WiFi isn't functioning on the PC (unable to join this network)
WiFi isn't functioning on the PC (unable to join this network)
I possess a computer with these specifications. It was assembled around 2018, and WiFi functioned well for many years. Over the past three years I've mostly used Ethernet, but now rely more on WiFi. Recently, I consistently encounter the "Can't connect to this network" message when trying to join WiFi. Windows 10 Pro with Gigabyte H370 Aorus gaming Wi-Fi (Intel 9560NGW module), Intel i5-8400, 16GB RAM, GTX 1070, 450W PSU. This issue appears across three different networks, all operational. I've also tested a USB WiFi adapter, which behaves identically. WiFi connections appear normal, but passwords are rejected instantly. Ethernet and Bluetooth work fine. I've reinstalled all network drivers and updated them to the latest versions. Clearing wlan profiles via command prompt helped temporarily. The ability to see nearby networks from both built-in and external antennas suggests the problem lies in corrupted software within that chain. I'm unsure what further steps to take. I'm considering a Windows 10 repair or reinstall (preserving apps and data), but I get stuck at the setup wizard, repeatedly asking what to keep. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead.
Examine commands such as " DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth " and " sfc /scannow ". These are used to fix Windows image files. Execute them over an active Ethernet connection, as DISM checks your image against one hosted by Microsoft. After completion, restart the system. Other options include resolving IP/DNS conflicts with these commands: netsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns. Check if your BIOS supports onboard diagnostics and run it to see if the Wi-Fi hardware clears. If these steps fail, a fresh Windows installation might be necessary.
If you can link via Ethernet, launch Device Management and look for a Yellow triangle on the screen. If present, tap on update driver, restart (a sensible step, though not always required), then heed James' guidance. If issues persist, boot into Linux and test connectivity; if you hear loud noises, it may indicate a hardware fault. This fault might be resolved by using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter. All of this applies when wireless connections fail completely.
Open Device Manager, revert the driver settings. If you can't access it, remove the device from Device Manager. Then locate your device in the list and look for an older driver. If none appears, check your downloaded files for a compatible driver and install it. Windows 10 Update occasionally creates conflicting drivers that replace the existing one.
Thanks for the advice everyone. I've spent a couple hours going through everything (besides the Linux... I buy that it's a good option, but I don't have a spare external drive and this has inspired me to do some long-needed housekeeping). I've been needing to organize files for a while in preparation for a near future rebuild. I'll use this opportunity to clean up the C drive and do a fresh install.
You don't have to buy another drive since Linux can run on the one you already possess. Just a USB stick and using Rufus or Ventoy lets you transfer the ISO file and start from there. Linux supports 'Live' booting, keeping everything in RAM and not writing anything to your hard drive. With Ventoy you can store multiple ISO files and choose which one to use when it starts. Using Linux helps identify whether the issue is hardware or software-based, as it doesn't rely on any installed OS. If it works, it's likely a software problem; if not, it probably points to hardware. Also, Linux lets you easily remove malware introduced by Microsoft or other vendors. But before proceeding, make sure to do thorough research.
I'm here to deliver the redemption you deserve. ----This part isn't really what we're discussing. I've been working to clear up my SSD and reinstall Windows 10 from a USB for the last couple of days. The key moment was when I finally got it right, just like when I was 14. While setting up, things started to behave strangely. The system would freeze and even crash when trying to boot the installation on my SSD. It also locked my partitions, making it impossible to erase them or install a fresh version nearby. I used gparted on a live USB, which helped, but I still couldn't fully wipe those partitions. Then I tried Ubuntu on a live USB to explore further. The experience reminded me that the issue was likely in Windows, and my Wi-Fi connection worked perfectly with it. Still, I need to fix the SSD. In short, I moved forward a lot, but there was a big setback. Wi-Fi is fine. Ubuntu really helped show the problem was in Windows.
Windows operates without issues. Microsoft consistently labels them as "Features."