How To Resolve the “Windows Could Not Automatically Detect This Network’s Proxy Settings” Error on Windows 11

Having that pesky “Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” error pop up in Windows 11 can be a real headache. You see that little yellow exclamation mark on your network icon, and suddenly your internet feels like it’s on vacation. Usually, it’s some combo of misconfigured proxy settings, outdated network drivers, or the occasional malware sneaking around. The good news? Most of these issues can be sorted out pretty quickly if you follow the right steps. This guide walks through some practical methods that may get your connection back on track, hopefully with minimal fuss. It’s kind of frustrating, but these fixes have saved the day more than once—and they might do the same for you.

How to Fix the Proxy Settings Error in Windows 11

Method 1: Run the Network Troubleshooter

This is the quick n’ dirty fix, and it often helps because Windows will try to diagnose and fix common problems automatically. It’s kind of weird that Windows has to make this more complicated than it should, but hey, it’s worth a shot, especially since it’s built in.

Open Settings by pressing Win + I. Click on System, then head over to Troubleshoot.
Select Other troubleshooters. Find Network and Internet and hit Run. Follow whatever prompts pop up.

This tool runs some basic network checks and usually fixes simple issues like broken proxy detection. Sometimes, on certain setups, it’s a bit finicky—works on one machine, not so much on another—but it’s a good starting point.

Method 2: Check and Adjust Proxy Settings

If that didn’t fix it, the next thing to poke at is the proxy configuration. Wrong settings here are often the root cause. Making sure Windows is set to detect proxy automatically and that no rogue scripts or manual configs are messing things up can do wonders.

Head into Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
Turn on Automatically detect settings. Make sure Use setup script and Use a proxy server are off, unless you’ve got specific instructions otherwise.

Sounds simple, but trust me, incorrect manual proxy setups are a frequent culprit here. If you see a sneaky script or manual proxy URL, turn it off—unless you know what you’re doing.

Method 3: Restart Your Network Adapter

Sometimes, the network adapter just gets confused or stuck. Restarting it forces Windows to re-establish the connection from scratch, which might clear out some glitches. Because of course, Windows has to complicate it by making network resets a multi-step process.

Go to Settings, then Network & Internet, and click Advanced network settings.
Under Network adapters, find your active connection — Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Right-click it and choose Disable. Wait around 10-30 seconds, then right-click again and select Enable.

On some machines, this can seem like overkill, but it’s usually a fast way to shake out network issues that won’t budge otherwise.

Method 4: Reset Network Settings

Okay, this one’s more radical and involves a full reset of all network configs. If your proxy issues are caused by deeply ingrained misconfigurations—perhaps from previous tweaks, third-party VPNs, or weird settings—this can clear the slate.

Head to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.
Scroll down to Network reset. Click on it, then hit Reset now. Confirm, and your PC will restart, reinstalling all network adapters and resetting all network-related configurations back to factory defaults.

This usually fixes stubborn issues, but keep in mind it resets everything, including Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configs, so be prepared to re-enter some info afterward.

Method 5: Disable Manual IP and DNS Settings

If you’ve manually set static IP addresses or DNS servers, that can sometimes interfere, especially if those addresses are incorrect or outdated.

Press Win + R, then type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter.
Right-click your active network adapter, choose Properties. Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
Make sure both options are set to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. Hit OK.

This ensures Windows dynamically gets the correct IP and DNS info, avoiding issues caused by manually entered bad data.

Method 6: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Drivers can act up or become outdated. Updating them can fix a ton of weird networking bugs—including proxy errors. Sometimes, a clean reinstall is the only way to go, especially if drivers are corrupted.

Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
Expand Network adapters. Find your network device, right-click, and pick Update driver. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
If that doesn’t help, right-click again and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC—Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver fresh.

In some cases, grabbing the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website (like Intel, Realtek, or Killer) might be needed, especially for gaming or high-performance setups.

Method 7: Scan for Malware and Adware

Malware is sneaky and can mess with your network or proxy settings. Running a virus scan or malware removal tool like Malwarebytes can catch any malicious stuff and help straighten out your network.

Open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, and run a Full scan.
For extra peace of mind, install Malwarebytes or another reputable anti-malware tool, run a scan, and get rid of any threats it finds. Then restart.

Method 8: Reset Winsock and TCP/IP Stack

This is kinda like hitting refresh on your entire network stack. If corrupt configs are the issue, these commands can help.

Search for Command Prompt, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

Type these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew

Reboot your PC after the last command.

Sometimes, Windows’ network stack sneaks in corrupted data, and resetting it like this can bring back proper connectivity.

Method 9: Temporarily Disable VPN, Firewall, or Security Software

If you’ve recently added a new VPN or Windows security software, they might be blocking or interfering with your network connection. Temporarily turning them off can shed some light.

Disable VPNs or firewalls from their own control panels or system tray icons.
Then, try reconnecting to the internet—if things work better, you’ve isolated the culprit. Update or reconfigure the software accordingly.

Overly strict security apps can sometimes block essential system functions even if they’re just trying to keep you safe. Turn them off for a bit to see if that’s the problem.

Method 10: Use System Restore to Roll Back

If all else fails and this error started recently, restoring Windows to an earlier point might undo whatever change triggered it. Kind of like a magic undo button.

Type rstrui into the Windows search box and open the System Restore utility.
Select a restore point from before the proxy issue appeared and follow the prompts.

This can sometimes undo misconfigurations or faulty updates that cause the network trouble.

Wrap-up

Getting rid of the proxy detection error in Windows 11 isn’t always straightforward, but trying these steps one at a time usually helps. It’s often some simple setting or driver hiccup that blocks your internet—nothing more complicated than that. Keep in mind that if none of these do the trick, reaching out to your ISP or network admin might be the next move, especially if it’s an enterprise or managed network. But for most home users, these fixes clear most issues up pretty quick.

Summary

Run Windows’ built-in network troubleshooter.
Check and fix proxy settings.
Restart or reset your network adapter.
Reset network configurations entirely if needed.
Ensure IP and DNS are set to auto.
Update or reinstall network drivers.
Scan for malware or adware that could be messing with your network.
Reset Winsock and TCP/IP stack for deep cleanup.
Temporarily disable VPNs and security software to test.
If it’s recent, try System Restore to roll back.

Fingers crossed this helps

Sometimes, weird Windows network issues are just a matter of chasing the right setting or driver. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone. If this gets one update moving, that’s a win. Good luck, and don’t get too annoyed if it takes a few tries—these things are quirkiest in the most frustrating moments.