Wi-Fi Error: Can't Connect to This Network — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

This Windows error means your computer tried to connect to a Wi-Fi network and failed. It often happens because Windows saved old, broken connection data for that network. Forgetting the network and reconnecting usually fixes it.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 8.1

Common Causes

Windows saved a bad or outdated password for the network
The network adapter driver is corrupt or out of date
Windows TCP/IP networking stack has become misconfigured
The router changed its security settings and Windows did not update
A previous failed connection attempt left corrupt saved data

How to Fix It

Forget the network and reconnect. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Find the network, click Forget, then reconnect and type the password again.

This clears the old broken data Windows saved and starts fresh.
Run the Windows network troubleshooter. Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar and choose Troubleshoot problems. Let it run and apply any fixes it finds.

Windows can often detect and repair common connection issues automatically.
Reset your network settings. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one at a time: netsh winsock reset — then — netsh int ip reset — then restart your computer.

This resets the core networking software in Windows back to defaults.
Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver. Open Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi adapter, and choose Update driver.

An outdated driver is a very common cause of this error, especially after Windows updates.
Restart your router. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart before trying to connect.

Sometimes the problem is on the router side, not your computer.

When to Call a Professional

If none of the fixes below work and you need this connection for work or school, an IT technician can diagnose your network adapter. Expect to pay $50–$100 for a home visit. If the adapter hardware is failing, a USB Wi-Fi adapter costs around $15–$30 and can replace it instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will forgetting the network delete my password?

Yes — when you forget a network, Windows deletes the saved password. You will need to type the Wi-Fi password again when you reconnect. Make sure you know the password before you forget the network.

Why does this error keep coming back on the same network?

If the error returns after forgetting and reconnecting, the issue is likely a driver problem or a corrupted networking stack. Try updating your Wi-Fi driver or running the netsh reset commands. Persistent issues may need a full network reset in Windows Settings.

Does this error mean my Wi-Fi password is wrong?

Not necessarily. If the password were wrong, you would see a different message about an incorrect security key. 'Can't connect to this network' usually points to a software or driver issue, not the password itself.