automatically
In some cases, your computer might have custom IP and DNS settings which can interfere with your ability to connect to WiFi networks. Unless you have a specific and unique situation that requires these settings, it's generally better to let Windows choose your IP and DNS values for you.
To check, click Start and then choose Settings. In the navigation pane on the left, choose Network & Internet. At the bottom, click Advanced network settings. In the Related settings section, click More network adapter options. When the Control Panel appears, right-click Wi-Fi and choose Properties. In the Wi-Fi Properties window, double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Finally, in the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) settings, make sure Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server automatically are selected, then click OK.
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Fix network sockets
If you still can't connect to your WiFi network, it's possible that fixing and refreshing your network sockets may help — this is a software service that acts as a connection between programs using your network. Click Start and type "cmd," then when you see Command Prompt in the search results, right-click and choose Run as administrator. At the command prompt, type "netsh winsock reset" and press Enter. After that command completes, type "netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt" and press Enter. Type "netsh int ip reset" and press Enter. Finally, type "ipconfig /flushdns" and press Enter.
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Update your network adapter
It's possible that your network adapter might need a software update. To do that, start by opening the Device Manager: Click Start and type "Device." When you see Device Manager appear in the search results, click it. Click the arrow to the left of Network adapters to expand the list, and then right click the network adapter installed on your computer. In the drop-down menu, choose Update driver.
Freelance Writer
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.
