6 Ways to Overcome Windows Can't Communicate With The Device Or Resource

 If you get the "Windows can't communicate with the device or resource" error. This is not uncommon. Let's see the steps to fix it.

There's nothing worse than receiving a Windows error preventing you from accessing the internet. Seeing an error message that reads, "Windows can't communicate with the device or resource". This can get you in trouble.

If you receive this message, there is no need to panic. Karen We will explain exactly what this error means, and how you can solve it.

What Is Windows Can't Communicate With The Device Or Resource?

Usually you will see the "Windows can't communicate with the device or resource" error when you are unable to connect to the internet, and run Network Diagnostics.

When you encounter this error, it means that your computer cannot connect to the internet phone book, aka Domain Name System (DNS). This system automatically translates website names into IP addresses, allowing you to surf the web with ease.

Your computer's primary DNS server is usually provided by your internet service provider. A secondary DNS server is also set up in case the main server goes down. That said, your computer settings can sometimes get corrupted, causing you to have problems connecting to the internet.

If you can't get rid of "windows can't communicate with the device or resource (primary dns server)", here are some fixes that might help.

1. Make sure the DNS and DHCP Client are running

Before you try any of these fixes, you'll want to make sure that your DNS and DHCP clients are running. To do this, open the Start menu search bar, and type “Services.”

Make sure the DNS and DHCP Client are running

Select the Services app, and you will see a list of all the services running on your device. Check for services labeled DNS and DHCP. If "Running" is not listed under the "Status" column for a service, then you need to fix it.

DHCP Client Properties Automatic

Enable DNS and DHCP by double clicking on each service. If the service has been stopped, simply select Start. You should also make sure that you select Automatic from the “Startup type” dropdown menu. Once done, click Apply > OK .

2. Uninstall and Reinstall Network Devices

Outdated or incorrect drivers can sometimes result in “Windows can't communicate with the device or resource”. In that case, it's best to remove the slate and uninstall your network devices.

To access your network devices, press Windows + X to open the Quick Link menu. Select Device Manager from the list, and click Network adapters.

Uninstall Network Devices

Select your network device, and click Uninstall device. Once done, right-click Network adapters and hit Scan for hardware changes.

Scan For Hardware Changes

Windows will automatically detect the “new” network device. It will then proceed to install the default drivers that came with the device. Now you can reboot your computer and check your connection.

3. Update Manual Network Drivers

Even though network drivers are usually updated automatically in Windows 10, it can't hurt to try updating your network drivers manually. To do this, press Windows + X > Device Manager > Network adapters.

Update Network Device Drivers

Find your network device in the dropdown menu, right click it, and hit Update driver.

Windows will now give you two ways to find new drivers. Select the option that says Search automatically for updated driver software.

From here, Windows will search for any updates on your computer and the internet. If there are new drivers, be sure to install them.

4. Clear DNS Cache

A corrupted DNS cache can also cause error messages. To fix it, you have to clear your DNS cache.

To get started, type “Command Prompt” into your Windows 10 search bar. Right-click Command Prompt from the search results, then select Run as administrator.

Clear DNS Cache

Once the program appears, type in the following lines of code, one at a time:

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /registerdns

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /renew

This not only clears your DNS cache, but also makes your computer reset any corrupted configurations which may cause error messages. After that, press Enter, and you can close Command Prompt.

5. Configure Adapter Settings

If the fixes above still don't work, your network adapter settings might be interfering with your connection. To start configuring your settings, open Control Panel, and select View network status and tasks under the Network and Internet heading.

After that, select Change adapter settings from the menu on the left side of the screen.

Change Adapter Settings

Right click on your connection, and select Properties.

Network Adapters Properties

Make sure that the box next to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) is checked. From here, double-click on the IPv4 option.

Internet Protocol Version 4

Make sure you use Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS Server address automatically. When finished, press OK.

Obtain an IP address automatically

6. Switch to Public DNS

If you still can't connect to the internet, you may have a problem with your DNS. Switching to a public DNS, such as Google's DNS, can help solve this problem. In fact, you may even find that switching to a different DNS can help you increase your internet speed.

To get started, you will have to access your network settings using the same method outlined in the previous step. Just open Control Panel, navigate to View networks status and tasks > Change adapter settings. Right click on your connection, and select Properties.

Switch to Public DNS

Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) again. This time, make sure you fill in Use the following DNS server addresses.

Now, type in the address for Google's DNS. In the field below, type these numbers:

* Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

* Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

After hitting OK , restart your computer to see if your internet connection is back.

Conclusion

Fixing Windows 10 errors isn't always the most enjoyable task. It's especially annoying when you urgently need to use the internet, and your computer suddenly starts crashing. Nonetheless, this solution should make the troubleshooting process much easier.

Having communication issues between your PC and your primary DNS server isn't a particularly difficult fix. Once you have finally fixed this problem, it is important to be prepared for more troublesome issues in the future, such as the infamous Windows blue screen error.