Fix “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” Error

Without resorting to the baseball bat

“Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource,” says the screen in front of you. Considering that all you were trying to do was go online, seeing this error message is frustrating.

But instead of giving in to frustration, you should find a way to fix the problem. Fortunately, getting the answer you need is easy!

In this post, let’s go through the different solutions. This way, you’ll know what to do.

1. Change Adapter Settings

It’s possible that Windows cannot communicate with the device or resource because of your chosen adapter settings. If so, just do some quick modifications.

LaunchControl Panel.

Go toNetwork and Internet.

UnderNetwork and Sharing Center, selectView network status and tasks.

OpenChange Adapter Settings.

Choose your current network connection. Right-click on it and selectProperties.

Tick the box that saysInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)and openProperties.

Under theGeneraltab, choose the following options:

Then hitOK.

2.

Update your driver

Another cause of network connection problems are out-of-date network drivers. The solution? Update them via a manual update.

Go to the official website for your network. Search for drivers.

Make sure to find the latest and download then install.

3. Edit the hosts File

Another cause of getting a “Windows can’t communicate with the device”error message is your hosts file. So it’s recommended to take it out of the picture.

First, access your system’s folder. OpenWindows (C:)>Windows>System32>drivers>etcand find thehostsfile.

Open the file usingNotepad.

Select everything in the file and delete it.

And hitSave. Remember to chooseAll Filesfor file type when saving.

4.

Move to Public DNS

Another possible cause is a problem with your DNS. If so, the solution is to switch to Google’s Public DNS.

OpenControl Panel. Go toNetwork and Internet.

SelectNetwork and Sharing Center.

ChooseChange adapter settings.

Select your network. Right-click on it and chooseProperties.

Under theNetworkingtab, chooseInternet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)and openProperties.

Under theGeneraltab, chooseUse the following DNS server addresses:

Set thePreferred DNS server:to8.8.8.8and hitOK.

5. Clear Your DNS Cache

If switching to Public DNS doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to clear things up.

A corrupted DNS cache can also be the reason why you can’t communicate with primary DNS server. If so, you need to do some cleaning.

Start by launching theCommand Prompt. And make sure to selectRun as administrator.

Now, type the following command:ipconfig/flushdnsand hit enter.

6. Scan for Malware

If you’ve tried numerous fixes above yet still can’t connect to a network, it’s possible that your PC may be infected by malware. If so, you should clean your system thoroughly.

If you spot any malware, have it removed immediately. UseWindows Defenderfor this.

Begin by launchingSettings.

Here, chooseUpdate & Security.

Go toWindows Security. And selectVirus & threat protection.

Here, selectRun a new advanced scan.

Then choose to do aFull scan. Finally hitScan now.

Christopher Jan Benitez is a freelance writer for hire who provides actionable and useful web content to small businesses and startups. In his spare time, he religiously watches professional wrestling and finds solace in listening to ’80s speed metal.Read Christopher’s Full Bio

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