"Can't Connect to This Network" on Windows 11 Wi-Fi? The Right Fix Order (Reset Last)

You pick a Wi-Fi network and Windows 11 just says “Can’t connect to this network.”

Why “reset your network” shouldn’t be first: that’s the nuclear option (it wipes all saved Wi-Fi + VPNs). Microsoft positions a full network reset last, and surfaces an often-missed cause: your adapter not supporting the band the router is broadcasting. Work in order.

Fix 1: Forget the network and reconnect

1. Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → the network → Forget.
2. Reconnect and re-enter the password. This clears a stale/changed profile (the #1 quick fix after a router password change).

Fix 2: Run the troubleshooter + reboot the router

• Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Network and Internet → Run.
• Power-cycle the router/modem (off 30 seconds, on).

Fix 3: Check the band (the hidden cause)

If other devices connect but this PC can’t:

• An older adapter may be 2.4 GHz-only while you’re selecting a 5 GHz SSID (or vice-versa). Connect to the band your adapter supports, or set the router to broadcast both.
• Update the Wi-Fi driver (Device Manager → Network adapters → your Wi-Fi → Update driver / vendor’s latest).

Fix 4: Refresh the IP stack

Admin Command Prompt:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

Fix 5: Network reset (last resort)

Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Network reset. This reinstalls adapters and clears all saved networks — only after Fixes 1–4.

FAQ

It connects then says “no internet.” Different problem — see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.

Adapter missing entirely? See reset TCP/IP & Winsock / missing adapter.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Fix Wi-Fi connection issues in Windows