Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings

If you see a yellow exclamatory sign on the Network icon in system tray and you receive an error message Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings, here are some solutions that might work for you. Although restarting the router can solve this issue, many times, it doesn’t work – and in such cases you need to troubleshoot further.

Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings

The following suggestions will help you fix the Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings error on your system:

  1. Check proxy server settings
  2. Check Proxy settings in Windows Settings
  3. Obtain DNS server address automatically
  4. Restart Network Adapter
  5. Scan PC with adware removal tool
  6. Install/update network driver
  7. Reset Internet settings
  8. Temporarily disable antivirus, firewall software or VPN
  9. Use Network Troubleshooter.

Let us see these methods in detail.

1] Check proxy server settings

Windows could not automatically detect this network's proxy settings

This is probably the best solution to this problem since this issue generally occurs due to a wrong proxy server. Press Win + R, type inetcpl.cpl and hit the Enter button. Alternatively, you can search for Internet Options in the Taskbar search box or Cortana. After opening the Internet Properties window, switch to Connections tab. You should find a button called LAN settings. Click on it. After that, make sure the Use a proxy server for your LAN option is unchecked. If it is checked, remove the check-mark and save your changes.

2] Check Proxy settings in Windows Settings

If you often use a manual proxy, this is when you need to check up. For that, press Win + I to open Windows Settings panel. After opening, go to Network & Internet > Proxy. On your right-hand side, make sure the proxy setting is correctly entered. Also, you can disable the manual proxy and enable only Automatically detect settings option.

3] Obtain DNS server address automatically 

This issue often occurs when you use a direct Ethernet connection or use the Ethernet cable through a Wi-Fi router. If you haven’t enabled this Obtain DNS server address automatically option, you may get the error message.

To confirm, press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl and hit the Enter button. You can find Ethernet or any other connected network name. Right-click on it, select Properties > Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Next, click on Properties. In the next window, check whether Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected or not. If not, you need to select it along with Obtain an IP address automatically.

Note: This solution works only when you are using an Ethernet cable through a router. It doesn’t work when you have a direct Ethernet connection.

4] Restart Network Adapter 

Every computer has a network adapter that helps users to get the internet connection. You can restart that network adapter and check if it works or not. For that, press Win + R, type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter. Now, right-click on the connected network name and select Disable. After a minute, again right-click on the same and select Enable.

5] Scan PC with adware removal tool 

Sometimes adware and malware can enable the proxy server settings automatically or make some other changes internally. Hence, you might get an error when trying to connect the PC to the internet. Therefore, this is a good idea to scan your full system with a reliable adware removal tool like AdwCleaner.

6] Install/update network driver

Although Windows 10 detects the network without installing new drivers, you may need to install afresh or update your network driver.

7] Reset Internet settings

If you reset Internet Explorer settings, you might be able to fix this problem as well since it removes all the additional changes made by the user or system. You can reset to factory settings using this option. For that, press Win + R, type inetcpl.cpl and hit the Enter button. Switch to the Advanced tab and click on Reset button. On the next window, click on the Reset button again. After that, restart your PC and check whether you get a valid internet connection or not.

8] Temporarily disable antivirus, firewall software or VPN 

If you have recently installed any antivirus, firewall software or VPN app, you should disable it for a short time to check if they are creating an issue or not. Sometimes such software can cause problems related to incoming as well as outgoing connections.

9] Reset TCP/IP

Resetting TCP/IP can fix this issue if the problem is occurring due to corruption.

10] Use Network Troubleshooter 

Windows Settings panel comes with a troubleshooter that can fix various internet issues. To use this, press Win + I to open Windows Settings. Then, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot. On your right-hand side, click on Internet Connections and Run the troubleshooter button and follow the screen instructions.

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Sudip is a student who loves to engage with the latest technology & gadgets. Apart from writing about all things technology, he is a Photoshop junkie and a football enthusiast.