(Fixed ) Surface pro can’t connect to this network

Since its launch in 2013, Surface Pro from Microsoft has undergone several developments making it a leading 2-in-1 device. Despite the device having been made to run on Windows 8, it can run on the latest Windows version with a free upgrade.

Your Surface Pro device not connecting to a wireless network is frustrating and annoying. This is a common problem not only on Surface Pro but also across all Microsoft Surface models

Surface Pro not connecting to a network can be due to several reasons including the device or your router. You can resolve this problem by restarting the router/modem & Surface Pro, running the network troubleshooter, forgetting the Wi-Fi, updating the Network adapter driver, or disabling MAC Address filtering.

Troubleshooting your Surface Pro’s network

Before trying out any solutions, it’s good to troubleshoot your Surface Pro and router and ensure they’re functioning properly. Check the Wi-Fi settings on the Surface Pro by clicking Start and then select Settings. On the next page, select ‘Network & Internet’ and finally select ‘WiFi. Ensure that Wi-Fi is turned ON and that Airplane mode is off. To check it, go back to ‘Network & Settings’ and select Airplane mode. If these don’t work out, then confirm that the WiFi router password is the correct one.

To check it, click on the Start button and then select Settings. Click on Network & Internet, select ‘Status’, and then select ‘Network and Sharing Center’. Click on your Wi-FI network name located next to Connections. In Wi-Fi Status, select ‘Wireless Properties’ and then click on the Security tab. To view the Wi-FI password, select the Show characters check box.

If the network that you wish to connect to appears on the list of available networks but your Surface Pro can’t connect, try connecting to the same network using a different device. If the network still can’t connect, then the issue can be the network or the hardware. If another device connects, then restart the Surface Pro by pressing the Restart button then select Start. The next step is to select Power and then choose Restart. Wait for your device to restart and then trying reestablishing a connection to the Wi-Fi.

Solution one: Restart your router/modem & Surface Pro

Reboot your router/modem by unplugging the power cord from its power source and then wait for at least 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Since some modems come with backup batteries that stop their lights from going out, remove the battery or press, and quickly release the reset button. Give your modem/router at least 2 minutes before attempting to reconnect.

Solution two: Use the network troubleshooter

Windows has a troubleshooter feature that diagnoses & fixes issues such as network connections. You can use this inbuilt tool to try and fix your Surface Pro not connecting to WiFi. Click on Start and then type ‘network Troubleshooter’ in the search box and open it. Click on Next and then select ‘Troubleshoot my Connection To The Internet’. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish with the troubleshooting.

Solution three: Forget WiFi

Sometimes, a saved WiFi network may cause connection problems since Surface Pro attempts to automatically connect to the saved network. You can solve this by swiping from the right edge of your screen to display Charms menu and then tap on Settings. Tap the Wireless network list and press & hold or right-click the Wi-Fi network that you wish to forget and then tap on ‘Forget this network.’ Restart your Surface Pro device and then reconnect.

Solution four: Update the Network Adapter driver

This is an ideal solution if you are using an older version of Surface Pro since the network adapter driver may be outdated. Updating the driver can resolve this issue. GO to the Start menu and right-click on it then select ‘Device Manager’. Click and expand the Network Adapter menu. Under the current network name, click on the adapter and then select ‘Update Driver’ and finally click on ‘Search Automatically For Updated Driver Software’. After the update, restart your device and try connecting to the Wi-Fi.

Solution five: Disable MAC Address filtering

MAC address filtering provides an extra layer of security to your wireless network by preventing unauthorized devices from connecting to the network. This feature can sometimes be the reason why your Surface Pro is not connecting to the wireless network.

You can temporarily turn off Mac filtering to rule out this as a factor. Log in to your router’s control panel on a browser and then click on Advanced Settings. Select Mac Filtering/Access Control and then click on Disable.

To add your Surface Pro’s Mac address to the router’s authorized list, you first need to find this address. In the taskbar’s search box, type cmd and then hit enter. Form the results, click on Command Prompt and enter ‘ipconfig/all’ and hit Enter.

On the Command Prompt window, find the Physical Address add it to your router’s authorized list. Since different routers have different settings, check your router’s user manual and restart your router before connecting Surface Pro to the network.

If none of the above solutions works for you, then contact your ISP, router manufacturer, or Surface Pro customer care.

Issue
Causes
How to Fix
Surface Pro can’t connect to this network
Problem with Surface Pro or the router
Reboot the router & Surface Pro

Run the network troubleshooter

Forget the saved Wi-Fi network and reconnect

Update the Network adapter driver

Disable MAC address filtering

FAQs

Why can I see my Wi-Fi network on Surface Pro but I can’t connect?

This is an issue that happens sometimes on not only Surface Pro devices, but also other Surface devices. You can resolve it by rebooting your Surface Pro device.

Is it a must to have a wireless network adapter on Surface Pro?

Yes. The Wireless network adapter is responsible for connecting to a wireless network. Without it, your Surface Pro won’t connect to a wireless network.

 

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