10 Fixes For Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource Computer

Are you looking to fix windows that can’t communicate with the device error? There are many different types of similar errors. It can be daunting to find a guide that has all the solutions. That’s why we are bringing you a one-stop for all these errors. We covered all the ‘windows can’t communicate with the device or resource’ errors to keep things easy for you.

In this guide, you will learn about the different types of errors that are available. There are ten possible solutions for the “windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” error, as well. So, without further ado, let’s begin solving the issue!

Understanding Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource Windows 10

The Windows can’t communicate with the device resource in Windows 10 is a network-oriented error. You will get this message if there’s a problem with the Primary DNS server. Your ISP works with the primary DNS to provide a stable connection.

Typically, the system runs an automatic network diagnostic to learn more about the issue. But, getting this issue doesn’t mean that you need to change the Primary DNS.

There can be many reasons for this issue:

  • If you have a wrong or incorrect IPv4 and IPv6 settings, you may face the error.
  • Proxy server has become an important part of the system. Any problem there could lead to the error.
  • It could also be the wrong or inaccessible DNS server address.

Different Types Of Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource Error Messages

There isn’t a single type of ‘Windows can’t communicate with the device’ error. You will find that the system has different messages for this error. The message can give you some insights into where the problem might be. Here’s a quick overview:

  • Windows 7 professionals can’t communicate with the device or resource (Primary DNS). If you’re getting this error then it is time to update the OS. There’s nothing much that you can do at this point.
  • Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource Windows 10 printer. Wireless connection like Wi-Fi Network or Bluetooth has become common for printers. If you’re sending commands for printing on a network, you can run into this error. It will prevent you from printing via the network.
  • Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource file sharing. If you’re having trouble sharing file over the network, you will run into this error. This error is common on Windows 10 because of file and data sharing across the network.
  • Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource router and network driver. Your router or network driver might need an update if you run into this problem. The firmware for the router may cause this error. It is an uncommon error, seen only in a few network devices.
  • Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource powerline adapter. If you use any Powerline adapter, you can run into this error.
  • Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource Comcast. As you can read, it is related to your Comcast. You can run into the same error while trying to stream or access the media content in your system.
  • Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource security or firewall. If you use a security tool, you might run into this error for wrong settings. The same applies to wrong configuration of the Firewall of your system. Take good care.

Remember that this error is not related to any of the ‘plugged in’ errors. For example, Network is not plugged in error.

Solutions For Windows Can’t Communicate With Device Or Resource (DNS Server Issue)

  1. Change Some IPv4 Settings
  2. Clean Your DNS Cache
  3. Reset The TCP/IP Configurations
  4. It’s Time For A Network Reset
  5. The Network Driver Solutions
  6. Check For The Windows Updates
  7. The Host File Editing Method
  8. Use The Public DNS
  9. A Malware Or Virus Problem
  10. Reset Your Router 

Fix Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource DNS

1. Change Some IPv4 Settings

Windows 10 view network connections network properties IPv4 properties automatic settings

As mentioned earlier, one of the leading causes of this error is incorrect IPV4 settings. Often, you need both IPv4 and IPv6 to work together to offer you the best security and connection.

  • Go to the Start Menu and search for the Control Panel. Launch it and go to the Network And Internet option.
  • Open Network and Sharing Center and find the ‘Change Adapter Settings’ option. It should be on the left-side of the window’s panel.
  • Right-click on the adapter that you’re using. Select Properties from the list of options.
  • You will see ‘the connection uses the following items’ and a list with a checkbox next to it.
  • Find Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list.
  • Once you select it, click Properties.
  • Check on Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically. This will allow your connection to find the best suited IP and DNS addresses.
  • Apply and OK to save changes.
  • Then go to the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and repeat the same steps.

If the option was already at Automatic, then try the other solutions first. You will find a solution below. If none of these work, then you can try to manually set the IPv6 and IPv4 settings. For that, you will have to search which one works best with your ISP. You can also reach customer support. But before doing that, try the other methods.

2. Clean Your DNS Cache

windows 10 PowerShell to clear DNS cache

One of the leading causes for any network-related error is the DNS cache. As the name suggests, it is a cache for your DNS. And we all know that cache can corrupt or become too full that it can cause errors. So, flushing the DNS is a great option. It is quite easy too:

  • Once again, go to the Start Menu. Right-click on the Icon and select ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’ It could ask for a prompt and Admin password. Once you provide it, carry on.
  • Now, get ready to type a command line immediately. The admin permission is necessary to prevent any error during the steps:
  • Type: Ipconfig/flushdns and hit enter. Then type, Ipconfig/registerDNS. Press Enter again.
  • Once the process finishes, type: Ipconfig/release. Enter.
  • Ipconfig/renew. Hit enter again.
  • After each command line, you will have to press enter. If there is a problem with spacing during the commands, fix it.
  • Once you carry through with the commands, restart the system.

3. Reset The TCP/IP Configurations

step by step command prompt to reset TCP/IP configurations

If the above two solutions didn’t work, it’s time for you to reset the Internet Protocol. After all, TCP/IP is the most essential component used by Windows OS. It can lead to problems in the packet transfers. But, there’s a way for you to reset to default configurations:

  • Once again, launch your Command Prompt as the administrator.
  • Start with these command lines. Make sure to hit enter after each: Netsh winsock reset.
  • Then type: Netsh int ip reset.
  • You can also use Windows PowerShell for this if Command Prompt doesn’t work.
  • Make sure to reboot your PC after the process.

4. It’s Time For A Network Reset

Network reset option in the Network status windows 10 settings

Did none of the solutions work so far? There’s no problem. You can still utilize the built-in Network Reset option. It can fix a lot of your issues, even improve packet data transfer, among other things. So, if you have been facing connectivity or speed issues, this could solve it:

  • Open the Windows 10 settings. Press Windows Key + I. Then go to the Network and Internet.
  • Find the Status option in the left panel of the window. Click on it to launch it.
  • In a new window, go to the right panel and scroll all the way down to find the Network Reset option.
  • Once you click on it, you might get a prompt. Now, all you need to do is click Yes and go through the entire process.
  • This will entirely refresh and reset your network adapters and settings.

If you ever try to install anything like VPN clients, you will have to reinstall them. The same applies to any extra components or changes in the settings. After all, you’re resetting your entire system’s network configuration to default.

5. The Network Driver Solutions

Device manager Windows 10 and the network driver properties

There’s a possibility that you have an outdated network driver. The Windows could’ve also uninstalled the Network Driver. It might be using a different driver if you have more than one on the PC. So, it is worth checking some of these solutions out for the network driver:

  • First, you need to launch the Device Manager. For this, you can use the RUN option (type: devmgmt.msc), or the Start Menu.
  • Now, go to the Network Adapters option and expand the list. See if your Network Adapter is there.
  • Right-click on it and select Properties. If you don’t know how to tell the name you can try a different approach.
  • Go to the Search Bar at the bottom, type: View Network Connections. Click on the option that pops up.
  • Now, among the connections, find the one that is active. Right-click on it and select properties. Then, right below the ‘Connect Using’ option, you will see a Configure option. This will directly open the device’s property, same as Device Manager.
  • Now, switch to the Driver Tab in the properties. There, you will find various options like Enable/Disable, Update, Roll Back, and so on.
  • Click on the Update Driver button. Then select ‘search automatically for updated driver software.’ The windows will try to find the drivers and install them.
  • If this option doesn’t work, you can try to manually download the drivers. For this, you need to know the manufacturer for your network driver, aka device you’re using. Visit the official website of the Vendor and search for the drivers there. Once you find them, download and install them. For this, you can check the driver’s properties and version details, and such.
  • If your Network Drivers are disabled, you will first have to use the Device Manager’s option. It will help you reach the properties of the disabled driver. Then you can enable it.

Of course, updating the Network Driver is not an ‘end-all’ solution. If the driver is too advanced, it can lead to problems, as well. In that case, return to the Driver’s property and select the ‘Roll Back’ option. This will reset the driver to the previous version you had.

If you can’t find the driver, or if it is not available on your device, you can:

  • Restart the PC and see if that will automatically download the driver. If not, then you might have to use the CD or USB Flash drive that came with your network device (wi-fi, modem, router, etc.). They will have the correct Driver for installation. You can update them by following the above-given steps.
  • If you have none of these options, you can also go to the Device Manager. In the Action Menu, you will see ‘scan for hardware changes.’ This option will download and install all the essential drivers your PC needs.

6. Check For Windows Updates

Check for windows update pending updates windows 11 available

Another leading reason for the error can be the lack of Windows Updates. You have to make sure to always download and install the latest updates, for this:

  • Go to the Search Bar and type Check For Updates. You can also press Windows + I key and go to Update & Security. Either way, you will find the ‘Check For Updates’ button. Click on it.
  • Make sure that you’re connected to the Network. If it is not working, you might have to manually download the updates. For that, you will have to use another connection or PC. Then, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog. You will find all the updates there, download them and save them to a storage device. Then connect it to your PC and install the updates.

Once you update Windows 10, see if it solves the issue. If not, then you might have to check for optional or additional updates.

  • Once you check for Updates, see if there is an option that says ‘View Optional Updates.’ If there is such an option, click on it.
  • Then, you will find some Driver and other performance-oriented updates. Go ahead and install them to see if this solves the issue for you.

7. The Host File Editing Method

File explorer location and file to edit host file

There’s a text file on your Windows 10. Almost every function has one, but the host file is for the map servers, hostname, IP addresses, and so on. If you can’t find any of the solutions working, you can edit the host files. Often, making changes to the host file can resolve the issue. Here is the guide:

  • Go to the File Explorer and navigate to: C > Windows > System32 > Drivers > etc
  • There you will find the Hosts file. Right-click on it and copy it. Then paste it somewhere else as a safekeeping. This is in case you mess with the details a bit.
  • Now, right-click on the one that exists in the ‘etc’ folder. Select ‘Open With > Notepad’ option. Then select the entire text (CTRL + A) and delete it (DEL button or Backspace button). Now, save the file.
  • Restart the PC and reconnect with the Network to see if this solves the issue.

8. Use The Public DNS

changing the DNS in the settings to google DNS

As you might remember in the first solution, we mentioned a method to customize DNS. You can use a custom and public DNS to change the network settings. This can help you fix the issue. But, it is not a surefire option. You will have to use the public DNS supported in your country. In most places, Google DNS works fine, so we will use it as the example:

  • Once again, open the Control Panel and go to the Network And Internet option. Find the Network And Sharing Center, click on Change Adapter settings. Go to the Properties.
  • Double-click the IPv4 component. Change the Automatic to the ‘Use the following DNS Server addresses.’
  • Now type these for each segment:
Preferred DNS Server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS Server: 8.8.4.4

Click on ‘Validate settings upon exit’ or just Apply and OK. If your IPv6 also needs the DNS changes, you can provide them. Here is the list of IPv6 Google DNS:

2001:4860:4860::8888
2001:4860:4860::8844

9. A Malware Or Virus Problem

Virus & Threat protection window in Windows 10 Security

If none of the solutions worked, then it could be a virus or malware problem. Similarly, it could also be the PC Security acting up. For this, you can completely scan your PC. If you have a premium antivirus like Avast or Malwarebytes, use their respective commands. But, Windows Security is also self-sufficient in the task:

  • Press Windows Key + I key and go to Update & Security
  • Find Windows Security from the options in the left panel.
  • Open Virus and Threat Protection. Select Run A New Advanced Scan.
  • Click on Full Scan and Scan now.

Let the entire process take its time. You might have to wait a while and then reboot. If this finds the problem and solves it, then great. Otherwise, you can also try offline scanning for when the PC boots.

10. Reset Your Router

router reset button location at the backside

As one of the last resorts, you can diagnose and change your router’s settings. If none of the solutions worked, it is certainly a problem from the router’s end. So, follow these instructions:

  • First, try to restart the Router by switching it off and on. If that doesn’t work then keep the Router powered.
  • Pick up your router while it is switched on and check at the backside. There should be a little ‘rest’ written near a tiny button. Press the button for a couple of seconds. This will automatically launch the reset function.
  • If you can’t find the button, maybe it is a little opening that could use a pin. In this case, the button will need a pin for you to reach and press. This is to prevent accidental resets. The process is still the same. Hold for a couple of seconds.

Now, once the router resets, understand that everything will change. Thus, you will have to access your router’s Admin center. From there onwards, you will have to set the password and other things. If you had any updates or configurations, you will have to redo them.

Conclusion – Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource Computer

Now, you have everything you need to know about solving windows can’t communicate with the device or resource computer name the problem and we’ve mentioned the correct solution. From diagnosing the connection settings, to the power cycle and finding the virus infection, we left nothing. You can even check out the privacy fix. Even if you have a gaming router, it should be a piece of cake for you now.

So, go ahead and don’t let the error ruin your internet experience and connectivity anymore!

FAQs – Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource File Sharing, DNS

Why Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource Computer?

The primary reason would be the problem with the DNS or DNS server. You will have to check the network configurations. Almost every communication error like this is related to some form of network issue. So, make sure to keep the network connectivity to the best possible settings. 

What Is A DNS Server?

A DNS server helps you in connecting with various domains or websites. You can access a lot of platforms with its help. It translates the data or information for TCP/IP to reach out and perform thorough communications. 

Does VPN Affect Windows Can’t Communicate With The Device Or Resource DNS Error?

Typically, it does not. But it is a good ide to deactivate the VPN while solving the issue. If you fix the issue and find the problem after activating the VPN, it’s time to change it. Some DNS are getting too advanced to allow a VPN proxy server, so keep that in mind.