Fix “Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings” Error

Get ready to gets your hands dirty

Windows has a built-in troubleshooting tool that lets youdiagnose connectivity problems on your computer. When this tool detects a problem with your network, it fixes them automatically. Sometimes, it points out the problem and recommends probable solutions. At other times, the network troubleshooter describes the problem without proffering any solution.

A good example of the third instance is the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error. Obviously, this message tells you that there’s a problem with your network’s proxy settings. What it doesn’t reveal is how to fix the problem.

That’s because issues relating to proxy configurations are multifaceted and often complex to fix, particularly if you don’t know where to look or what to do.

Rebooting your router and computer may fix the problem. If the issue continues, one of the 9 troubleshooting solutions listed below should do the magic.

1. Restart Your PC’s Network Adapter

Power-cycling your network adapter is a quick way to fix simple and complex connectivity problems on your computer. Go toSettings>Network & Internet>Statusand clickChange adapter settings.

SelectWi-Fi(if you’re using a wireless connection) orEthernet(for a wired/LAN connection) and clickDisable this network deviceon the toolbar.

Wait for about 10-30 seconds and re-enable the network adapter. Select the network and clickEnable this network device.

2. Check Adapter IP Settings

If the error persists and you still cannot access the internet, disable any manual IP address or DNS configuration assigned to your network adapters. Allowing Windows to automatically obtain IP and DNS server addresses for your connections can eliminate this error.

In the Network Connections windows (Settings>Network & Internet>Status>Change adapter settings), right-click on the network (Wi-FiorEthernet), and selectProperties.

SelectInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)and clickProperties.

In the General tab, selectObtain and IP address automaticallyandObtain DNS server address automatically. SelectOKto save.

3. Disable Proxies, Firewalls, and VPN

Routing your internet through firewalls, VPNs, and proxies can cause network interference that result in error messages like “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings.” Disable your VPN, firewall, and other network apps and check if that restores internet access.

Additionally, go toSettings>Network & Internet>Proxyand toggle offUse a proxy serverto disable any manual proxy setup on your computer.

4. Update Your Network Driver

Drivers get corrupt, outdated, and buggy every now and then. These often birth connectivity problems and render the internet unusable on your computer. Head to the Device Manager and check if there’s an update available for the network driver.

Right-click the Start menu icon and selectDevice Manageron the Quick Access menu.
Expand the Network adapters section, right-click on your network driver, and selectUpdate driver.

Quick Tip:If there are multiple drivers in the Network adapters section and you have no idea which one’s the Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter, go toSettings>Network & Internet>Status>Change adapter options.

You’ll find the name of your PC’s Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers labeled below the network types. Now you know which driver to update in the Device Manager.

Next, selectSearch automatically for updated driver software.

Windows will search your computer and the internet for a new version of the network adapter. If it finds any, follow the prompt on the page to download and install the update.

5. Roll Back Network Adapter

Windows Updates sometimes ship with driver updates. While these driver updates bring new features, they may contain bugs that’ll break certain features on your computer. Some driver updates may also be incompatible with your computer.

If the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error commenced after a recent Windows or driver update, roll the driver back to the previous version and restart your computer.

Launch the Device Manager, expand theNetwork adapterssection, and double-click your network adapter.
Go to theDrivertab and click theRoll Back Driverbutton.

Follow the instructions on the next page to roll back the driver and restart your computer afterward.

Note:If the Roll Back Driver button is grayed out, that means you (or Windows) didn’t install any driver update.

6. Check for Malware Infection

Malicious programs and files can corrupt and damage important network files and settings.Scan your PC for malwareusing Windows Defender or reputable third-party anti-malware programs. These will help detect andremove stubborn malware infectionsresponsible for network failures.

7. Reset Your Computer’s Internet Configurations

This entails 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 experience connectivity errors like the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” if these network functions become corrupt.

Follow the steps below to fix Winsock errors and corrupt TCP/IP settings using the Command Prompt tool.

Right-click the start button and selectCommand Prompt (Admin).
Run the commands below individually (i.e. one at a time). PressEnterafter each command and wait for a 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 willclear your PC’s DNS cache, revert changes made to your computer’s Winsock settings, and rewrite registry keys used by the TCP/IP.

Note:You may need to reconfigure some network-related programs like your VPN, firewall software, etc. after resetting the Winsock and TCP/IP catalog.

8. Reset Your PC’s Network Settings

If the problem persists and you still can’t access the network,perform a network reset. That will reset VPN and proxy servers, reinstall network adapters, and revert all network configurations back to their original state.

Go toSettings>Network & Internet>Statusand clickNetwork resetat the bottom of the page.

Click theReset nowbutton and clickYeson the confirmation prompt.

Windows will sign you out and restart your device, so make sure you close all applications before you reset network settings—so you don’t lose any unsaved tasks/documents.

9. Restore Your Computer

You should consider restoring your computer to a previous state when network connectivity was working perfectly. The Windows System Restore feature will remove recently-installed programs and drivers that may be responsible for the problem. Your personal data (files, documents, pictures, videos, etc.) will remain intact, so you have nothing to worry about.

Go toControl Panel>System>System Protectionand clickSystem Restore.

Select a restore point on the list and clickNextto proceed.

Pro Tip:Click theScan for affected programsbutton to see a list of apps that’ll be deleted during the system restore process.

Can’t find any restore point in this menu? The System Restore feature is probably disabled on your computer. Learnhow to enable or disable system restore in Windows.

Restore Internet Connectivity

If none of these recommendations resolve the problem, try using theWindows System File Checker (SFC)tool to repair corrupt system files messing with your PC’s network configurations. As a last resort,perform a clean reinstall of Windows 10.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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Fix “Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings” Error#

1. Restart Your PC’s Network Adapter#

2. Check Adapter IP Settings#

3. Disable Proxies, Firewalls, and VPN#

4. Update Your Network Driver#

5. Roll Back Network Adapter#

6. Check for Malware Infection#

7. Reset Your Computer’s Internet Configurations#

8. Reset Your PC’s Network Settings#

9. Restore Your Computer#

Restore Internet Connectivity#

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