Windows 10 is a Microsoft Operating System for computers, laptops, and other embedded devices. The latest version of Window is incorporated with many updates and innovations in operating systems. However, when technology arises to new level, errors also takes its own course.
Amongst the many errors that windows 10 have in their folder, one error is its inability to connect to a specific network. In the article here, let us discuss on what you can do when the operating system cannot connect to a network.
Now, imagine you at your desktop or laptop working to meet your professional timelines and suddenly you get the error, “Windows 10 can’t connect to this network”. What will you do? Rush here and there, make several calls to your friends and relatives, or call a computer professional to fix the error. However, it is always better to learn fixing most of errors related to computer technology because that is one thing forming the most essential aspect of your daily routine.
Sit patiently and learn what to do when windows 10 cannot connect to a network:
Out of the many ways, some of the most efficient ways are:
Uninstalling Your Network Adapter
Issues and problems with your network adapter may result in connection issues, hence, it is best advised to uninstall all drives and folders of the network adapter and then re-install the same.
Follow the steps to do the following:
- First press the windows key along with letter ‘X’ on the keyboard
- From the appeared list choose device manager
- From the displayed folder of device manager browse for network adapter and then right click
- Choose the option ‘uninstall’ to uninstall the drivers
- If promoted to delete the driver software then do so to ensure that all drivers and folders have been deleted
- After the un-installation process is over, restart your computer or laptop
- Windows 10 will then automatically install the new drivers
Updating Your Network Adapter Drivers
Sometimes it happens that the network adapter is outdated and not updated attuned to the latest versions and applications of windows. In this scenario, it becomes important to update the drivers of your network adapter. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Take the help of another network device and open the website of your network adapter manufacturer
- From the website search for the download links and download the latest drivers
- The driver should perfectly match the type and model of your network adapter
- Follow the promoted process for download and installation
- After installation of the drivers, you can easily connect your computer’s operating system to the network
Important Tip: This method of fixing the network connection error is although successful, it requires great caution because if in case a wrong driver or an imperfect match is installed then your system may undergo severe malfunctioning. To avoid the same, you can even get access to automatic tools like TweakBit Driver Update to updates drivers of your network adapter. Ensure that all components of the driver are installed for a complete fix.
Changing Channel Width of Your Network Adapter
If in case the width of your network adapter is not configured properly then you may encounter the error of network connection failure. To fix the error by changing the channel width, follow the steps below:
- Press the windows key along with the letter ‘S’
- Enter type network
- From the displayed list browse ‘Network and Sharing Center’
- Click on ‘Change Adapter Settings’
- Then locate your wireless adapter, right click on it and choose ‘Properties’
- It opens a new window from where you can navigate to the ‘Advance’ tab
- From there select the channel width and change the width to the perfect required value
- Replacing the current value with a higher value has in many cases reported to fix the network error.
Adding the Network Connections Manually
If any of the above methods do not work, you can try by adding network connections manually. The steps to do the same are as follows:
- Open the ‘Network and Sharing Center’
- From the displayed window click on ‘Set Up a New Connection’
- Choose to work manually from the choice ‘Automatic or Manual’
- Click ‘Next’
- Enter the details required like the network name, security key, and security type
- Click ‘Next’ and the process finishes
- Then try working the operating system and no issue will persist
Changing the Mode of Wireless Network
If you are able to change the wireless network mode for your router as well as adapter then you can easily fix the error of operating system not connecting to the network. To fix the error using this process, please follow the process:
- Press the windows key along with the letter ‘S’
- Enter type network
- From the displayed list browse ‘Network and Sharing Center’
- Click on ‘Change Adapter Settings’
- Then locate your wireless adapter, right click on it and choose ‘Properties’
- It opens a new window from where you can navigate to the ‘Configure’
- Configure your network and switch over to the ‘Advance’ tab
- From the displayed list select the wireless mode and then again change the configuration
- Now change the value of the wireless mode in a way that it matches the wireless mode of your router
Disabling and enabling Your Wireless Connection
In order to fix the error ‘windows 10 can’t connect to this network’, another from the many options available is to disable and enable your wireless connection. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Open ‘Network and Sharing Center’
- From there click on ‘Change Adapter Settings’
- From the displayed window locate your wireless connection
- Right click and choose ‘Disable’ from the choice of ‘Enable and Disable’
- Once you disable the network connection wait for a few seconds
- Then again right click on the wireless connection and choose ‘Enable’
- Once you enable the same, start working with your operating system and you won’t encounter any error
Further to these steps, there are many other initiatives and measures that are helpful in fixing the error of windows 10 unable to connect to a network.