How to solve ‘Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings’ ‘Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings’ comes from misconfigured settings, outdated drivers, or network issues. Experiencing “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings”? Reset the adapter, disable proxy settings, update drivers, or run the troubleshooter to restore connectivity. Here is a step-by-step guide to fix internet proxy issues: 1. Restart your computer and router Turn off your computer and router, wait a minute, and then turn them back on. Restarting your computer and router is recommended to fix issues with your network’s proxy settings. A restart clears cached data, resets network adapters, and reloads system settings. If your computer encountered a temporary network issue, restarting can allow it to detect proxy settings correctly upon reboot. Network routers can experience connectivity issues due to firmware glitches or overheating. Restarting your router refreshes its settings, re-establishes the connection with your internet service provider, and eliminates potential interference affecting proxy detection.
2. Restart the network adapter By disabling and re-enabling the network adapter, you can resolve any misconfiguration or temporary failures. If the issue persists, restart the network adapter. Your network adapter facilitates communication between your computer and the network. Disabling and re-enabling the adapter forces Windows to reload its settings, potentially resolving any misconfigurations or temporary failures. You can do this via: Windows settings: Go to Network & Internet > Status > Change adapter options, right-click your network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet), and select Disable. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and enable. Device Manager: Press Win + X, select Device Manager, expand Network adapters, right-click your adapter, select Disable device, then Enable device. 3. Turn on Automatic IP and DNS Obtention Misconfigured network settings can prevent your computer from connecting properly. Ensuring that Windows automatically obtains an IP address and DNS settings can fix issues: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet> Network and Sharing Centre. Click ‘Change adapter settings’. Right-click your network adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select Properties. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties. Ensure both Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically are selected.
4. Disable proxy server and VPN You can disable the proxy server by opening the settings window and accessing the ‘Network & Internet’ option, then heading to the proxy section. Using firewalls, VPNs, and proxies can interfere with network connectivity, triggering errors like “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings.” To resolve this, temporarily disable your VPN, firewall, or other network-related apps, then check if your internet access is restored. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Disable ‘Automatically detect settings’ and ‘Use a proxy server’ (if enabled). If using a VPN, disconnect or uninstall it temporarily to test your connection. 5. Update the Network Adapter driver Over time, drivers can become corrupt, outdated, or buggy, leading to connectivity issues that make internet access unreliable. To fix this, updating or reinstalling the driver can restore proper functionality and improve network stability. Here’s how to troubleshoot: Open Device Manager (Press Win + X). Expand Network adapters. Right-click your adapter and select Update driver. Choose ‘Search automatically for drivers’.
6. Roll back the Network Adapter driver Rolling back the Network Adapter driver can fix bugs or compatibility issues.Windows updates often include driver updates, which introduce new features but may contain bugs or compatibility issues. These can affect your network adapter, causing network proxy errors. If this issue started after a recent update, rolling back the driver may help restore proper functionality. Press Win + X and select Device Manager. Locate and double-click your network adapter. Navigate to the Driver tab. Go to the Driver tab and click the Roll Back Driver button. Click ‘Roll Back Driver’ and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the rollback is complete, restart your computer to apply changes. 7. Reset your internet configuration Resetting Winsock and the TCP/IP stack can fix the ‘Windows could not automatically detect network proxy settings’ error. These components manage network communication, and restoring them to default can resolve connectivity issues. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run the following commands one by one: netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns Restart your computer after executing these commands. 8. Review your Windows proxy settings Reviewing your Windows proxy settings can help resolve misconfigurations that lead to proxy detection errors. Here’s how to get Windows 10 to automatically detect proxy settings: Press Win + I to open Settings, then navigate to Network & Internet > Proxy. Under Manual proxy setup, toggle ‘Use a proxy server’ off (If enabled). Under ‘Automatic proxy setup’, ensure ‘Automatically detect settings’ is turned on. The setting lets Windows detect the best proxy configuration for your network. If an organisation manages your device, it controls proxy settings through Group Policy or Registry Editor. Check with your IT admin. After making changes, restart your computer to apply the new settings and check if the issue persists. 9. Scan for malware Certain malware infections modify proxy settings to hijack internet connections. Running a full system scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program can detect and remove malicious software.
10. Restore your PC If network issues began after a recent change, restore Windows to a previous state using System Restore. This feature removes recently installed drivers and programs that may be causing the problem while keeping personal files intact. Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection, then select System Restore. Pick a restore point from the list when the network worked properly, then click Next. Click ‘Scan for affected programs’ to see which apps to remove. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system, then restart your PC. Note: If no restore points are available, System Restore may be disabled. You may need to enable it for future use. 11. Restore internet connectivity If issues persist, run System File Checker (SFC) to repair corrupt system files affecting network settings. As a last resort, consider reinstalling Windows to fully reset system configurations. How to check proxy settings on Windows 10
To check proxy settings on Windows 10, follow these steps: Using Windows Settings: Press Win + I to open Settings. Go to Network & Internet > Proxy. Review the settings under Automatic proxy setup and Manual proxy setup. 2. Using Control Panel: Open the Control Panel and select Internet Options. Navigate to the Connections tab and click ‘LAN settings’. Check if a proxy server is enabled. What causes the error ‘Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings’? This error typically occurs due to misconfigured proxy settings, network adapter issues, outdated drivers, or system bugs. It can also result from malware interference or faulty Windows updates. Resolving it often involves resetting network settings, updating drivers, or running the troubleshooter.
By Simon Ayub
