Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource

If you guys are facing the error “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource (Primary DNS Server)”. Then this means you cannot access the Internet which is happening as your PC is unable to connect to the primary DNS server of your ISP. If you guys are getting a limited access Internet connection, then you can try to run the network troubleshooter. That shows you the above error message. Just read this article to know all about Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource. Let’s begin!

The main cause for this network error is actually caused via DNS issues, corrupted, outdated, or incompatible network adapter drivers, also corrupted DNS Cache, incorrect configuration of Hosts file as well. Anyway, without even wasting any further time, let’s now see How can you Fix Windows that can’t communicate with the device or resource along with the help of the below-listed tutorial.

Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource

Clear DNS cache and Reset TCP/IP

• First of all, open Command Prompt. The user can perform this step via searching for ‘cmd’ and then click on Enter.
• Now type the following command and then click on Enter after each one:

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew

• Again, you have to open Admin Command Prompt and type the following and click on enter after each one:

ipconfig /flushdns
nbtstat –r
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

• Reboot in order to apply changes. Flushing DNS seems to Fix Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error as well.

Uninstall Wireless Network Adapter Drivers

• Tap on Windows Key + R and then type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
• Now just expand Network Adapters and find your network adapter name.
• Just make sure you note down the adapter name just in case something goes wrong.
• Right-tap on your network adapter and choose uninstall.
• If ask for confirmation, then choose Yes.
• Just restart your PC and then try to reconnect to your network as well.
• If you guys cannot connect to your network, and then it means the driver software isn’t automatically installed.
• Now you have to visit your manufacturer’s website and then download the driver from there.
• You have to install the driver and then reboot your PC.

Obtain the DNS server address and IP address automatically

• Tap on Windows key + R, and then type ncpa.cpl and click on enter.
• Now right-tap on your WiFi (NIC) and choose Properties.
• Just choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/Ipv4) and then tap on Properties.
• Make sure to just checkmark the following options:

Obtain an IP address automatically 
Obtain DNS server address automatically.

• Tap on Ok and exit WiFi properties.
• Now reboot to apply changes.

Update your network driver

• Tap on Windows key + R and type devmgmt.msc in Run dialogue box in order to open device manager.
• Now just expand Network adapters, then right-click on your Wi-Fi controller(Such as Broadcom or Intel) and choose Update Drivers.
• In the Update Driver Software Windows, and choose “Browse my computer for driver software.”
• Now choose “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.”
• Just try to update drivers from the listed versions as well.
• If the above didn’t really work then head to the manufacturer’s website in order to update drivers: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/

Use Google DNS | Windows Can’t Communicate

You can also use Google’s DNS rather than the default DNS set by your Internet Service Provider as well as the network adapter manufacturer. This will just make sure that the DNS your browser is via has nothing to do along with the YouTube video not loading. To do this,

• You have to Right-click on the network (LAN) icon at the right end of the taskbar and tap on Open Network & Internet Settings.
• In the settings app that opens, tap on Change adapter options in the right pane as well.
• Just right-click on the network you guys want to configure and tap on Properties.
• Tap on Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) in the list and then just click on Properties.
• Now under the General tab, choose ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ and then just put the following DNS addresses.

Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

• At last, click OK at the bottom of the window in order to save changes.
• You have to reboot your PC and once the system restart, just see if you’re able to Fix Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource.

Run CCleaner and Malwarebytes

• You have to download and install CCleaner & Malwarebytes.
• Just Run Malwarebytes and then let it scan your system for harmful files. If malware is found, it will automatically remove them as well.
• Now run CCleaner and choose Custom Clean.
• Under Custom Clean, just choose the Windows tab and checkmark defaults, and then tap on Analyze.
• When Analyze is complete, make sure you are certain in order to remove the files to be deleted.
• At last, click on the Run Cleaner button and then let CCleaner run its course.
• In order to further clean your system, select the Registry tab, and make sure the following are checked:
• Tap on the Scan for Issues button and permit CCleaner to scan, and then click on the Fix Selected Issues button.
• Whenever CCleaner asks “Do you want backup changes to the registry?” choose Yes.
• When your backup has completed, tap on the Fix All Selected Issues button.
• Just restart your PC in order to save changes.

Edit Windows Hosts file | Windows Can’t Communicate

• Tap on Windows Key + Q and then type Notepad and right-click on it in order to select Run as administrator.
• Now tap on File and then select Open and browse to the following location:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

• Next, just from the file type, and choose All Files.
• Then just choose the hosts file and tap on Open.
• Delete each and everything after the last # sign.
• Tap on File>save and then close notepad and then restart your PC.

Disable Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi Connection Utility

• You have to search for the control panel from the Start Menu search bar and tap on it in order to open the Control Panel.
• Then tap on Network and Internet > View network status and task as well.
• Now on the bottom left corner then tap on Intel PROset/Wireless Tools.
• Next, you have to open settings on Intel WiFi Hotspot Assistant then uncheck “Enable Intel Hotspot Assistant.”
• Tap on OK and reboot your PC in order to save changes.

Conclusion

Well, That is all from my side. If you want to know more about this article or have any queries. Then feel free to ask me anything in the comments section below.

Have a Good Day!

Also See: How to Fix Multimedia Audio Controller Problem