The moment you receive “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error on screen that’s the signal of network problems. Windows administrators can restart the computer to resolve the problem, and it will quickly deal with the error. However, quick solutions don’t seem to work in most cases, and that’s where we have to search for solutions online.
QUICK SOLUTION: Reset Your Network Settings
Not everyone has the luxury of time to spend on fixing the problem, and that’s when quick solutions come in handy. Even though I don’t recommend the readers to take the shortcut, but this should help get rid of the problem and start afresh session.
Step 1: Open “Settings” by pressing the “Windows key + I” button.
Step 2: Select “Network & Internet” from the list.
Step 3: Select “Status” and then click on “Network Reset” to continue.
Step 4: Read the information provided under “Network Reset” and then click on “Reset Now” to confirm the action.
The network function will remove third-party VPN services and applications, and it will also remove and re-install network adapters. Overall, none of the adapters will have the previous configuration and start afresh session. You have to start working on adding the new configuration in the database, which consumes lesser time than solving the problem.
1. Network Troubleshooter
Microsoft blessed Windows OS users in 10th edition when they added advanced troubleshooter, which scans the computer thoroughly. Fortunately, the official operating system developers added multiple options that assist the administrators to identify the problem and quickly solve them. Allow me to guide the readers through the procedure, and fix the problem.
Step 1: Press Windows + S and then search for “Settings” to open it.
Step 2: Click on “Update & Security” to continue.
Step 3: Select “Troubleshoot” to start the process.
Step 4: Now, click on “Internet Connection” and then select “Run the troubleshooter” to continue.
Step 5: Microsoft designed the program to conduct several network-related operations, and then provide accurate results on it.
The Microsoft designed troubleshooter cannot solve advanced problems and we have to take roundabout methods to fix network related issues. Of course, I have already provided enough information and solutions to deal with it.
2. Repair Corrupted System Files
Microsoft welcomed the inbuilt tool to repair corrupted system files, which were causing plenty of problems for PC administrators. The 10th edition brought several improvements in identifying the corrupted and affected files. Fortunately, the SFC tool also repairs them automatically, whenever possible, but it isn’t guaranteed because of the cause of damage.
Step 1: Open CMD or Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Copy and paste (sfc /scannow) in the Command Prompt and hit enter to continue.
Step 3: Wait for a few minutes for the scanning to complete, and it might consume more than five minutes in low-end machines.
Step 4: I always kept the computer clean from harmful threats and scanned the computer on a weekly basis. Nothing was found in my copy of Windows OS but I believe, there should be problems with your copy.
Regardless of the results, you will be notified about the status of the system files. If there are irreparable system files that exist in Windows OS, then I recommend the administrators to reinstall the operating system.
3. Restart Your Network Adapter
Motherboard manufacturers integrate network adapter physically on the board. Windows 10 does apply basic divers onto them or you can find dedicated drivers for it. Fortunately, the Windows operating system allows the administrators to turn off the adapter manually.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R and then copy & paste (ncpa.cpl) in the empty field, and then hit enter to open. Control panel URL (Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections)!
Step 2: The new window will greet you with access to the network adapter.
Step 3: Click to select the network adapter and then click on “Disable this network device” to turn it off.
Currently, I’m using a desktop-class Windows machine, so I have two physical LAN ports and you might have a Wi-Fi adapter, LAN adapter, VPN adapter, and others. If you are disabling the LAN adapter, while using a Wi-Fi connection for the internet, then this won’t help at all. I implore the readers to turn off all available network adapters, when you are not sure, which one is in the use.
4. Reset TCP/IP Values
Considering the number of scenarios, we have to take further steps to ensure that TCP/IP values are not incorrectly configured. Nothing adverse will occur if you are reset TCP/IP values from the network software. Administrators can always make changes to the TCP/IP values and reconfigure it with the assistance of the Internet Service Provider.
Step 1: Run Command Prompt or CMD as an administrator, and you can use the search button to locate the command prompt.
Step 2: Copy & paste the (netsh int IP reset resetlog.txt) command in the empty field.
Step 3: In a few seconds, the program will reset all values, and prompt the administrators to restart the machine.
Do not avoid the last part because it will throw all values into the dust bin. Next time, when the PC connects to the internet, all fresh configurations will save into the system. Contact internet service providers for new configuration and support.
5. Using Winsock Reset Commands
I should not consider this method a new one because Windows 10 reset does the same. However, I should share this information that PowerShell command does clean out network configuration. Overall, Winsock reset does wipe out the old configuration and start afresh session without any problems.
Step 1: Press Windows key + X and then click on “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” to continue. Windows will ask for administrator permission, and you need an administrator account to process the commands.
Step 2: Copy (netsh winsock reset catalog) and paste the command using CTRL + V keys and press enter.
Step 3: Reboot the computer.
Step 4: Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) again, and then copy & paste (netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log) the command in the field and then press enter.
Step 5: Now, copy & paste (netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log) the command and press enter.
netsh int ipv6 reset reset.logOnce you have followed the process, then reboot the computer again, and start a new session. Now, double-check, whether the network problem persists or not.
6. Uncheck Proxy Server Option
Allowing Windows operating system to automatically detect proxy settings is a good idea. In many cases, that’s not the case because Windows has plenty of information on the process, and ends up with Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the RUN application and then type (inetcpl.cpl) in the empty field and then click “OK” to open the application.
Step 2: Click on “Connections,” and then “LAN Settings” that I have highlighted in the snapshot.
Step 3: Click on “Automatically detect settings” and then click on “OK” to complete the process.
Basically, Windows keeps this function on automation by default, but in some cases, settings change manually by the administrator for proxy settings to work properly. Allowing the operating system to detect proxy configuration automatically will eliminate manual work.
7. Windows Update Failure
I consider this part an unpopular opinion because Microsoft is messing up lately with component drivers. The company has announced that they are working on fixing the problem, and I believe, you should restore the drivers. I recommend the readers check out the motherboard manufacturer or machine manufacturer website for updated drivers.
Check your desktop or laptop manufacturer website for updated drivers list, and I do suggest installing an older version of network drivers if you believe that there is a compatibility issue.
Windows Update might have been fixed by now, and you can check out (Windows + I > Update & Security > Windows Update) for the latest drivers available for your hardware.
Windows Update might have failed to install newer drivers or installed incorrect drivers. Misconfiguration is a common problem in desktop software and that can lead to many complicated problems and reinstallation of network drivers can produce positive results.
8. Computer Infections
Unfortunately, Windows is a prime target for Hackers, Privacy Invaders, and source of sensitive data. I highly recommend the readers to scan the computer for Virus, Malware, and other known threats. Remember, there is a history of malware tampering with Windows core system files, and I have personally experienced multiple problems because of it.
Malwarebytes (FREE): It is a well-known solution for providing a powerful detection tool, and keeping the computer safe from threats.
AVAST (FREE): One of the powerful desktop-class free solutions that literally beat premium solutions in the segment.
I personally use this combination to detect multiple threats in the computer and remove them on-time before they cause complicated problems.
Bottom Line
Now, you can solve Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings by applying multiple solutions that I have demonstrated above. Remember, you can reinstall the Windows operating system to solve the problem, and the “Reset” option will come in handy. Let us know which solution helped you in solving Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings in the comment section below.
