While the most common cause is incorrect network credentials or a corrupted network profile, other factors could also contribute, such as misconfigured router security settings that do not match the network profile stored on the device. Restarting the router is recommended before trying any solutions, as it will not only clear any temporary conflicts by refreshing the router settings but also fix potential communication issues between the router and devices, which should resolve the issue.
1. Forget and Reconnect to the Network
This is the simplest and easiest way to resolve the issue. Forgetting and reconnecting to the network will remove any outdated or incorrect network credentials and profiles stored on the device. If the profile contains outdated settings, such as an incorrect password or mismatched encryption method that conflicts with the current network settings, forgetting and reconnecting to the network should resolve the issue. By forgetting the network, you clear all outdated or misconfigured network settings saved on the device. This allows you to reconnect to the network with updated details.
2. Update or Reinstall Network Drivers
If your network drivers are outdated or corrupted, they may not recognize modern security protocols such as WPA2/AES. Network drivers act as a bridge between your device and the router, establishing a secure and reliable network connection. If they are incompatible or outdated, they might misinterpret the encryption process or cause connectivity issues. Therefore, ensure that your drivers are updated by following these steps:
3. Set Up Manual Network Configuration
Manually adding a network can help resolve connectivity issues by allowing you to input the correct network details, such as the password, SSID, and security protocol. This process also ensures that the appropriate security protocols, such as WPA2-Personal and AES, are being used, which can help prevent authentication failures when connecting to the network. If the problem persists, you can try resetting the network settings on your Windows device by following the steps in the linked article. However, since you have already reinstalled the network adapter, this might not resolve the issue. If resetting the network settings doesn’t work, you may need to reset your router’s settings. To do this, contact your ISP, describe the issue, and let them assist you in resolving it.
