Laptop won’t let me accept public WiFi (Starbucks,library)

[Nick366]

when I try to connect to a public WiFi network (Starbucks,Library) my laptop will open a web browser to go and accept it but then Microsoft edge will not be able to connect to the page which in turn will not let me connect to the WiFi. How can I fix this? 

Thank you 

[Dragon-Fur]

@Nick366

Public WiFi might be something the Edge Browser dislikes - Microsoft tries to "keep you safe" when using its products and public WiFi is not a safe environment.

Try a less protective browser?

Another "culprit" might be your onboard security software (assuming you have some installed).  Security software also dislikes public Wifi for the same reasons; the environment is not safe and the software knows this.  It might block some access in an attempt to keep you from doing something you may regret later.  There is no "outside" fix for this - you may have to adjust the security level using whatever commands are relevant for your security software.

Not sure how much this last bit applies (I never use public Wifi):  Check / Adjust Internet Options

Control Panel > icon view > Network and Sharing Center > Internet Options

Tab Security

Check / Verify / Adjust the settings for Internet / Local Intranet / Trusted Sites / Restricted Sites

Remember:  The environment to which you are trying to connect is fraught with risk.  If you do manage to connect, assume that everything you do and everything on your computer is visible to everyone around you, including content, passwords, and other "private" information.  Scammers live for the opportunity to catch the unwary.

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[Payne4412]

This post doesn’t help at all. How can someone have a laptop and not use public WiFi? That sounds ridiculous. No wonder everyone uses Apple products. There’s never an issue connecting to public WiFi with Apple products. Unfortunately, I have an HP laptop and having the same issue. Sorry for the rant, but that’s ridiculous to say that you shouldn’t connect to public WiFi with your laptop.