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Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: Quick Fix

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  • 8 min read

Today, the internet is a basic necessity, and it can get frustrating if you’re unable to connect. You might have come across the error that Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource while troubleshooting the internet connectivity issues on the network diagnostics tool.

The error indicates that your computer cannot connect to the Domain Name System (DNS). You may still face issues connecting to the internet due to misconfigured system settings.

Here are the reasons and quick fixes to troubleshoot the Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error in an instant.


Why does this happen?

Here are some of the common reasons Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource

  • DNS connection server issues.
  • Proxy server connection.
  • Outdated network drivers
  • Poorly configured IPv4 or IPv6 settings.

Also Read: Does NOMEDIA work on Windows?


How to fix the Windows error?

There are quick fixes to resolve the Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error. These methods are safe to implement, yet we’d recommend setting up a System Restore point, just in case things get messy for you.

Disable the Proxy Server Connection

Before attempting any fixes suggested below, check if your system has connectivity to a proxy server. If it is, disable the proxy connection on your PC, and your internet connectivity will restore. If this doesn’t work, continue reading.


Verify that the DNS and DHCP client services are running

Another simple fix is to check if the DNS and DHCP client services are running. If these services are not working, you will continue to get the Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error. To start these services on your device again, here is what you need to do.

Step 1: On the search bar, type Services and open the first search result.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 2: On the Services window, check the status of the DNS and DHCP services under the Status column. It should be set as Running. If it’s not, double-click on the service to update.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 3: Enable both DNS and DHCP Clients by clicking on Start if currently Stop is selected. 

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 4: Also, choose the value as Automatic for the Startup Type field from the drop-down list.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 5: Once done, click the OK button.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Also Read: Steam disk write error: 10 Fixes


Update Network Drivers manually

Though Windows usually automatically updates your drivers, if for some reason it hasn’t, here’s how to manually update drivers.

Step 1: Launch the Device Manager app.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 2: Expand the Network Adapters option. Right-click on the network device, and select the Update Driver option.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 3: Now click on the Search automatically for the updated driver software option.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

The system will search online for new driver updates, and download and install them on you. After the installation is successful, restart your PC and test if you can connect to the Internet.


Modify IPv4 and IPv6 Settings

If nothing has resolved the error, then there might be an issue with the adapter’s configuration on your system — IPv4 and IPv6 configurations. Follow the steps mentioned below to set up an IP address automatically assigned to your device by your router.

Step 1: Open the Network Connections.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 2: Right-click on your network connection and then select the Properties option.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 3: Double-click on the IPv4 option.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 4: In the General tab, choose the bullets for Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically labels. Click the OK button when you’re done.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 5: Double-click on the IPv6 option.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 6: In the General tab, choose the bullets for Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically labels. Click the OK button when you’re done.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 7: Click on the OK button and then restart your PC.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Once the system has restarted, test the internet connectivity again.

Also read: How to fix ‘Sudo: systemctl: command not found’?


Clear cache and reset your connection settings

It might be possible that your computer’s IP and DNS settings are either corrupt or set up incorrectly, thus, returning the error message. You can reset these using the Command Prompt.

You must log in with a local administrative user to make these changes to your system.

Step 1: Run the Command Prompt from the Search menu in Run as Administrator mode.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 2: Enter the given command to clear your DNS Cache.

ipconfig /flushdns
Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 3: You’ll see the message Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache on your screen.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 4: Then input the following commands in the given order, and press Enter after each command. These commands will reset your connection settings.

ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer to test the internet connectivity.


Reinstall the network drivers

Outdated or incorrect driver versions can cause the error Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource. Hence, it is best to get rid of the outdated software by uninstalling them.

Step 1: Press Windows + R key to open the Run utility. Type Device Manager and click on Run.

Windows can't communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 2: Click on the Network Adaptors option.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 3: Choose your network device, right-click on it and from the menu click on Uninstall device option.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 4: Once uninstalled, right-click on the Network Adaptors option and click on Scan for hardware changes option.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Windows will automatically detect, download and install your new network device and its drivers. Again, reboot your system once that’s done and test the internet connection.

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Switch to a public DNS

If nothing has worked so far, then there might be an issue with your DNS. Try switching to a public DNS such as Google’s.

Step 1: Open the Control Panel.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 2: Navigate to the View network status and tasks link.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 3: Click on Choose adapter settings link.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 4: Right-click on your network and select the Properties option.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 5: Double-click on theIPv4 protocol link. Now choose the bullet against the label – Use the following DNS server addresses.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 6: Now provide the Google’s DNS server’s address in the following fields.

Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternative DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Step 7: Now press the OK button.

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource: 8 Fixes

Restart your computer and check the internet connection.


Reset the TCP/IP settings

Your TCP/ IP files might be corrupt and thus give the error Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource on your device. In case you cant go online through your system, download the utility on another device and then share it with your PC.

Step 1: Download the Netshell utility on your system from Microsoft’s official website.

Step 2: When the download is successful, click on the .diagcab file to launch the Netshell utility. Follow the instructions on the download and install wizard to reset your TCP/ IP.

Also Read: NordVPN not working: 10 Fixes

Prachi Shah

Prachi Shah

She writes about technical elements and tech guides for daily operated applications and is typically familiar with Windows or application errors. She indulges herself in reading books and poems or baking when not writing. She does sketching and enjoys her favourite playlist with a hot, brewed cup of coffee.

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