Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings

stevie · 06 Jan 2020

Windows 10 Version 1903
I've only had this desktop a month. Suddenly I couldn't connect to the Internet. I powercycled the network box router & got my Ethernet connection back. Internet functioning SEEMS to be normal, but I still get "Windows could not automatically detect this network’s proxy settings” when I run the Network & Internet Settings troubleshooter. Then I tried the Network Adapter troubleshooter for Ethernet & it said "Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem". This is a home computer. My proxy settings are attached.

Is there a set of steps to resolve this problem? Thanks very much.

Compumind · 06 Jan 2020

@stevie -

Welcome to Windows Ten Forums!

Simplest way. Worth a try -

Windows could not automatically detect this network's proxy settings

Let us know how you do.

TIA

stevie · 07 Jan 2020

@Compumind

I tried everything on this list & from a couple other sites (short of a factory reset). I'm still getting the same message about not being able to detect proxy settings. But my Internet is working fine. So do you think this is a problem I should be concerned with? You know more about this stuff than me!

One guy told me that the proxy settings are a gateway to a computer/network/files on a computer or a server. But that since my desktop is for home personal use only (not work, business, or for a security reason) I don't need to be concerned about the proxy error message. I just use the computer for Internet browsing, email, paying bills, some online shopping. So is this really correct that I shouldn't be concerned about the error message? Thanks!

Samuria · 07 Jan 2020

Check all your browser settings as they can have proxy set and what anti virus are you using as a lot setup a proxy so they can scan incoming

Compumind · 07 Jan 2020

stevie said:

@Compumind I just use the computer for Internet browsing, email, paying bills, some online shopping. So is this really correct that I shouldn't be concerned about the error message?

This error can be caused by a change in proxy settings in W10. The change in settings can be caused by an infection or change in system files and network settings or file corruptions that will lead to change in network settings. All of these can be caused by a malware or because of some system file issues in your computer. I don't feel comfortable with it, especially after going through all those steps.

Assuming you followed each step in the procedure, I tend to agree with @Samuria and the next step is to look further.

First, I would like you ask a few questions:

1) What AV/FW are you using? Important.
2) Is your AV/FW up-to-date? Ensure that it is.
3) When did it perform a full system scan? Do it again.
3) Do you have Malwarebytes installed on your computer? If not download and run the free Home version from here - Full System Scan:

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

Keep in mind that if it is an infection, Malwarebytes may be compromised upon install, so let's see.

I'll await your response.

stevie · 08 Jan 2020

@Compumind

Hi - I have McAfee A/V & Firewall. Everything's updated and a full scan showed no issues.
Same with Malwarebytes - updated, full scan, no issues.

The only things I didn't do on the list of possible fixes you posted were to reset IE settings (says to do this only if your browser is unusable - I use Firefox and it's 100% fine) & I also didn't temporarily disable my antivirus & firewall. I'm not going to do that, feel it's unsafe.

Wondering if this could be my problem. When my computer originally couldn't connect to the Internet, I didn't know that all I had to do was powercycle the router. Instead I went into the network settings & it said my WiFi was disconnected. So I connected it & then my desktop could reach the Internet via WiFi. Later, I read about powercycling the router. Once I did that, my desktop was now connecting via Ethernet & the WiFi was shut off (says to connect manually if I need it). So my Internet is functioning perfectly fine. Only difference is the network icon in lower right corner now says "(my WiFi name) Internet Access" instead of "Network 2 Internet Access" like it used to. I'm wondering if it's got the WiFi somehow still involved in the proxy. Under Network & Internet / Status, it shows Ethernet Private Network.

Samuria · 08 Jan 2020

McAfee sets up a proxy to scan incoming data

stevie · 10 Jan 2020

@Compumind @Samuria

Hi - Just so you know, I'm marking this "problem solved". I found this online How to Solve the Windows Could Not Automatically Detect Network Proxy Settings Error. Doing the last step under #2 is what solved the problem. McAvee is still scanning incoming. McAvee & Malwarebytes still show no problems with a full scan. Thanks for your help and suggestions.