Fix: Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource

Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource (Primary DNS Server), which can be frustrating because you’ll be unable to connect to the internet.

This error usually points to some sort of network connection problem between your computer and the Domain Name System (DNS) server.

This could happen for various reasons, such as bad network settings, old drivers, issues with Internet Service Provider (ISP), etc.

This article will discuss the potential factors that could cause this error and where you can obtain the solutions, step by step, in order to get your internet back up and running.

Common Causes of the Error

An understanding of the reason behind this issue will allow for a more efficient solution for this issue. Here are some common causes:

1. Incorrect DNS Settings: If your system is configured with improper DNS configurations, it may not be able to contact the DNS server.
2. Network Connection Issues: It often leads to communication failures if they are faulty or misconfigured.
3. Outdated or Corrupt Network Drivers: Network adapters work on the drivers, and corrupt or old drivers can result in connectivity problems.
4. Firewall or Security Software Interference: At least not to the DNS server that needs to be reached by communication that may be blocked by security software.
5. ISP Issues: The problem could be inter-network in the ISP, which impedes reaching the DNS server.
6. Malware or Virus Infection: Certain types of malware infections can also change network settings that may disrupt connectivity.
7. Incorrect Proxy Settings: An incorrectly configured proxy server can disrupt connections to the network.

Methods to Fix “Windows Can’t Communicate with the Device or Resource” Error

Below are several methods you can try to fix this issue.

Method 1: Restart Your Modem and Router

Restart your modem and router before adjusting your computer settings. This one simple step can fix temporary connectivity issues.

1. Unplug your modem and router.
2. Afterward, simply unplug them from the power source and wait for 5 minutes.
3. Plug them back in and power them on.
4. Check if the error persists.

Method 2: Clear DNS Cache

“A corrupt DNS Cache can also be the reason why Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource.” issue occurred. Steps to clear DNS cache:

1. First, from the search bar, open the “Command Prompt.” Then, “Run it as Administrator.“
2. Execute the following: ipconfig /flushdns, then press “Enter.”

When the DNS cache is cleared, you will get Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache message.

Method 3: Run Command Prompt to Reset Connection Settings

Sometimes, the above solution doesn’t get the job done; for these cases, there is another method that is known to fix this kind of error, but it is more advanced.

1. Initially, launch the “Command Prompt” by searching for it and “Run it as Administrator.”
2. Just type the following code one by one and press Enter.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

3. Both your DNS cache and any problem in your system’s configuration that leads to the DNS server issue will be erased.

Method 4: Run the Network Troubleshooter

It can diagnose your network problems and even suggest a fix for them. Hence, if you have tried all the fixes above and still get the same error, then you may need to run the network troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Open System > Troubleshoot.
3. Under Network and Internet, select Run the troubleshooter.

4. Follow the prompts on your screen in selecting the suggested fixes.

Method 5: Change Both IPV4 and IPV6 Settings

It blocks Windows from connecting to the DNS server in case you have made changes to WiFi settings accidentally.

You may be using a static IP address, which is contributing to the network issues. Hence, tweaking the IPv4 and IPv6 protocols will fix the DNS server error. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open the “Control Panel.” Select “Network and Internet.“
2. Choose “Change adapter settings.” Then right-click, select your connection, and click “Properties.” Double-click on the “IPv4” option now.
3. In the “General“ menu, complete the blanks beside the “Obtain an IP address automatically.
4. Then, “Obtain DNS Server address automattically” and Hit “OK.”

Method 6: Use Windows Defender to Scan for Malware

If you’ve attempted all of the above fixes and nothing’s successful, it may be because your computer has malware.

So make Windows Defender a “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” fix. Then, it will disinfect your PC from the malware. Start with the steps below:

1. Open the “Settings” app.
2. In the left pane, choose Windows Security. Next, select “Virus & threat protection.”
3. Select “Run an advanced scan.” Just be sure to choose ”Full scan.”
4. Hit “Scan now.” Restart your PC after the scan. However, by now, the DNS Server problem must have been solved.

Method 7: Switch to A Different DNS

There could be a DNS issue causing the DNS server issue. One of the possible fixes is to change your DNS to the Google Public DNS.

1. Open the “Control Panel.” Then select “Network and Internet.“
2. Choose ”Change adapter settings.” Choose the network you are currently using. Right-click and choose ”Properties.”
3. Click on the “IPv4” link under the “Networking” link, and select the “Properties” button.
4. Afterward, under “General,” choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
5. Finally, type 8.8.8.8 in the box next to the “Preferred DNS server” and hit “OK.”

Method 8: Update or Reinstall Network Drivers

Old or corrupt network drivers can result in connectivity issues. So, you need to update or reinstall the network driver to fix this issue:

1. Press Win + X and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters.
3. Select Update driver when you right-click your network adapter.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

If this does not fix the problem, please uninstall the network adapter and restart the computer to reinstall it.

Method 9: Keep Your Device Up-to-Date

Outdated OS can also cause Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource error. To fix this, perform an OS update manually.

1. Open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Now, check if there is any update available.

If there is any update available, make sure to download and install it. Once done, reboot your device and see if it works for you.

Conclusion

You can encounter the “Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource” message due to a number of network issues.

These could easily be solved by following the fixes mentioned above in this guide to fix the problem and get back your internet connection. If the problem continues, you may need to reach out to your ISP for assistance.

So, that’s all we have for you about Windows can’t communicate with the device or resource fixes. We hope that this guide has helped you. For more info, comment below.