Can't connect to school wifi

Hong Ching Constance Chan 0 Reputation points
2026-09-11T11:37:59.04+00:00

Today I bring my laptop to my college, my phone connected to the college Wifi automatically as I turn on the automatic connection on my phone and I got out my laptop, tried to connect to the college Wifi but it shows "Unable to connect to this network" while the Wifi could work on my phone. Same problem appears on all WiFi in the college.

Windows for home | Other | Internet and connectivity
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-11T11:38:18.1866667+00:00

    Try these checks in order:

    1. Verify the laptop is actually on Wi‑Fi and not blocked by Airplane mode.
      • Go to Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
      • Confirm Wi‑Fi is On and Airplane mode is Off.
    2. Confirm the college network is visible and that the password is correct.
      • If the network appears but the laptop cannot connect, make sure the Wi‑Fi password is correct.
    3. Test whether the issue is only on the laptop.
      • Since the phone connects to the same college Wi‑Fi, the network is available.
      • If the laptop fails on multiple Wi‑Fi networks at the college, the problem is likely on the laptop or something blocking communication from it.
    4. Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter.
      • Open Start, type settings, then go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot.
      • Select Other Troubleshooters.
      • Run Network Adapter.
      • Follow the prompts and check whether Windows fixes the connection.
    5. Check whether a firewall or VPN is interfering.
      • A firewall or VPN can block communication and prevent connection.
      • If either is in use, temporarily disable it and test again.
    6. If the college uses separate Wi‑Fi bands, try the matching network.
      • Some locations have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.
      • Make sure the laptop is connecting to the same network/band that works on the phone.
    7. Check whether the problem happens only on college/public/work networks.
      • Public and work networks can have restrictions that prevent connection.
      • College networks may require help from the school’s IT department or network administrator.
    8. If the laptop also has trouble on other networks, reset the network stack from an elevated Command Prompt.
      • Open Search, type Command prompt, then select Run as administrator.
      • Run these commands in order:
        • netsh winsock reset
        • netsh int ip reset
        • ipconfig /release
        • ipconfig /renew
        • ipconfig /flushdns
      • This changes network settings, so save work first, then test Wi‑Fi again after completing the commands.

    If the laptop still cannot connect only at school while the phone can, contact the college IT department because work/school networks may block or restrict some devices.

    References:

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  2. Horace Wiggins 530 Reputation points
    2026-09-11T11:54:58.9466667+00:00

    Have you checked with your colleges IT department? When you enrolled at the college were you given any information about using your devices? What country are you in and what are the requirements for using any wi-fi?

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  3. DaveM121 929.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-11T12:15:04.2266667+00:00

    1

    Select that network in the network panel at the bottom right of your Desktop and choose 'Forget this network'.

    Then try connecting to the network again by logging in with the password the school provided you with.

    2

    If that does not resolve the problem, you may need to contact the school IT Department to get connected to their network.

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