Most of the time when you can’t connect to the Internet service provider, one of the thing you’ll do to fix this is to Run a Network Diagnostics on your computer to fix you internet connection. However, during the run sometimes an error message “Windows can’t communicate with device or resource” pops up. There can be issues when trying to access the device or resource Primary DNS server which we will tackle today. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the methods on how to Fix Windows Can’t Communicate With Device or Resource Error.

Here’s what to do when experiencing Can’t Communicate With Device or Resource Error

There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging the settings on your IPv4 or IPv6 and proxy server is not configured, a conflict with the network settings device or resource primary DNS server is temporarily not available. Listed below are the recommended troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this problem.

Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

Method 1: Change IPV 4 and iPV6 Settings

Method 2: Reset Connection Settings and DNS cache

There are instances wherein connection settings get corrupted and is not configured properly and that is what’s causing the error that you can’t communicate with the device or resource . In order to fix this, you can try to flush the configurations of your IP and DNS . Resetting also clear the DNS cache of your computer.

1. At the search bar on your Windows, type “Command Prompt”
2. Right click on the Command Prompt result and select Run as Administrator from the drop down menu.
3. At the command prompt, run the following commands in the listed order then press Enter after each command.
4. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
5. Type ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter
6. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
7. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter
8. Restart computer

Method 3: Resetting TCP/IP

TCP/IP is a component that is required on your Windows operating system to that you can connect to the internet successfully, however when this gets corrupted, sometimes you will get the error message “Windows Cant Communicate With Device”. Try to reset the TCP/IP of your computer to help fix the issue.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type “cmd” then simultaneously press “Shift” + “Ctrl” + “Enter” keys to give administrative access.
3. At Command Prompt window, type command  “netsh int ip reset” and press Enter.
4. Restart computer

Method 4: Reset Network Card Adapters

If you have incorrect network drivers installed in your computer there’s a possibility that this is what’s causing the error message to appear. Incompatibility and or corrupted drivers can also be the culprit. Try to reset network adapters to fix the error that you can’t communicate with the device .

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter or click on OK.
3. Once in Device Manager window, click on Network Adapters to expand it. A list of network adapters appears.
4. Locate your hardware, right click on it and select Uninstall Device.
5. If a UAC confirmation appears, click OK.
6. Click on Action tab at the upper portion.
7. Click Scan for hardware changes from the drop down menu. Windows will scan and automatically detect your hardware and install it.
8. Restart Computer

Method 5: Update your network driver

The error that you can’t communicate with the device can be caused by corrupt or outdated network adapter drivers. To fix this you will need to update the network driver.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type “devmgmt.msc” and press Enter or click on OK.
3. Once in Device Manager window, click on Network Adapters to expand it. A list of network device appears.
4. Locate your hardware, right click on it and select Update Driver.
5. Click the Search automatically for update driver software option. Continue with the on-screen directions. Once you complete the steps, if an update is available, it’ll download and install it on your computer.
6. Restart your computer.

After computer completely reboots, Check if Error still occurs.

Method 6: Try using a different DNS server address (Public DNS)

There’s a possibility that the server has a problem. To check if this is the culprit, you should try to use the following DNS and switch Google’s Public DNS which is a free alternative Domain Name System (DNS) service offered.

1. Click on Start Menu or Windows button
2. Click on Settings, an icon that looks like a gear to open Windows Settings section.
3. Click Network and Internet
4. Click Network and Sharing center
5. At left pane, click on Change Adapter settings, a new window opens.
6. You’ll see some network icons here. Select the network you’re currently connected to and right click on it then select Properties from the drop down menu.
7. At Wi-Fi Properties, Double click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) to open Properties.
8. At Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties windows, make sure to check “Use the following DNS server addresses:” option
9. Enter the following Public DNS addresses for Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server.
10. Enter 8.8.8.8 for Preferred DNS server
11. Enter 8.8.4.4 for Alternate DNS Server
12. Click OK to apply changes made and exit properties window.
13. Restart Computer