Windows PC Shows "Can't Connect to This Network" When Connecting to Wi-Fi

Try the following steps in order on the Windows PC to resolve the “Can’t connect to this network” Wi‑Fi error:

1. Run the Network troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
   2. Select Status from the left-hand menu.
   3. Scroll down and select Network troubleshooter.
   4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes it suggests.
2. Check Wi‑Fi and Airplane mode
   1. On the taskbar, select the Network icon and make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on.
   2. Confirm the Wi‑Fi network shows and try connecting again.
   3. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode and ensure Airplane mode is turned off.
3. Forget and reconnect to the Wi‑Fi network
   1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi‑Fi.
   2. Select Manage known networks.
   3. Select the problem Wi‑Fi network and choose Forget.
   4. Reconnect by selecting the same network from the Wi‑Fi list and entering the password.
4. Restart modem and router (already tried, but ensure full power cycle)
   1. Unplug the router’s power cable.
   2. Unplug the modem’s power cable (and remove its battery if the lights stay on).
   3. Wait at least 30 seconds.
   4. Reinsert the modem battery (if removed) and plug the modem back in; wait until its lights stabilize.
   5. Plug the router back in and wait a few minutes for it to fully start.
   6. Try connecting again from the PC.
5. Try the other Wi‑Fi band (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) If the router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks and both appear in the Wi‑Fi list, try connecting to the other band. This can avoid interference or compatibility issues.
6. Uninstall and reinstall the Wi‑Fi adapter driver Use this if the issue started after an update or driver change.
   1. Select Search on the taskbar, type Device Manager, and open it.
   2. Expand Network adapters and locate the wireless adapter.
   3. Right-click it and select Uninstall device.
   4. Check Attempt to remove the driver for this device, then select Uninstall.
   5. Select Start > Power > Restart.
   6. After restart, Windows will reinstall the adapter automatically. Then try connecting again.
7. Use Network reset (last resort) Network reset removes and reinstalls all network adapters and resets network settings.
   1. Select Start > Settings > Network & internet.
   2. On Windows 11: select Advanced network settings > Network reset. On Windows 10: select Status > Network reset.
   3. Select Reset now and confirm.
   4. After the PC restarts, reconnect to the Wi‑Fi network (you may need to re-enter the Wi‑Fi password and reconfigure VPN or virtual switches if used).

If the Wi‑Fi still works on other devices but not on this PC after these steps, focus on driver updates from the PC manufacturer or consider an in-place repair of Windows using installation media.

References:

• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Run the Network troubleshooter
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Step 3. Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi Network
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Step 4. Restart your modem and wireless router
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Step 5. Adjust Wi-Fi channel and frequency
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Step 8. Uninstall the network adapter driver and restart
• Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows – Step 13. Use network reset