With error Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings. Obviously, this message tells you that there is a problem with your proxy settings, but it does not reveal how to fix the problem. Check out this post by GhienCongListen to learn how to fix this error.
What is the error Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings?
“Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” is an issue that usually stems from changes in your proxy settings. As you make changes, you may have inadvertently added malicious programs, malware, or trojans. These viruses can often lead to changes in your network settings.
Advertisement
To begin with, you should understand what a proxy setting is. A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary for connection requests. Once it is connected, it will be anonymous to the user. This option can also be used as a way to bypass IP address blocks or when access is not allowed for certain IPs. In short, proxies are very similar to how VPNs work.
Because proxy configuration problems are multifaceted and often complicated to fix, especially if you don’t know where to look or what to do. Restarting your router and computer may fix the problem. If the problem persists, one of the solutions listed below should resolve this error.
Advertisement
How to fix Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings
Here are some ways to fix the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error that you can easily follow to try to fix this problem on your Windows computer.
Restart the computer and internet router
Powering on your network adapter is a quick way to fix simple and complex connection problems on your computer. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click “Change adapter settings”.
Advertisement
Select Wi-Fi (if you are using a wireless connection) or Ethernet (for a wired/LAN connection) and click “Disable this network device” on the toolbar.
Wait about 10-30 seconds and turn the network adapter back on. Select the network and click “Enable this network device”.
Check IP settings on Windows
The IP setting will also affect and cause the error “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings”.
If the error persists and you still cannot access the internet, disable any IP address or manual DNS configuration assigned to your network adapter. Allowing Windows to automatically obtain the IP and DNS server addresses for your connections can eliminate this error.
In the Network Connections window (Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change adapter settings), right-click the network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on “Properties”.
In the General tab, select “Obtain and IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”. Select “OK” to save.
Turn off Proxy, Firewall and VPN
Routing your Internet through firewalls, VPNs, and proxies can cause network interference resulting in error messages like “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings”. Turn off your VPN, firewall and other network apps and check if that restores internet access.
Alternatively, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and turn off “Use a proxy server” to disable any manual proxy settings on your computer.
Update network driver
Drivers are sometimes corrupted, outdated, and buggy. These connection problems often spawn and make the Internet unusable on your computer. Go to Device Manager and check if there is an update for the network driver.
- Right-click the Start menu icon and select Device Manager on the quick access menu.
- Expand the Network Adapters section, right-click your network driver and select “Update driver”.
Tip: If there are multiple drivers in the Network adapters section and you don’t know which one is the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Change adapter options.
You’ll find the names of your PC’s Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers labeled below the network types. You now know which drivers to update in Device Manager.
- Next, select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Windows will search for the new version of the network adapter on your computer and the Internet. If any software is found, follow the prompts on the page to download and install the update.
Roll back the network controller
Windows updates sometimes come with driver updates. Although these driver updates bring new features, they may contain bugs that damage certain features on your computer. Some driver updates may also not be compatible with your computer.
If the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error started occurring after a recent Windows or driver update, roll back the driver to the previous version and restart your computer.
- Launch Device Manager, expand the “Network adapters” section and double-click your network adapter.
- Go to the Driver tab and click the “Roll Back Driver” button.
Follow the instructions on the next page to restore the driver and restart your computer afterwards.
Note: If the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out, it means you (or Windows) have not installed any driver updates.
Check for computer viruses
Malicious files and programs can damage and harm important files and network settings. Scan your PC for malware using Windows Defender or reputable third-party anti-malware programs. These will help detect and remove the infecting malware that causes network failure.
Reset internet settings for Windows computers
This requires resetting the Windows Socket (Winsock) and the TCP/IP stack. These network settings determine how network applications communicate with each other on your computer. You may get connection errors like “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” if these network functions are down.
Follow the steps below to fix Winsock and corrupt TCP/IP settings using Command Prompt tool.
- Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run the commands below individually (i.e. one by one). Press Enter after each command and wait for the success message before you run the next command.
- netsh winsock reset
- netsh int ip reset
- ipconfig /release
- ipconfig /renew
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart your computer.
These commands will clear your PC’s DNS cache, revert to changes made to your computer’s Winsock settings, and record the registry keys used by TCP/IP.
Note: You may need to reconfigure some network related programs like VPN, firewall software etc after resetting Winsock and TCP/IP directory.
Reset network configuration for Windows 10 computers
If the problem persists and you still cannot access the network, perform a network reset. That will reset the VPN and proxy server, reinstall the network adapter, and revert all network configurations to their original state.
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status and click on Network reset at the bottom of the page.
Click the “Reset now” button and click “Yes” on the confirmation prompt.
Windows will sign out your account and reboot the device, so make sure you close all apps before resetting network settings, so you don’t lose any unsaved tasks/documents .
Restore your computer
You should consider restoring your computer to an earlier state when the network connection was working properly. Windows system restore will remove recently installed programs and drivers that may be causing problems. Your personal data (files, documents, pictures, videos, etc.) will remain intact, so you have nothing to worry about.
Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection and click “System Restore”.
Select a restore point on the list and click “Next” to continue.
Tip: Click the “Scan for affected programs” button to see a list of apps that will be removed during system restore.
If you can’t find any restore point in this menu. The system restore feature may have been disabled on your computer.
See more:
So through this article, you have understood why Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings error, and how to fix this error. If you feel this article is useful, please Like & Share so that GhienCongListen to continue to produce better quality articles.
Refer to Helpdeskgeek
Source: 9 ways to fix Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings
– TechtipsnReview
