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[Solved] WiFi Network Issue: Unable to Connect to This Network - Tried Solutions, Need Help

Freia 54810 18
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How can I fix a laptop that shows “Unable to connect to this network” on one Wi‑Fi network, even after forgetting the network and changing router security settings?

The issue was router-side MAC address filtering; turning it off fixed the connection problem [#17924330] If the laptop can connect to other Wi‑Fi networks but not this one, that points to a restriction on the router rather than a faulty laptop or driver [#17898532] MAC filtering is used to block or allow specific devices and must be configured manually; it is not for bandwidth limiting [#17924729] If you cannot access the router yourself, ask the person who manages it to disable MAC filtering or remove the laptop’s MAC address from the blocked list [#17924330][#17924729]
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  • #1 17895712
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    Hello,
    I have a problem with the WiFi network. While using the computer, the network disconnected at some point and since then I have not been able to connect to it. When trying to connect, it shows the message "Unable to connect to this network".
    I know that the topic has already appeared, but in my case the solutions mentioned do not work.
    I tried to forget the network, clear the network memory in the system, change the router security and nothing.
    Unfortunately, I do not know computers at all, so I will be grateful for any help.
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  • #2 17895715
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
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  • #3 17896343
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    Okay, so in more detail, I have the ASUS X555Q laptop. In the screenshots I am attaching the system and network cards. Which model should I check? I cannot physically access the router, but there is Netia, it has the software version: 5.4.8.2.126.
    I'm sorry if I screwed something up and did it wrong, but I'm not serious about it: p

    WiFi Network Issue: Unable to Connect to This Network - Tried Solutions, Need Help WiFi Network Issue: Unable to Connect to This Network - Tried Solutions, Need Help WiFi Network Issue: Unable to Connect to This Network - Tried Solutions, Need Help
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  • Helpful post
    #4 17896398
    qwart
    Level 26  
    Posts: 681
    Help: 87
    Rate: 171
    A similar problem Link
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    #5 17896452
    Anonymous
    Level 1  
  • #6 17897281
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    Unfortunately, nothing works. I have current drivers by. Windows Update, I only found older ones, but it doesn't work on them either.
    As for the topic above, it looks a bit different for me because I am not able to connect to the network, but I also tried typing those commands and nothing.
    When I try to connect to the network, the WiFi icon for a moment disappears and appears like when connected with a cable. Then it goes back to normal and doesn't connect. I don't know if that means anything
  • Helpful post
    #7 17897414
    Vytautas_YT
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1425
    Help: 128
    Rate: 297
    And you have the option to check if it connects to another network?
  • #8 17898532
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    It connects to another network without any problems, only it fails with this one. But my phone, for example, has no problem connecting to this network.
  • #9 17898899
    Vytautas_YT
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1425
    Help: 128
    Rate: 297
    Have you tried to change the SSID and WiFi password in the router? Alternatively, the WiFi channel can still be changed on a trial basis. This problem in Win 10 shows up after some update, if I remember correctly.
  • Helpful post
    #10 17898930
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35138
    Help: 3787
    Rate: 5327
    Vytautas_YT wrote:
    Have you tried to change the SSID and WiFi password in the router? Alternatively, the WiFi channel can still be changed on a trial basis.

    Freia wrote:
    I cannot physically access the router

    Vytautas_YT wrote:
    This problem in Win 10 shows up after some update, if I remember correctly.

    That's right.

    @Freia
    Often, the only method is to reset the system's wifi network, and if that doesn't help, then reset the entire system to its initial settings and bypass the update.
  • #11 17898941
    Vytautas_YT
    Level 30  
    Posts: 1425
    Help: 128
    Rate: 297
    @ KOCUREK1970
    I suggested the statement from the first post where it fell:
    Freia wrote:
    I tried to forget the network, clear the network memory in the system, change the router security and nothing.


    So I decided that there is access to the router configuration, because how else can you change its security?
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  • #12 17899487
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    I changed the security remotely after logging into the router settings. I will try to do all the things you wrote about, maybe something will work in the end. Thank you very much for your help
  • #13 17924330
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    Okay, I finally fixed it. It turned out that it was enough to turn off Mac address filtering on the router :D
  • #14 17924381
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35138
    Help: 3787
    Rate: 5327
    Freia wrote:
    It turned out that it was enough to turn off Mac address filtering on the router

    So someone turned it on on purpose - this feature is not active by default.
  • #15 17924659
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    It is turned on so that one person does not block bandwidth (?) Or use the entire Internet (?). I didn't quite understand what was going on. I also have a question as to whether when this option is turned on, the router automatically "catches" Mac addresses that use the most internet or do you need to manually add them? Because now I have a problem because I can't watch Netflix: p
  • #16 17924683
    jprzedworski
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 5353
    Help: 757
    Rate: 824
    Freia wrote:
    the network was disconnected at some point
    Interesting. It wasn't "disconnected," only you disconnected by not admitting it here. And we are supposed to play fairy.
    Freia wrote:
    that one person does not block the bandwidth (?) or use the entire internet (?)
    Freia wrote:
    If this option is enabled, does the router automatically "catch" Mac addresses that use the most internet or do you need to manually add them?
    This is not what it is for, and it is not how it works. Must be added manually, and is used to completely block unwanted users. There are two options for this configuration. One is blocking everything except those entered, and the other is blocking those entered and allowing all others.
  • #17 17924720
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    I didn't hang up. Apparently my roommate did it. I didn't have any notice or anything. Sorry to waste your time, but I had no idea this option existed and didn't know why.
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    #18 17924729
    jprzedworski
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 5353
    Help: 757
    Rate: 824
    As I mentioned, this is a blockade - for example, we want to prevent strangers from connecting to our network. Or an unruly adolescent - they can sometimes cope anyway. It has nothing to do with bandwidth throttling.
  • #19 17924965
    Freia
    Level 6  
    Posts: 9
    Rate: 17
    I turned off Mac address filtering on my router.
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Topic summary

✨ The user experienced a WiFi connectivity issue with their ASUS X555Q laptop, receiving an "Unable to connect to this network" error after a disconnection. Despite attempts to forget the network, clear network memory, and change router security settings, the problem persisted. The user confirmed successful connections to other networks and noted that their phone could connect to the problematic network. Suggestions included checking the network adapter model, updating drivers, changing the SSID and WiFi password, and resetting the WiFi settings. Ultimately, the issue was resolved by disabling MAC address filtering on the router, which had been inadvertently enabled by a roommate.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Seeing “Unable to connect to this network”? Check router MAC filtering first. Two modes exist, and “Must be added manually.” This FAQ helps Windows laptop users fix one‑SSID connection failures and router blocks with clear steps. [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #17924683]

Why it matters: It pinpoints a common router-side block that Windows troubleshooting alone won’t fix.

Quick Facts

How do I fix “Unable to connect to this network” when only one Wi‑Fi blocks my laptop?

Check the router’s MAC filtering. If enabled, your laptop may be blocked. Either disable MAC filtering or add your laptop’s MAC to the allow list. Then save changes and reconnect.
  1. Log in to the router’s admin page.
  2. Turn off MAC filtering or whitelist your laptop’s MAC.
  3. Save, reboot the router, reconnect. This resolved the case discussed here. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17924330]

What is MAC address filtering, and how can it lock me out?

MAC filtering lets a router allow or block devices by their unique MAC. Routers support two modes: allow only listed MACs, or block listed MACs and allow others. If your MAC is not allowed or is blocked, you cannot connect. “Must be added manually.” [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #17924683]

Does MAC filtering limit bandwidth or auto-block heavy users?

No. MAC filtering is access control, not bandwidth management. It does not detect heavy usage automatically. An admin must add MAC addresses by hand. For bandwidth control, use QoS instead. “This is not what it is for.” [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #17924683]

Why can my phone connect but my laptop can’t?

That pattern suggests a router-side rule that targets your laptop’s MAC. The phone connects because it isn’t blocked. The laptop connects elsewhere because other routers don’t filter it. Check the router’s MAC filter list. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17898532]

I can’t access the router physically—can I change settings remotely?

Yes, if you can log in to the router’s web interface. The thread author changed security settings remotely. Ask the network admin for credentials or request they whitelist your MAC. Document your MAC before contacting them. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17899487]

Windows still won’t connect after driver updates—what should I try next?

Run Windows Network Reset to reinstall adapters and clear configs. If that fails, reset Windows to initial settings to bypass a problematic update.
  1. Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
  2. Network reset > Reset now.
  3. Reboot and reconnect. Only escalate to OS reset if necessary. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #17898930]

Should I change the Wi‑Fi SSID, password, or channel as a fix?

Yes. Change SSID and password to force re‑authentication. Try a different Wi‑Fi channel to reduce interference. These steps helped users after certain Windows 10 updates. Apply and test each change one at a time. [Elektroda, Vytautas_YT, post #17898899]

The Wi‑Fi icon briefly looks like wired during connect—what does that indicate?

Windows toggles network states during authentication. You may see the icon switch as the adapter restarts. If the router rejects association, Windows falls back and shows Wi‑Fi again. That behavior suggests a policy or authentication failure. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17897281]

I updated and rolled back drivers, but nothing changed—why?

Drivers didn’t help in this case. That often means the router’s configuration, not Windows, is blocking the connection. Verify the router’s MAC filtering next. Whitelist your MAC or disable the filter and retest. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17897281]

How do I find my laptop’s MAC address for whitelisting?

You need your Wi‑Fi adapter’s MAC (Physical Address). In Windows: press Win+R, type cmd, Enter. Run getmac /v or ipconfig /all and note the Wi‑Fi MAC. Enter that value into the router’s allow list exactly as shown. [Elektroda, jprzedworski, post #17924683]

Is MAC filtering enabled by default on most routers?

No. It is usually disabled out of the box. “This feature is not active by default.” If it’s on, someone enabled it intentionally. Check with whoever manages the network. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #17924381]

It suddenly stopped working—could someone have blocked me?

Yes. A roommate or admin may have turned on MAC filtering and excluded your device. In the thread, a roommate changed settings without notice. Agree on network rules to prevent repeats. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17924720]

I can’t watch Netflix after changes—what should I check?

Treat streaming issues as separate from access control. Verify MAC filter entries, restart the router, and test Netflix again. If the problem persists, revert recent changes and ask the admin to review QoS or DNS settings. [Elektroda, Freia, post #17924659]

What details should I post to get faster Wi‑Fi help?

Share your system version, Wi‑Fi adapter model, router model, and a Device Manager screenshot with Network adapters expanded. That context speeds troubleshooting. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17895715]

How do I confirm whether the issue is my router or Windows?

Connect the laptop to a different network, like a phone hotspot. If it works there, focus on the router’s configuration. That isolates the fault to the router side. [Elektroda, Vytautas_YT, post #17897414]
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