Question:

“As an owner of an ASUS ROG Strix Model G5130 running Windows 11, I’ve encountered a persistent issue where I’m unable to connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Despite successful connections to my home Wi-Fi and mobile hotspot, this problem arises exclusively with public Wi-Fi in various hotels across different countries. The connection fails before reaching the typical hotel sign-in splash page, with the error message ‘Can’t connect to this network’ appearing after attempting to connect. I’ve undertaken several troubleshooting steps, including restarting the network adapter, performing a network reset, updating network drivers and Windows, disabling the network adapter’s power-saving mode through a registry edit (PlatformAoAcOverride, Value 0), and attempting to forget access points, though the latter is not applicable as the initial connection is never established. Could you provide expert guidance on resolving this connectivity issue?”

Answer:

Owners of the ASUS ROG Strix Model G5130 running Windows 11 have reported a perplexing issue: the inability to connect to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. This problem is unique to public networks, as these laptops can connect to secure home Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots without issue. The failure occurs at the initial connection stage, preventing users from even reaching the hotel’s sign-in splash page, and is accompanied by the frustrating error message, “Can’t connect to this network.”

Troubleshooting Efforts:

Users have diligently attempted standard troubleshooting methods, such as:

• Restarting the network adapter.
• Resetting network settings to default configurations.
• Updating network drivers and the Windows operating system.
• Disabling the network adapter’s power-saving mode via a registry edit (PlatformAoAcOverride, Value 0).
• Trying to forget access points, although this step is moot without an initial connection.

Despite these efforts, the issue persists, leaving users unable to access public Wi-Fi.

Expert Guidance:

To resolve this issue, consider the following expert recommendations:

1.

Check Network Compatibility:

Ensure that your laptop’s network adapter supports the Wi-Fi standards used by the public network. Some older adapters may not support newer protocols like Wi-Fi 5 or 6.

2.

Modify Wireless Mode Settings:

Access the network adapter properties and try setting the wireless mode to a specific protocol (e.g., 802.11b/g/n) that matches the public Wi-Fi’s configuration.

3.

Disable IPv6:

Some public networks may not properly support IPv6. Disabling IPv6 in your network adapter’s properties might resolve the issue.

4.

Use Network Troubleshooter:

Run the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter, which can sometimes automatically identify and fix connectivity problems.

5.

Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts:

Antivirus or firewall software can occasionally interfere with network connections. Temporarily disable such software to see if it resolves the issue.

6.

Create a New Network Profile:

Manually create a new network profile for the public Wi-Fi with the correct settings, which might bypass the connection issue.

7.

Consult with Hotel IT Support:

Some hotels have specific configurations or requirements for their Wi-Fi networks. Reaching out to the hotel’s IT support can provide insights or solutions tailored to their network.

8.

Update BIOS and Firmware:

Occasionally, connectivity issues can be resolved by updating the laptop’s BIOS and firmware to the latest versions available from the manufacturer.

9.

Consider a USB Wi-Fi Adapter:

If all else fails, a USB Wi-Fi adapter can serve as an alternative means to connect to wireless networks and bypass internal adapter issues.

Conclusion:

Connectivity problems with unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can be frustrating, but by methodically working through these expert suggestions, you can increase your chances of a successful connection. Remember, if the issue persists, consulting with a professional technician or the laptop manufacturer’s customer support may provide additional assistance.