What is ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ in Windows 10?
‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource (Primary DNS Server)’ error is common Windows error appeared when your Windows 10 computer is unable to connect your primary DNS server configured by your Internet Service Provider (ISPs). When you run ‘Windows Network Diagnostic’ tool in Windows 10, then ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ is appeared in some cases.
Usually, you run ‘Windows Network Diagnostic Tool’ in Windows 10 if you are facing the some difficulty with network/internet connection in your computer. For example, when you are unable to connect to the internet/network, you can run Windows 10 built-in ‘Windows Network Diagnostic Tool’ to detect and resolve the issue. Sometimes, ‘Windows Network Diagnostic’ tool shows this error as result of troubleshooting.
The possible reasons behind ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ issue is IPv4 or IPv6 IP settings not configured properly, conflict with network settings, your DNS server is temporarily unavailable, you are running proxy server and other reasons. If you are facing the same error, then you are in right place for the solution. Let’s go for the solution.
How to fix ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ in Windows 10?
Method 1: Fix ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ with ‘PC Repair Tool’
If you don’t have enough time or technical knowledge to implements manual steps/methods, you can try ‘PC Repair Tool’. This software offers you can find and fix all types of PC problems like BSOD errors, DLL errors, EXE errors, problems with programs, malware or viruses issues, system registry or files issues, and other issues with just few clicks. You can get this tool through button/link below.
⇓ Get PC Repair Tool
Method 2: Change both IP settings ‘IPv4’ and ‘IPv6’ settings
As mentioned, this issue occurs due to wrong IPv4 and IPv6 IP settings. You can resolve the issue by changing both IP settings in Windows 10.
Step 1: Right-click on ‘Network/WiFi’ icon on ‘System Tray’ and select ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’ option
Step 2: In the opened window, click on your network next to ‘Connections’ option
Step 3: In the opened your network status window, click on ‘Properties’ at bottom of window
Step 4: Double-click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’, click on ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ and ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ options and then click on ‘OK’ to save the changes
Step 5: Now, repeat the same steps with ‘Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)’ and once done, click ‘Ok’ to save the changes. After that, please check if the trouble is resolved.
Method 3: Flush IP and DNS configuration in Windows 10 using Command Prompt
Resetting IP and DNS configuration settings in Windows 10 can resolve this issue. Corrupted or not configured IP and DNS settings can cause this issue so resetting will be helpful.
Step 1: Press ‘Windows + X’ keys on keyboard and select ‘Command Prompt as Admisntrator’
Step 2: Type the following command one-by-one and hit ‘Enter’ key to execute
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Step 3: Wait to complete the process. Once done, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4: Reset TCP/IP in Windows 10
Corrupted TCP/IP can cause this issue. If you are not aware, TCP/IP is core component required by Windows operating system to connect successfully to the internet. You can resolve ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ issue by resetting TCP/IP.
Step 1: Open your browser and visit ‘Microsoft Official site’ and download the tool to reset TCP/IP by search or go for ‘Reset TCP/IP Utility’ or ‘NetShell Utility’
Step 2: Double-click on ‘Downloaded file’, click on ‘Next’ and follow on-screen instructions to finish the process.
Or
Step 1: Open ‘Command Prompt as Admisntrator’
Step 2: Type the following command one-by-one and hit ‘Enter’ key after each to execute
netsh int ip reset
netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt
Step 3: Wait to complete the process. Once done, restart your computer and check if issue is resolved.
Method 5: Reinstall or update Network Adapter Driver
Problematic network adapter driver can cause ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ or similar. You can try to resolve the issue by reinstalling or update network drivers in Windows 10.
Reinstall Network drivers in Windows 10:
Step 1: Press ‘Windows + X’ keys on keyboard and select ‘Device Manager’
Step 2: Expand ‘Network Adapters’ category, right-click on Network adapter and select ‘Uninstall’
Step 3: Follow on-screen instructions to finish uninstall process. Once done, right-click on empty space in ‘Device Manager’ and select ‘Scan for hardware changes’. Windows will automatically detect your hardware and install default drivers. Restart your computer once done and check if the trouble is resolved.
Update Network drivers in Windows 10:
Updating network drivers can fix corrupted or outdated drivers issues.
Step 1: Open ‘Device Manager’ and expand ‘Network Adapters’ category
Step 2: Right-click on your network adapter driver and select ‘Update Driver Software’
Step 3: Follow on-screen instructions to finish update process. Once done, restart your computer to see the changes and check if the problem is fixed.
Download or reinstall Network Adapter drivers update in Windows 10 [Automatically]
You can also try to get latest updates for your Network drivers and all other windows drivers with ‘Automatic Driver Update Tool’. This software will automatically find the latest updates for all Windows drivers and then install them into computer. You can get this tool through button/link below.
⇓ Get Automatic Driver Update Tool
Method 6: Reset your router/modem
‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ issue can also occur due to wrong configuration of your router/modem. Resetting router/modem can resolve the issue. Let’s try.
Step 1: Disconnect all devices connected to your router/modem
Step 2: Now, press ‘Reset’ button on your router’s back. This will reset your router to default settings. Wait for few seconds to finish the step.
Step 3: Once done, connect your computer to your Wifi/router again and check if the trouble is resolved.
Method 7: Change DNS server to ‘Google’s DNS server’
If the problem is still persists, then you can try to resolve the issue by changing DNS server manually to ‘Google’s DNS’. Let’s try.
Step 1: Right-click on ‘Network/WiFi’ icon on ‘System Tray’ and select ‘Open Network and Sharing Center’
Step 2: Now, right-click on network/WiFi on the opened window and select ‘Properties’
Step 3: Double-click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ to open its ‘Properties’
Ste p 4: Choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’, type ‘8.8.8.8’ and ‘8.8.4.4’ in ‘Preferred DNS server’ and ‘Alternative DNS server’ box
Step 5: Finally, click on ‘Ok’ to save the changes and restart your computer. Once done, please check if the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
I am sure this article helped you on How to ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error’ in Windows 10 with several easy steps/methods. You can read & follow our instructions to resolve the issue. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.
