Windows Could Not Automatically Detect Network Proxy How To Fix It

Do you see a yellow caution sign next to your network’s name in the taskbar’s system tray, and when you click it, you get the message “Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings.”

If you notice this error, you are most likely unable to connect to the internet, or your internet connection is slower than usual. Whatever the situation may be, it inhibits you from engaging in online activities, which might have a negative impact on your work or school productivity.

On your PC, are you seeing the error “Windows could not automatically recognize this network’s proxy settings”? Here are the steps to resolving the issue.

You may have received the following message after having Windows troubleshoot a network error for you:

• Windows was unable to identify the proxy settings for this network? It’s possible that some of your system files have become corrupted.
• If Windows is unable to identify proxy settings, you should use a third-party system to restore the app to resolve the problem.
• Disable your antivirus software as well. You could also use an antivirus program that is known to be error-free.

To resolve the Windows could not identify this network’s proxy settings error, you might alternatively check your proxy server settings.

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On your PC, are you seeing the error “Windows could not automatically recognize this network’s proxy settings”? Here are the steps to resolving the issue.

1. Reboot Your Computer And Router:

It’s always a good 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.

Restarting your router is unlikely to help because this issue is usually caused by improper settings on a single computer. It’s still worth a go if you’re having network issues of any type.

2. Review Proxy Settings In Windows

Because this problem is linked to your Windows proxy settings, it’s a good place to start. To get to your proxy settings in Windows 10, go to Settings, then Network & Internet, then the Proxy option on the left sidebar.

You’ll find a list of possibilities for proxy servers here. If you don’t use a proxy (as most home users do), make sure Use a proxy server is turned off at the bottom. If it’s already enabled, leave the Automatically detect settings on.

Users who connect using a proxy, such as those in a business or school setting, should verify with their system administrator to ensure they have the necessary proxy details.

After that, rejoin the network once more. If the problem persists, disable Automatically detect settings in the proxy options and try again.

What’s A Proxy Server?

While you try to resolve this proxy configuration issue, we don’t want to bore you with the intricacies. However, it’s helpful to know the fundamentals of what a proxy is and why Windows can have issues with it.

A proxy server, in essence, works as a go-between for your computer and the internet. Instead of connecting to the internet directly, you connect to the server, which retrieves information from the internet on your behalf.

These are most commonly used by system administrators in businesses and schools for security and efficiency. Unless you deliberately set one up, you’re unlikely to utilize a proxy server on your home network. This is why, if you encounter this problem, you should clear any proxy settings that may exist.

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3. Run The Network Adapter Troubleshooter

The Internet Connections troubleshooter is launched when you right-click on the network connection icon in your System Tray and choose to troubleshoot. The error “Windows could not identify proxy settings” is caused by this. However, there is another network troubleshooter you can use that may be more helpful.

Return to Settings and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Select Network Adapter from the list of other troubleshooters, then navigate through the troubleshooter. These troubleshooters don’t always solve your problem, but they’re worth a shot, as seasoned Windows users know.

4. Auto-Obtain IP Address And DNS Info

There aren’t many troubleshooting methods unique to proxy servers, as it turns out. We’ll go over some more tips below, but keep in mind that from here on out, the troubleshooting will look a lot like fixing the “No Internet Access” Windows problem.

This issue can also be caused by a misconfigured IP address or DNS settings, which isn’t directly related to your proxy settings. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status to see what’s going on. To see all of your network connections, click the Change adapter options button in the list, then double-click the one you’re using.

Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 in the list after clicking the Properties button. Make sure that both Obtain an IP address and Obtain DNS server address automatically are checked. You will be unable to connect to the internet if the settings are incorrect.

5. Update Or Roll Back Your Network Driver

Connection issues may be caused by an outdated network driver. Similarly, you may have recently installed a faulty network driver update. In either situation, reinstalling the driver may be sufficient to resolve the proxy message problem.

To access Device Manager, right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager. Double-click the connection you’re using in the Network adapters section.

Then, under the Driver tab, select Roll Back Driver to remove the most recent update and restore the prior one. This should be used if you started having this problem after updating—it may not be available in all circumstances.

Choose Update Driver to see if there are any new updates available over the internet. However, if this fails to identify anything, you’ll have to manually update your drivers by downloading them from the manufacturer’s website.

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6. Reset Network Configuration Via The Command Prompt

The Command Prompt in Windows provides a number of network troubleshooting tools. A few fast commands can typically solve your problem in a matter of seconds. If you’re still having issues, right-click the Start button and select Open Command Prompt (or PowerShell) with administrator permissions.

Then, one by one, run the commands below. They will reset your computer’s network functions, including erasing outdated connection data and obtaining a new IP address from the router.

7. Review Firewall, VPN, And Antivirus Software

Next, check to see if your network connection is being hampered by a firewall, VPN, or security suite. Perhaps you installed a new app that changed proxy settings for some reason, or your preferred software received an update that changed a feature you weren’t aware of.

Disable your firewall, VPN, and antivirus software one by one to check if the error disappears. If it does, one of those apps is the source of the problem. To avoid interfering with normal network activities, you’ll need to set them.

8. Scan For Malware

Some spyware can tamper with your proxy settings indefinitely, preventing you from accessing the internet. You could be a victim of this if you keep getting the notice “Windows could not detect this network’s proxy settings” every time you reboot.

As a result, you should conduct a scan with a reputable anti-malware program like Malwarebytes. This will detect and remove any malware that is currently active on your PC. If the scan reveals any infections, follow the steps outlined in the report to check if your connection returns to normal.