How To Fix ‘Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource’ Issue

Sometimes the users after powering on the computer, find out that they can’t have access to the internet, then they troubleshoot the problem using the Windows Network Diagnostics tool.

After the troubleshooting gets done, the users get this error message like Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource (primary DNS server). For these issues or problems there are various methods and ways with which this problem can be solved.

This network problem is generally and probably caused by DNS (Domain Name Server) issues and network driver issues. There are five solutions with the help of which this problem can be solved.

The users need not have to try them all. They just need to work their way down at the top of the list until they find the one that works for them. All the steps apply to Windows 10, 7, 8 & 8.1.

Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource

What Does the Error Mean?

The error message “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource” typically appears when there is a problem with your computer’s ability to connect to a specific device, website, or network resource.

It indicates that Windows is unable to establish a connection with the target, which can result in network-related issues, limited internet access, or the inability to reach a particular website.

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Common Causes of the Error

To effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource” error, it’s essential to understand the potential causes behind it. Here are some common culprits:

1. DNS Issues:

  • One of the primary reasons for this error is DNS (Domain Name System) problems. DNS is responsible for translating domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) that computers can understand. If the DNS server settings are misconfigured or the DNS cache is corrupt, you may encounter this error.

2. IP Address Conflict:

  • Another common cause is an IP address conflict. If two devices on the same network have the same IP address, it can lead to communication issues. Windows will display this error when it detects such conflicts.

3. Network Configuration Issues:

  • Incorrect network settings or configuration issues can also trigger this error. It may include problems with the subnet mask, gateway, or proxy settings.

4. Firewall or Security Software:

  • Overly restrictive firewall settings or security software can block outgoing or incoming network connections, resulting in communication problems.

5. Router or Modem Issues:

  • Hardware issues with your router or modem, such as a faulty network cable, router configuration problems, or a malfunctioning modem, can lead to this error.

6. Malware or Viruses:

  • Malware or viruses can tamper with your computer’s network settings and cause communication problems. Conducting a malware scan is advisable.

Fix Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device Or Resource

Here we have provided you with some of the best solutions to fix the issue Windows can’t communicate with the devuce or resource. So let’s get started to find out them.

Method 1: Update the network driver

This problem can also be occurred due to a faulty network that can be solved by updating the network device. There are two ways to update a network device which is by manually or by automatically.

Manually

The users have the option to update their network driver manually by going to the website of the manufacturer for the network card and searching for the most recent correct driver for their operating system window.

It is necessary to choose only drivers that are compatible with your variant of the Windows version. With the help of this option the users can update their network without any hassle in just a few steps. They can thus find the best and latest network available for their windows.

Automatically

Automatic driver update if the users don’t have the time, patience or computer skills to update their network card driver manually, so to solve this problem they can, instead, do it automatically with Driver Easy.

With the help of this option the driver Easy will automatically recognize the user’s system and find the correct drivers for their network card which will go with the window version of the user. Then the latest version will be installed and gets download automatically.

Follow the steps that are given below –

Step 1: The first step is to download and install Driver Easy.

Step 2: The next step is to Run Driver Easy and click on the Scan Now button option that appears on the screen. Driver Easy will then scan the computer and detect any problem drivers.

Step 3: The users need to click on the Update button which is next to the flagged network driver in order to automatically download and install the correct version of that driver which is best for the users operating window. The users can do this with the free version available.

Step 4: The users can even click on the option of Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on their operating system. But for this option requires the Pro version which comes with full support and 30-day money-back guarantee. The users then can update all the network drivers.

If updating the network driver doesn’t work for the users, they can check if they get the DNS pollution cache issue, which may be the cause of Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource (primary DNS server) error.

Method 2: Verify DNS Pollution Cache Issue

The users need to follow steps below to verify if they get DNS pollution cache issue –

Step 1: The first step is to press Win+R that is the Windows logo key and the R key at the same time to open the Run command box.

Step 2: In order to open the command prompt window, the users need to type cmd, and with that press enter.

Step 3: Type nslookup + a website address that the user wishes to open, then press Enter on your keyboard. For example nslookup drivereasy.com

Step 4: Type nslookup + a website address + 8.8.8.8 you wish to open (8.8.8.8 is Google’s free public DNS.), then press Enter on your keyboard. For example nslookup drivereasy.com 8.8.8.8

Step 5: The next step is to check the above two steps that are steps 3 and 4 to return the same IP address. if the IP address is returned then, the users probably don’t get the DNS pollution cache issue. If the system returns a different IP address, then the network problem is caused by the DNS pollution cache. Then the users must try other methods to solve the issue.

Method 3: Obtain the DNS Server Address and IP Address Automatically

This is one of the simple and easiest solutions for this solution. You need to follow the steps given below –

Step 1: The first step is to open the pen Control Panel.

Step 2: Then the users need to view by Large icons. Then click Network and Sharing Center.

Step 3: Click Change adapter settings.

Step 4: The next step is to right-click the network that the user is using and select the Properties option.

Step 5: Then the users need to select the High-light Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties option.

Step 6: The next step is to Check to Obtain an IP address automatically and then Obtain DNS server address automatically.

Step 7: Click OK to save the changes.

Step 8: Repeat the above steps for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6). Lastly, restart the computer.

Method 4: Change the DNS to Google’s public DNS

The steps which need to be followed under this solution are –

Step 1: Open Control Panel.

Step 1: View by Large icons. Click Network and Sharing Center.

Step 2: Click Change adapter settings.

Step 3: The users need to right-click on the network they are using and select Properties option.

Step 4: Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on the Properties option.

Step 5: Check to Use the following DNS server addresses. In the Preferred DNS server field, type 8.8.8.8.

Step 6: Click OK to apply the changes.

Step 7: Lastly, restart the computer.

Method 5: Clear DNS Cache

You need to follow the steps given below –

Step 1: Type of command prompt in the search box. Then the user needs to Right-click on the Command Prompt and selects Run as administrator.

Step 2: Then the user needs to Type ipconfig /flushdns and then press Enter on your keyboard.

Step 3: See that the problem is resolved or not.

Method 6: Modify the Host’s File

Follow the given steps for this solution –

Step 1: Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.

Step 2: Open hosts file with Notepad.

Step 3: Delete all content.

Step 4: On the keyboard, the users need to press Ctrl + S (Control key and S key at the same time) to save the file.

Step 5: Lastly, see that the problem still exists or not.

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Conclusion

Therefore, with the help of these methods and options the users can solve the problem of windows cannot communicate with the device. The users should follow all the above-mentioned steps properly to solve the problem without any difficulty.