These are the steps you need to fix it.
This message might appear after Windows has troubleshooted a network issue for you:
Windows could not detect the proxy settings of this network automatically.
What does this mean and how can you fix it? Let’s look at Windows’ proxy settings, and how to fix it.
1. Reboot your Computer and Router
It’s always a good idea for you to first restart your equipment before you start any troubleshooting. This could resolve your problem in just a few minutes.
This error is often caused by misconfigured settings on one machine. Restarting your router won’t likely have any effect. It’s an important step to troubleshoot network problems.
If the problem persists after rebooting your router and computer, you can continue to the more specific steps.
2. Check Proxy Settings in Windows
This issue is directly related to Windows proxy settings. Open Settings to access proxy settings for Windows 10. Select the Network and Internet category. Next, switch to the Proxy tab in the left sidebar. It is located in the same spot on Windows 11 except Proxy appears on the sidebar instead.
This page will provide you with a list of proxy server options. If you do not use a proxy, as is most home users, make sure Use proxy server is off. If Automatically detects settings is on, leave it on.
If you are using a proxy to connect to your computer, for example in a school or business environment, it is a good idea to consult your system administrator.
Try reconnecting to your network and connecting again. If the error persists, disable Automatically recognize settings in proxy options.
What is a proxy server?
While we don’t want you to get bogged down with details, we do not want to make it difficult for you to resolve this proxy setting problem. It’s important to understand what a proxy is and how Windows can have problems with it.
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer’s computer and the internet. Instead of connecting directly to the internet you connect to the proxy server which pulls information from the web for you.
They are used most often in schools and businesses, where they provide security and efficiency. Without setting one up, it is unlikely you will use a proxy server to access your home network. If you encounter this problem, it is important to clear all proxy settings.
3. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter
Right-click the network connection icon from your System Tray, and select to troubleshoot. The Internet Connections troubleshooter will run. This causes the error “Windows could not recognize proxy settings”. However, there is another network troubleshooter that you can use to get more assistance.
Windows 10: Open Settings and then visit Updates & Security > Troubleshoot. Additional troubleshooters follow. Windows 11: Go to Settings > Problemshooting > Other troubleshooters.
Select Network Adapter and follow the instructions to troubleshoot. These troubleshooters won’t always solve your problem as Windows users are well-versed, but it is worth a shot.
4. Auto-Obtain DNS Information and IP Address
There aren’t any troubleshooting steps that can be used to troubleshoot proxy servers. Below are some more tips. However, this troubleshooting looks very similar to fixing “No Internet Access” Windows error.
This error can also be caused by misconfigured DNS or IP addresses, although it is not directly related to proxy settings. These issues can be checked on Windows 10 by going to Settings > Internet & Network > Status. To see all of your network connections, click the Switch adapter options button. Double-click the one that interests you.
Click the Properties link and double-click Internet Protocol version 4. You must have both to automatically obtain an IP address and to automatically obtain a DNS server address. You will not be able to get online if you have the settings wrong.
Windows 11: Go to Settings > Internet & network. Choose Wi Fi or Ethernet, depending on which connection you are using. Next, click on your network name. Click the Edit link next to each IP Assignment or DNS Server Assignment to change their values.
5. You can update or roll back your network driver
Connection problems can be caused by an outdated network driver. You might also have installed an outdated network driver. You can either replace the driver or fix the proxy message problem.
To open the Device manager utility, right-click on it and select Start. Double-click the connection that you are using in the Network adapters Section.
Next, click on the driver tab and choose roll back driver to remove the most recent update and return to your previous version. This is useful if you are experiencing the same issue after updating. However, it may not always be possible.
Select Update Driver to check for updates via the internet. You will likely not find any updates so you will need to manually download your drivers from the manufacturer.
6. Use the Command Prompt to reset network configuration
Windows has many tools for troubleshooting network issues through the Command Prompt. Sometimes, a few simple commands can resolve your problem in a matter of minutes. If you are still having problems, right-click on the Start button and open a Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
Next, enter the following commands. Enter one at a. These commands will reset network functions such as clearing old connection data or getting a new router IP address.
Netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig/release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
8. Malware scanning
To prevent you from connecting to the internet, malware may keep changing your proxy settings. This could be the reason you get the “Windows cannot detect this network’s proxy setting” message each time you reboot.
It is a good idea to run a scan using a trusted anti-malware program, such as Malwarebytes. This will identify any malware on your computer and help you get rid of it. If you find any malware, follow the recommendations and check if your connection is working again.
9. Utilize a Restore Point
You can use Windows‘s System Restore feature to restore your computer to a point in the past when it was functioning normally. This is a good option if your problems started recently.
You can access it by going to Settings > Systems > About. Click System Protection in Windows 10. If you don’t see it, expand the Settings window horizontally. After you have expanded the device specifications window, you will see system protection right next to related links.
To open a new window, in the System Properties dialog box under the Tab Protection, click . Windows will guide you through the process of choosing a restore point, and confirm the operation. This feature can only be used if you haven’t made any restore points.
Noting that a restore point will erase any drivers and programs you have installed since that restore point was made, it is important to note that this can be done by clicking strong>Scan for affected programs/strong>. To see the effect, you can click Scan affected programs to restore a point. You won’t lose any personal files by using a System Restore.
10. Reset Your Network Settings
This is something you’ve spent a lot time on. A reset should resolve any persistent issue that may be preventing your connection from the “cannot detect proxy settings” error.
Windows 10 makes it simple to reset your entire configuration. Open Settings > Network & Internet. Click the Status tab. Scroll down to the Network reset section. This is on Windows 11. It’s under Settings > Internet & Network > Advanced network settings > Network reset.
This will erase all information on your computer’s network. You’ll need to reconnect with saved networks again. Click Reset now if you are okay with this. The reset will be performed by your computer and then it will restart.
Windows Couldn’t Detect Proxy Settings: This is fixed!
You now know how to fix Windows’ inability to detect proxy settings. Although network errors can be frustrating, you should not have to spend too much time trying to fix them. If you use a proxy, it is important that it is turned off or properly configured.
