How to Fix Can’t Connect to This Network on Windows 11

“Can’t connect to this network” appears when Windows 11 tries to join a Wi-Fi network and fails. The cause can be a damaged saved profile, a stuck network adapter or a mismatch with the router’s settings. Test another device first, because it tells you whether to fix the PC or the router.

What causes this error

• A saved network profile that is outdated or damaged, for example after the router password changed.
• A Wi-Fi adapter or driver that has stopped responding.
• Router settings such as MAC filtering or a security mode the PC does not support.
• Corrupted network settings in Windows.
• A router that needs a restart.

1. Check another device and restart the router

See whether a phone can join the same network. If it cannot, restart the router: unplug it for about 30 seconds, plug it back in and wait a few minutes. If the phone connects, the problem is on your PC, so continue.

2. Forget the network and join again

Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks, select the network and choose Forget. Then select it from the Wi-Fi list and enter the current password. Check the password carefully, since it is case sensitive.

3. Turn the Wi-Fi adapter off and on

Press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl and press Enter. Right-click Wi-Fi, choose Disable, wait a few seconds, then right-click it again and choose Enable.

4. Run the network troubleshooter

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run Network and Internet. Apply any fix it suggests.

5. Reset the network stack with commands

Right-click the Start button, choose Terminal (Admin) and run these commands one at a time:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Restart the PC and try to join the network again.

6. Check the router’s security settings

Log in to the router’s admin page. If MAC address filtering is on, add your PC or turn it off. If the router uses an old or unusual security mode, switch to WPA2 or WPA3 personal. Save, wait for the router to apply changes, and try again.

7. Update or roll back the Wi-Fi driver

Open Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter and choose Update driver. If the problem began after an update, open Properties > Driver and choose Roll Back Driver if it is available.

8. Reset the network

Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset and select Reset now.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Wi-Fi work on my phone but not my PC?

That points to the PC’s saved profile, adapter or driver. Steps 2 to 7 target those.

Do these commands delete my files?

No. They reset network settings only.

When to contact support

If no device can join the network, contact your internet provider or the router maker. If the connection joins but keeps dropping, read how to fix Wi-Fi that keeps disconnecting. More network checks are in our Wi-Fi and internet overview.