Fix the “Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings” Error

It is common for all operating systems to have some form of issue, and Windows 11 is no exception. Recently, several Windows 11 users  have reported experiencing problems with their proxy settings & receiving “Windows could not detect network proxy settings automatically.” resulting in a yellow warning symbol beside the Wi-Fi icon. 

Luckily, there are many techniques to resolve network proxy settings issues, and this article explains them. Moreover, it outlines the causes of the error Windows could not automatically detect proxy settings.

So let’s get started.

Reasons behind Windows Could Not Detect Network Proxy Settings Issue

Changes made to your operating system’s proxy settings is the most frequent cause of this problem & this could happen as a result of:-

• Incorrect Proxy Settings
• Antivirus, Firewall, or VPN Software.
• Network Connectivity Issues.
• Corrupted System Files

To troubleshoot and check the appropriate settings or determine the exact cause of the problem, it’s best to try these fixes.

Read Also: Best Ways to Fix File Explorer is Slow in Windows 11

Fix Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings Error

The following are easy ways to resolve the proxy settings issue on your Windows PC.

1. Perform SFC Scan

When Windows cannot automatically detect the network’s proxy settings, it is the corrupt system files behind it. Running an SFC (System File Checker) scan is helpful. This scan checks for corrupted system files and replaces them with new ones.

• Tap on the Search icon/bar from the Taskbar > type cmd in the search area.
• Now open the Command Prompt by hitting the Run as Administrator option. 
• Enter the exact command sfc /scannow and press the Enter key. 

Wait for the process to finish and see if the issue is fixed.

2. Utilize Network Troubleshooter

An effective method to troubleshoot the error “Windows could not automatically detect proxy settings” is to run the Internet Connections troubleshooter. This can be done by right-clicking on the network connection icon in the System Tray and selecting “Troubleshoot.” Alternatively, you can try running a different network troubleshooter. 

• Open Windows settings by pressing the Windows + I keys together.
• Tap on Systems > then click on Troubleshoot > now choose Other troubleshooters. 
• Here, Scroll down and tap on RUN right in front of the Network Adapter option.   

3. Verify your Proxy Settings

As the error is related to the proxy settings on your Windows computer, it is a logical step to check these settings. To access the proxy settings in Windows 11, you can follow the steps below.

• Open Windows settings by pressing the Windows + I keys together.
• Tap on Network & internet > then click on Proxy
• Make sure that the option “Use a proxy server” is turned off if you do not use the proxy. Also, leave the option “Automatically detect settings” if it is already enabled. 

After checking and ensuring that your proxy settings are not causing the issue, try reconnecting to the network and getting online. If you still encounter the error, try turning off the option “Automatically detect settings” in the proxy options and reconnecting again.

4. Turn Off VPN, Antivirus, and Firewall Software

Sometimes your VPN, Firewall, or antivirus program blocks the network connection, due to which you encounter the cannot detect network setting error. Also, the problem can arise as a software update made some changes, or a recently installed application might have altered the proxy settings.

To identify the culprit, try temporarily disabling VPN, Antivirus, or Firewall software one by one and see if it helps. If the error disappears, the problem lies with one of these, and you will need to modify them to prevent interference with your network.

Read Also: How to Fix VPN Not Connecting Problem

5. Reset Network Settings

If Windows cannot detect the network proxy settings issue persists, try resetting your network settings. This will restore the VPN and proxy servers to their default state and roll back any network configurations to their original settings. This can be a useful solution if the problem is caused by any changes made to the network settings.

• Open Windows settings by pressing the Windows + I keys together.
• Tap on Network & internet > then click on Advance network settings.
• Scroll down, and under More settings, tap on Network reset > there, click on Reset now.
• Update Your Network Drivers   

If you are experiencing difficulty with the Internet connection and cannot use the network troubleshooter, it could be a sign that your network drivers are outdated or corrupt. Problematic network drivers can lead to connectivity issues and cause the error message “Windows could not detect proxy settings.” In such a case, updating or reinstalling your network drivers is a good idea.

And for this kind of situation, Advanced Driver Updater is designed. It is an automated tool that scans the PC for outdated drivers and shows compatible updates. You can then decide whether to update the driver or not. The process of updating drivers is simple as the tool does it all on its own when you click the Update button.

Here is how it works –

• Download and install the software by clicking on the link below.

• Once installed, open it and tap on Start Scan Now button. 
• After the scan is completed, a list of all outdated drivers will appear in front of you.   
• Now check for your network drivers and tap on the Update driver button right in front of it. 

Or, if you are using a licensed version of Advanced Driver Updater, you can click on the Update All button, which will do the job for you.

Final Word on Windows Could Not Detect Network Proxy Settings

In conclusion, various factors can cause this error. However, by following the steps outlined above, you should be able to fix the issue and regain access to the internet. If you are still experiencing problems, don’t hesitate to contact your network administrator for further assistance.

We would like to hear from you about which of the above solutions was most effective for resolving the error.  If you have any other questions or concerns about the guide, please do not hesitate to share them in the comments below.

Next Read:

How to Fix WHEA_Uncorrectable_Error When Playing Games
Solved – Nvidia Graphics Driver Not Compatible With This Version of Windows