Fixed: Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings

Windows Network Diagnostics “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error.

While Windows 10 comes with built-in troubleshooters, they can’t always restore issues automatically. However, they always display an error message to help you get information on the source of the error. If you see “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” when running the Network Troubleshooter, you’ll have to fix the issue manually.

We’ve compiled 7 working methods to restore your proxy settings to working order, allowing you to access the internet and browse freely again.

Jump to Solution

• Method 1. Restart Your Computer and Router
• Method 2. Restart the Network Adapter
• Method 3. Turn On Automatic IP and DNS Obtention
• Method 4. Disable Proxy Server and VPN
• Method 5. Update the Network Adapter Driver
• Method 6. Reset Your Internet Configuration
• Method 7. Reset the Network Settings
• Final Thoughts

Method 1. Restart Your Computer and Router

In many cases, simply restarting your computer and router can fix issues with online connectivity. We recommend performing this before continuing on with the methods below. First, use these steps to restart your Windows 10 computer.

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left of your screen to bring up the Start menu.
2. Click on the Power option, and then choose Restart. This is going to close all of your open applications and completely restart your computer.
   
   
3. After your computer has restarted, check if the issue proxy server is still happening. If yes, move on to restart your router.

Something you should always try when facing these issues is restarting your router. This will allow the device to sort itself out and possibly fix any ongoing issues within its system. You can restart your router in 3 easy steps:

1. Locate the power button on your router and turn the device off.
2. Wait for a few minutes. We recommend waiting 5 minutes to allow your router and network to properly shut down.
3. Turn your router back on.

Test if you still experience internet issues after giving your computer and router a restart. If necessary, continue reading and try our other methods to solve the error.

Method 2. Restart the Network Adapter

A quick power-cycle may help you restore even some of the most complex connectivity issues with Windows 10. Here’s the quickest way of turning your network adapter on and off, essentially allowing it to perform a full reboot.

1. Navigate to Settings → Network & Internet → Status, and then click on the Change adapter options button.
   
   
2. Select your connection. Click on Wi-Fi if you’re using wireless, or Ethernet if you’re using a wired/LAN connection. Next, click on the Disable this network device button from the toolbar.
   
   
3. Wait for about 15-30 seconds to allow the adapter some time for fully shutting down. Re-enable the network adapter by clicking the Enable this network device button.
   
   

Method 3. Turn On Automatic IP and DNS Obtention

Your PC might be obtaining IP and DNS addresses manually. This means that a pre-configured address was entered, and your computer will only use that address for accessing the internet. If the address no longer works for some reason, it’s going to lead to complications. In this case, your best bet is allowing your device to obtain IP and DNS automatically.

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
2. Type in “control” and press the Enter key on your keyboard. This will launch the classic Control Panel application.
   
   
3. Make sure that your view mode is set to Category, and then navigate to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center → Change adapter settings. This is going to open a new window.
   
   
4. Right-click on Wi-Fi if you’re using wireless, or Ethernet if you’re using a wired/LAN connection. Select Properties.
   
   
5. Scroll down and click on Internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Click on the Properties button.
   
   
6. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server address automatically. Click OK to close the window.
   
   

Method 4. Disable Proxy Server and VPN

Using a VPN, proxy server or even having a firewall active may cause connectivity issues with your device. We recommend turning each of these features off temporarily to see whether or not they cause any conflicts with your internet connection.

1. Navigate to Start menu → Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut. Here, click on the Network & Internet tile.
   
   
2. Switch to the VPN tab and disable both Allow VPN over metered network and Allow VPN while roaming. If you have an active VPN connection added, make sure to temporarily disable it as well.
   
   
3. Switch to the Proxy tab. Toggle off the Use a proxy server option to disable manual proxy setups on your computer.
   
   

Method 5. Update the Network Adapter Driver

Regularly updating your driver software is something you should do all the time. Outdated network drivers can cause more trouble than you’d think. In this solution, we will be using the integrated Device Manager to update the drivers for your network adapters.

1. Press the Windows + X keys on your keyboard, and then choose Device Manager from the context menu.
   
   
2. Expand the Network adapters section. Here, simply double-click on the adapter you’re currently using.
   
   
3. Switch to the Driver tab, and then click on the Update Driver button.
   
   
4. Select the method of updating your driver. You can either let Windows 10 search for a driver automatically or manually locate a new driver file already on your computer.
   
   
5. Wait for the driver installation to complete. Repeat this for any other network adapter drivers you use, and see if the error message has been fixed.

Method 6. Reset Your Internet Configuration

Some commands in the Command Prompt can help you solve the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error.

1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. Type in “cmd” without the quotation marks and press the Enter key on your keyboard. This will launch the classic Command Prompt application.
   
   
2. Type in the following command and press the Enter key to execute it: ipconfig /flushdns
   
   
3. Check if you’re able to connect to the internet or use an online app. If not, keep the Command Prompt open and proceed with the steps below.

If flushing your DNS wasn’t enough on its own, you may try to reset your TCP/IP. This requires the Command Prompt and potentially administrative permissions. Check out our How to make a local user an administrator in Windows 10 guide if you’re stuck.

1. Stay in the Command Prompt you previously opened. Type in and execute the following commands in order:
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /all
   ipconfig /renew
   netsh int ip set dns
   netsh winsock reset
   
   
2. After successfully executing the commands, exit the Command Prompt and reboot your computer. Check if you’re still running into the same error as before.

Method 7. Reset the Network Settings

Windows 10’s Network Reset feature may be able to help you establish a connection to the internet again. It automatically removes every existing profile for the networks you connected to with your computer. This gives you a fresh start with the factory default settings.

Take note that after completing the steps below, you’ll need to reconnect to all the networks you previously used with correct authorization.

1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
   
   
2. Click on the Network & Internet tile.
   
   
3. Make sure to stay on the Status tab. Here, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Network reset link.
   
   
4. Read the precautions before proceeding with the network reset procedure. After acknowledging what this feature does, click on the Reset now button.
   
   
5. Click Yes. After all your network profiles have been reset, check if you’re able to go online.

Final Thoughts

Our Help Center offers hundreds of guides to assist you if you’re in need of further help. Return to us for more informative articles, or get in touch with our experts for immediate assistance.

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