Windows 11 laptop won’t connect to apartment Wi‑Fi, while phone works
Asked by
MellowCedar47
My Windows 11 laptop refuses to connect to the apartment's Wi‑Fi even though the password is correct. It gets stuck on "Checking network requirements," then reports "Unable to connect to this network," or sometimes just shows "Secured." Restarting, forgetting and reconnecting to the network, and flushing the DNS cache haven't helped. The laptop connects normally to other Wi‑Fi networks and works when I use my phone's hotspot, while other people's phones can connect to this apartment network. What else should I try?
Answers
Since the laptop connects to other networks, the issue is probably specific to this access point rather than Windows itself. Try updating or reinstalling the laptop’s Wi‑Fi adapter driver through Device Manager. Also test right next to the access point once, just to rule out signal or interference problems.
Reply to this answer
You can reinstall the wireless driver by opening Device Manager, expanding “Network adapters,” right-clicking the Wi‑Fi adapter, and choosing “Uninstall device.” Restart Windows afterward so it can reinstall the driver. If Windows doesn’t find one automatically, download the correct driver from the laptop manufacturer using another device or a temporary USB connection.
Reply to this answer
Check whether the laptop fails on every Wi‑Fi network or only this one. If it works with other networks and a phone hotspot, the apartment router may be using a security mode, band, or device limit that the laptop’s adapter doesn’t handle properly. The network administrator may need to check the router settings or remove the laptop from any blocked-device list.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
QuietMaple21: The laptop was already very close to the access point, so distance probably wasn’t the cause. Updating the Wi‑Fi driver is the more promising next step.