How to Fix Unidentified Network Errors in Windows GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows
How to Fix Unidentified Network Errors in Windows
Reconnect your Windows PC to the internet
By Luis E. Chavez Saenz Luis E. Chavez Saenz Writer New Jersey Institute of Technology Luis Chavez is a former Lifewire writer and a System Administrator with 5+ years' experience writing about technology for end users. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 13, 2020 Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide Unidentified network errors on your computer prove especially vexing because they're non-specific enough that they don't support an obvious troubleshooting strategy. However, Windows 10's networking subsystem is integrated enough that most unidentified errors resolve through standard network-troubleshooting procedures. Steps in this article apply to a Windows 10, 8, or 7 device connected to an unidentified network, but still cannot access the internet. Causes of Unidentified Network Errors
Windows 10 has many cool features, like automatic Windows updates. However, some automatic updates to the operating system generate problems instead of addressing them. When patches are installed they modify system files and, on some occasions, also affect device drivers. If any of these files are related to the network adapter on the device, it could be one of the reasons for errors like an unidentified network. How to Resolve Unidentified Network Errors
When you troubleshoot a wireless problem, any of the devices on the network could contribute to the error. While troubleshooting the Windows device might not be enough, it's still the best place to start. Run the Windows Troubleshooter. Press the Win+I to open Settings, then select Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Internet Connections. The troubleshooter checks for, and addresses, common problems automatically. Restart your computer. A reboot clears certain memory values and re-initializes the networking system. Restart your router. Sometimes internet-access errors aren't related to your Windows device but to your router. By doing a restart and ensuring the router starts up up properly, you can confirm what the actual source of the problem might be. Verify your internet connection. Sometimes, disruptions by your internet service provider prove the culprit. Particularly in dense residential neighborhoods served by Digital Subscriber Line technology, some peak-access times, like evenings, prove too much of a draw for the neighborhood's network to handle. Your ISP may offer a downtime detector. Similarly, verify whether your billing account is current. Many ISPs shut off access without warning after you accumulate a certain past-due status. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Find the Printer on Your Network in Windows 10 How to Eliminate Steam Network Connection Errors How to Fix an IPv6 No Network Access Error How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device How to Fix a "Failed to Obtain IP Address" Android Error How to Fix Wi-Fi Authentication Problems on Android What to Do When Windows 11 Can't Connect to a Network How to Perform a Netsh Winsock Reset How to Fix It When Windows 11 Is Stuck in Airplane Mode How to Fix Wi-Fi Connection Drops How to Fix Windows 11 Ethernet Driver Problems How to Fix Kernel32.dll Errors in Windows Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Fix the PS5 'Cannot Connect to the Wi-Fi Network' Error 502 Bad Gateway: What It Is & How to Fix It How to Change DNS Servers in Windows Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies