Not able to connect wifi in my laptop: “Can’t connect to this network”

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues on Legacy Laptops: A Case Study of HP Pavilion 15-e011sx

Introduction

Wi-Fi connectivity issues are a common challenge faced by many laptop users, especially those operating older models. These problems can stem from a variety of factors, including outdated drivers, network configuration issues, or hardware limitations. In this article, we examine a real-world scenario involving a user with an HP Pavilion 15-e011sx Notebook PC who experienced persistent Wi-Fi connectivity problems and explore effective troubleshooting strategies.

Case Overview

The user reported an inability to connect to Wi-Fi networks, including personal hotspots, with an error message stating, “Can’t connect to this network.” Notably, the device successfully connected to hotspots until September 2, 2025, indicating that the issue is recent. Despite multiple attempts—restarting the laptop, adjusting network settings, deleting and reinstalling drivers—the problem persisted. The user also attempted network resets using commands such as ipconfig /flushdns, netsh winsock reset, and netsh int ip reset. Interestingly, USB tethering remained functional, suggesting that the wireless hardware or drivers could be the root cause.

Key Details

Laptop Model: HP Pavilion 15-e011sx Notebook PC
Wireless Adapter: Ralink RT3290 802.11bgn Wi-Fi Adapter
Driver Version: 5.0.57.1 (dated 18-05-2015)
Wi-Fi Band: 2.4 GHz
Troubleshooting Steps Taken:
Restarting the device
Multiple network resets
Driver deletion, disabling, and reinstallation
Command-line network resets
Additional Observations:
Inability to connect even to open security hotspots
USB tethering working correctly

Analysis and Recommendations

Driver Compatibility and Update

Given the age of the wireless adapter driver (from 2015), compatibility issues could arise with newer network standards or security protocols. Although reinstalling the driver is a good initial step, ensure that you are using the latest available driver version from HP’s official support page or the chipset manufacturer’s website. If no updated driver exists, consider alternative driver versions that may offer better stability.

Compatibility Mode and Power Management Settings

Compatibility issues can sometimes prevent connections. Try running the driver in compatibility mode for an earlier Windows version. Additionally, disable power-saving features for the Wi-Fi adapter: