Many times when you try to connect via wireless or Ethernet on your computer, you will find you can’t have access to the internet, then you troubleshoot this trouble with Windows Network Diagnostic Tool.
After the troubleshooting has been completed, you might receive Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device or Resource (primary DNS server) error.
The cause behind this error text is that your device is not searching for Lesley’s DNS entries. However, it is connected to the static DNS server that is outside Lesley’s network.
The other possible reasons behind this problem are Network Driver issues, IPv4 and IPv6 settings not properly configured, running a proxy server, or network settings conflict issues. We will discuss some of these issues and find a way to fix them.
Try to disable proxy servers previous to start with the solutions listed below. In case you have a restricted internet connection such as college, work, public WiFi, It is recommended not to mess with settings as it may cause more errors.
All such connections use various settings and guidelines. Also, it can create troubles in settings and make you unable to internet usage.
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Contents
What Does the “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource” Error Mean?
The “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” error occurs when your computer is unable to connect to the primary DNS server responsible for translating website URLs into IP addresses.
This means your computer cannot access the internet, even if your network connection appears to be active.
Common Symptoms of the Error:
- Inability to access websites or use online services.
- An error message saying, “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource (Primary DNS Server).”
- Your computer is connected to the internet, but webpages won’t load.
What Causes the “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource” Error?
Several factors can lead to this error, including:
- Incorrect DNS Server Settings: If your DNS server settings are configured incorrectly, your computer may be unable to communicate with the DNS server.
- Outdated or Corrupted Network Drivers: Outdated network adapter drivers can cause communication issues between your computer and the DNS server.
- Faulty or Misconfigured Router Settings: Problems with your router’s configuration may prevent your computer from connecting to the DNS server.
- DNS Cache Issues: A corrupted DNS cache can prevent your computer from accessing websites.
- Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Security software can block communication with the DNS server, resulting in this error.
How to Fix Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device or Resource Error
Now, you may wonder how to fix the Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device or Resource issue on your computer. Don’t worry, In this article, we will get to know how to fix this problem.
There we will discuss four solutions to mend this annoying trouble. You may try these methods to fix this issue on Windows operating system version 7 and above.
Method 1: Obtain the DNS Server Address and IP Address Automatically
Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPv4) is to use for the packet-switched link layer and can provide addressing capabilities of about 4.3 billion addresses.
Conversely, IPv6 is an advance featured protocol and has the capabilities to infinite addresses. IPv4 uses four 1 byte decimal numbers; however, IPv6 hexadecimal numbers.
It can be a probable cause of Windows cannot communicate with the device or resource error text that you have not properly chosen adapter settings. You can do some modifications by the following steps:
Step 1: Firstly, open Control Panel.
Step 2: After this view by Large icons and under click Network and Sharing Center, select View network status and tasks.
Step 3: Further, click on Change Adapter Settings.
Step 4: Afterwards, click Right on Network and Internet and select Properties.
Step 5: Let’s move ahead, now highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and then click Properties.
Step 6: Further, select Obtain and IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically.
Step 7: Now, click OK to change the settings.
Step 8: Furthermore, Repeat the above steps for Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
Step 9: Finally, Restart your computer and check whether your trouble is resolved or not.
If your problem ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource’ is not fixed with this method, you can use further methods to prevent Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device or Resource error.
Method 2: Change the DNS to Google’s Public DNS
Another probable reason for this issue can be DNS; you can change your DNS manually. You can fix this issue by the switch to Google’s public service and check if the connection works or not. To revert the changes, you can apply the following steps:
Step 1: At first, open Control Panel.
Step 2: After that, view by Large icons and click on Network and Sharing Center.
Step 3: Further, click on Change Adapter Settings.
Step 4: Now, It’s time to click right to the network you are using and then select Properties.
Step 5: Let’s move ahead, now highlight Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4), and then click on Properties.
Step 6: Afterwards, check to Use the following DNS server addresses. Then, type 8.8.8.8. in the Preferred DNS server box and also 8.8.4.4. in the Alternate DNS server box.
Step 7: Afterwards, click OK to change the settings.
Step 8: Finally, Restart your computer and check if your issue is solved.
You can apply the above procedure to manage other DNS servers provided by the Internet Service Provider. Also, ask your Internet Service Provider to provide you a DNS servers list that is executed to the network.
Further, if you are getting popups can’t communicate with your network or resource, there is probably a network causing the issue. You should contact your Network Administrator.
If the switching process doesn’t suitable to resolve why Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource, then check for a further method.
Method 3: Clear DNS Cache
Another reason for getting “Windows can’t communicate with the device” error text can be either corrupted or not configured DNS Cache. You can flush the IP and DNS of your computer. To clean the cache, you can use the following steps:
Step 1: Firstly, Type the command prompt in the search box. Then, click right on the command prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: After that, type these following commands one by one and then hit Enter.
ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
Step 3: Finally, close the command window after executing work and Restart your computer. Now, check if the problem is resolved.
Has your issue been solved? If not, no need to worry; just try another method.
Method 4: Modify the Hosts’ File
One of the possible causes of Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device or Resource can be a hosts file. You should modify the hosts’ file, and this manoeuver will fix your issue. Take a look at the following steps:
Step 1: At first, open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
Step 2: Afterwards, open the Hosts file with Notepad.
Step 3: Now, delete all the contents of the file.
Step 4: After that, press the Control key and S together (Ctrl + S) to save the file.
Step 5: Finally, check to see whether the issue is solved or not.
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Conclusion
The “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” error can be frustrating, but it’s usually easy to fix with the methods outlined above.
Start with basic solutions like changing your DNS server settings or flushing the DNS cache, and if necessary, proceed to more advanced troubleshooting steps like updating network drivers or resetting your router.
FAQs About “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource” Error
1. What does “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” mean?
This error means that your computer cannot connect to the primary DNS server, preventing you from accessing websites or online services.
2. How do I fix the “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” error?
You can fix the error by changing DNS server settings, flushing the DNS cache, updating network drivers, or disabling firewall/antivirus software.
3. Can changing the DNS server settings fix the error?
Yes, switching to a reliable DNS server like Google Public DNS or OpenDNS can often resolve the communication issue.
4. Why is my DNS server not responding?
Your DNS server might not be responding due to incorrect settings, network issues, outdated drivers, or firewall/antivirus interference.
5. Is it safe to disable IPv6 to fix this error?
Yes, it’s safe to disable IPv6 temporarily, especially if your network or ISP doesn’t fully support it. However, re-enable it if it doesn’t fix the issue.
6. Will updating network drivers fix the error?
Yes, updating outdated or corrupted network drivers can often resolve the error and improve your internet connection.
7. How do I reset my router to fix the DNS communication error?
Unplug your router from the power source, wait for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and restart your computer.
8. Can my antivirus software cause this error?
Yes, antivirus or firewall software can block DNS communication, resulting in this error. Temporarily disabling them may help identify the issue.
9. Does running the Network Troubleshooter help fix the error?
Yes, the Network Troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix issues with your DNS settings and internet connection.
10. Should I contact my ISP if the error persists?
If none of the troubleshooting steps work, contact your ISP to check for any DNS server issues or network outages on their end.
