14 Fixes For “Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings” Error

In the system tray, you may notice a yellow warning indicator next to your Wi-Fi name. You may be curious about this mistake and attempt to resolve it. You select Troubleshoot from the context menu when you right-click the network. The notice will most likely say, “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings error.”

windows could not automatically detect this network's proxy settings

The presence of a yellow warning indicator does not always imply this error. It’s a strong possibility, especially if you can’t access the internet. This error can happen at any time and without warning.

A change in your Windows proxy settings may be the cause of the issue. An infection or a change in system files can cause the settings to alter.

There will be a change in network settings as a result of this. Malware can be the source of all of these issues. Some system file errors may also prohibit Windows from establishing an internet connection.

What Is A Proxy Server?

A proxy server is a mechanism that acts as a nexus point between users and the internet. It’s an intermediary server that connects end-user clients to the websites they visit. It converts traffic between networks and protocols. It’s essentially a PC connected to the internet with its IP address.

Solutions to Fix “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings”

  1. Restart Computer And Router Device
  2. Run The Network Adapter Troubleshooter
  3. Review Windows Proxy Settings
  4. Change The IP Address And DNS Server Address
  5. Reset Your Network Settings
  6. Reset Network Configuration Via The Command Prompt
  7. Update Network Driver
  8. Roll Back Network Driver
  9. Check Windows Firewall Or An Antivirus Software
  10. Scan For Malware
  11. Perform SFC scan
  12. Disable Any Proxy Server
  13. Scan With Adware Removal Tool
  14. Perform a System Restore

1. Restart Computer And Router Device

It’s a great idea to restart your equipment before diving into advanced troubleshooting. There’s a chance that this will solve your problem in a matter of seconds.

Power-cycling your network adapter can resolve connectivity issues on your computer.

  • Navigate to “Settings,” “Network & Internet,” and “Status.” Change the adapter settings by clicking the Change adapter settings button.
  • On the toolbar, select Wi-Fi or Ethernet and click Disable this network device.
Disable this network device
  • Re-enable the network adapter after roughly 10-30 seconds. Enable this network device by selecting the network and clicking Enable this network device.
Re-enable the network adapter

2. Run The Network Adapter Troubleshooter

“Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” occurs. A built-in troubleshooter is available in Windows. If you have difficulty with your network connection, you can always use it. 

The network connections troubleshooter is the tool. Use it to tweak your system’s settings.

  • On your computer, hit Windows Key + S and type Control Panel into the search box.
  • Then, to open the Control Panel, click on Open.
  • Then select Network and Internet.
  • Pick “Network and Sharing Center” from the “Network settings” menu.
  • Now select “Troubleshoot problems.”
Troubleshoot problems
  • Pick a Network Adapter from the list of devices. Select Run the Troubleshooter to begin troubleshooting the problem with your computer.
troubleshooter for network
  • After that, restart your computer after the Windows Troubleshooter has finished scanning it. 
  • Connect to your network connections now to determine if the proxy settings issue has been addressed.

3. Review Windows Proxy Settings

Checking proxy servers is a brilliant idea. The proxy server settings in Windows cause this problem.

  • Get to your proxy server settings on Windows 10. Go to “Settings” and then “Network & Internet settings.” On the left sidebar, select the “Proxy” server tab.
Proxy" server tab
  • You’ll be presented with a list of proxy server alternatives. If you don’t use a proxy server, make sure “Use a proxy server” is unchecked at the bottom. If it’s already enabled, leave the Automatically detect settings on.
Use a proxy server
  • Users who connect through proxy servers, such as in a work or school setting. Double-check with your system administrator to ensure you’ve entered the correct proxy information.

4. Change The IP Address And DNS Server Address

You’re having trouble connecting to the Internet. Disable your system’s manual IP address or DNS configuration. Fix the issue that Windows couldn’t automatically detect the proxy settings for this network. Allow Windows to obtain the IP address and DNS server address automatically. To do so, follow the instructions below:

  • Open the Windows Settings app. As with the previous technique, go to the Network and Internet area.
  • Under the Status tab, select Change adapter options.
  • Change adapter options may be found under the Status tab.
  • Choose your internet service provider (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Right-click and choose Properties, as seen below.
  • Select Properties from the context menu of your current network connection.
  • From the list, find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Now, select Properties.
 Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
  • Enable the following options.
    • “Obtain an IP address automatically.” 
    • “Obtain DNS server address automatically” inside the General tab.
Obtain an IP address automatically." 
"Obtain DNS server address automatically
  • Finally, click OK to save the changes.

5. Reset Your Network Settings

You’ve made a mistake with one or more of your network settings or an application. It resulted in modifications to your settings, causing it to have issues. You can attempt to reset your network connection settings by following the instructions below to remedy this.

  • To launch Windows Settings, press Windows Key + I on your PC.
  • Within the Windows Settings main page, select Network & Internet.
  • Click the Network Reset tab at the bottom of the page.
Network Reset
  • Finally, press the Reset Now button to return your settings to their default form.
  • Reboot your computer. Check if the error still appears after reconnecting to your current internet connection.

6. Reset Network Configuration Via The Command Prompt

The Command Prompt in Windows provides several network troubleshooting tools. A few fast commands can typically solve your problem in a matter of seconds.

They will reset your computer’s numerous network functions. It entails deleting old connection data and requesting a new IP address from the router.

  • Open a Command Prompt/ Powershell with administrator permissions. Right-click the Start button and choose.
  • Then type the commands below and click enter.
netsh Winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /flushdns

7. Update Network Driver

You’re having difficulties with your Internet connection. Fix the “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error. The network troubleshooter could not be started. Your system’s network drivers may be out of date. 

You will have connectivity troubles on your machine if the network drivers are defective.

  • Pick Device Manager from the Quick Access menu. Right-click the Start menu icon.
  • Expand the section Network Adapter. Select your network driver with a right-click. Update the driver by selecting it.
Update the driver
  • Carry out the same procedure for all of the Network adapters. Find the names of your Ethernet and Wi-Fi drivers on your computer.
  • After that, choose Automatically search for updated driver software.
Automatically search for updated driver software
  • Windows will look for a new version of the network adapter on your computer and the internet. To download and install the update, follow the instructions on the website.

8.  Roll Back Network Driver

You’ve updated your network driver or your Windows operating system. It’s conceivable that some driver upgrades are incompatible with your Windows OS version. It could result in a “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error.

In such cases, the remedy is to revert the network driver to an earlier version, as detailed below:

  • Open Device Manager. Select Network adapters, then Network driver from the drop-down menu.
  • To access the Properties window, right-click on your Network driver. From the top panel, navigate to the Driver tab.
drivers Properties
  • Select the Rollback driver option from the drop-down menu.
roll back driver
  • If the rollback option is greyed out, it means you haven’t updated the driver and so don’t need to do anything.
  • To revert the network driver to a prior version, simply follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Check if the Internet connectivity fault has been repaired by restarting your computer.

9. Check Windows Firewall Or An Antivirus Software

There may be network interference between Windows Defender Firewall, VPN, and Proxy servers. It results in an error message. “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings error.”

Disable Any VPN Software

  • To open Settings, press Windows + I on your keyboard.
  • Select Network and Internet from the drop-down menu.
  • Select Proxy from the left-hand panel.
  • Under the Manual proxy setup section, turn off the option to use a proxy server for your LAN. 
  • Turn off the VPN from the taskbar on your desktop.

Disable Windows Firewall

Check if the issue has been repaired. Disable the antivirus and Windows Defender firewall momentarily.

  • Launch it from the search result by typing virus and threat protection.
  • Click Manage settings in the settings window.
  • Turn off the toggles for the three choices listed below.
    • Real-time protection
    • Cloud-based protection
    • Automatic sample submission.
  • In the Windows search window, type firewall and select Firewall and network protection.
  • Turn off the toggles for Private network, Public network, and Domain network.
  • If you have antivirus software from a third party, run it.

10. Scan For Malware

Some spyware can tamper with your proxy settings. It prevents you from accessing the internet. You may be a victim of this if you encounter this error.

You can perform a scan with Windows Defender. You can use a reliable anti-malware app. It will detect and remove any malware that is currently active on your PC.

  • Go to the Windows Settings menu. Go to Security and Updates. After that, there’s Windows Security. 
  • Select Virus & Threat Protection from the Protection Areas drop-down menu.
  • A new window with a list of security options will appear. Select Virus & Threat Protection from the drop-down menu.
  • Now, under Virus & Threat Protection Settings, select Manage Settings.
  • If Real-Time Protection is currently turned off, go to it and turn it on.
  • Windows Defender will check your machine for malware once it is activated.

11. Perform SFC scan

Your machine’s faulty system files can change your network’s proxy settings. As a result, running an SFC (System File Checker) scan should assist you in repairing Windows.

It was unable to detect the proxy settings error on this network automatically. The SFC command will look for corrupt system files and replace them with the right ones.

  • In the Windows search window, write the command prompt.
  • To open the Command prompt with administrator access, click Run as administrator.
  • When you see a prompt message on your screen, select Yes.
    • Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
sfc/scannow
  • Finally, sit back and wait for the order to run. Then, see if the problem has been resolved.

12. Disable Any Proxy Server

For many Windows users, disabling the proxy server option fixed the problem. Here’s how to turn off the proxy server on your Windows computer:

  • Launch Run by pressing the Windows + R keys on your keyboard at the same time.
  • Type inetcpl.cpl and push Enter when the Run dialogue box opens on your screen.
  • On your screen, the Internet Properties window will display. Toggle over to the Connections tab.
  • Select LAN settings.
  • Make sure the box next to the option titled Use a proxy server for your LAN is unchecked.
  • Finally, as displayed, click OK to save your changes.
  • Check to see if you can use your Internet connection.

13. Scan With Adware Removal Tool

Adware and spyware can sometimes automatically enable proxy server settings. When you try to connect your PC to the internet, you can encounter an error. Scanning your entire system using a reputable adware removal application. AdwCleaner is a brilliant idea. To be extra safe, conduct a scan with your antivirus program.

14. Perform A System Restore

A change in settings as a result of file corruption could be the source of the problem. Also, if you have an infection, a System Restore is an intelligent alternative. 

The best option is to perform a Restore, especially if the problem is new or began after installing a piece of software.

  • Using the Search bar, search for System Restore and select Create a restore point.
  • Select System Restore from the System Properties window.
  • Select the option labeled “System Restore” from the System Restore box. An alternative restore point can be chosen. Press the Next button to proceed.
  • Select a previous restoration point that you manually stored.
Perform A System Restore
  • You can pick from any of the restore points in the list. To begin the restoration procedure, press the Next button. You will be restored to the previous state after the process is completed successfully.

Conclusion

All network failures are troublesome, but you should be able to resolve this quickly. The “windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error. When Windows fails to recognize proxy settings, you know what to do. The most crucial thing is to ensure your proxy is either off or properly configured.

Meet the Author

Abdul Rahim has been working in Information Technology for over two decades. Learn how Abdul got his start as a Tech Blogger , and why he decided to start this Software blog. If you want to send Abdul a quick message, then visit his contact page here.