The most common cause is the corruption or deletion of these registry entries, often due to malware, improper system updates, or third-party applications interfering with network settings. Additional causes may include outdated network drivers or recent changes to network settings. This problem has been frequently reported across various Windows versions, especially Windows 10. Now, how to resolve this? Here are some solutions we found working for us when we faced this issue in a controlled environment.
1. Disable IPv6
Disabling IPv6 addresses a potential incompatibility or misconfiguration that may exist between your computer and the network infrastructure. Although IPv6 is designed to succeed IPv4 with improved capabilities, some networks still primarily rely on the older IPv4 architecture. By turning off IPv6 on your computer, it simplifies the connection process. Note: Turn this back on if it doesn’t resolve your issue because many internet services rely on IPv6, and they may not work with it being disabled.
2. Re-enable Adapter
This action can often resolve problematic internet connections because it prompts your computer to re-establish communication with the router, renew IP addresses, and resolve any temporary conflicts that might have caused the adapter to fall out of sync with network protocols.
3. Reset Winsock
Winsock, short for Windows Socket, is a technical specification detailing how Windows network software should access network services, especially TCP/IP. When you reset it, you’re essentially clearing any remaining or incorrect configurations that could be blocking your connection to the internet, thus potentially fixing the error.
4. Reinstall TCP/IP
This fundamental set of protocols manages the transfer of data across network boundaries, making sure that packets of information find their way to the correct destination. When TCP/IP configurations become corrupt, reinstating this protocol from scratch can act as a new start, essentially eliminating any incorrect settings or corruption that might have been disrupting your connection. This fresh start for network communication protocols often resolves connectivity issues and resolves troublesome errors, like the one we’re addressing.
5. Reset Network Settings Via Command Prompt
This one is pretty self-explanatory. If your network configurations are corrupted, you may need to reset your network settings using a set of Command Prompt commands that we are going to provide down below. Note: This will reset your Network Configuration. Ensure to backup your network settings or at least take note of them if you have any special changes done to your network, such as a custom DNS provider or dedicated IP address.
6. Reinstall Network Driver
Network drivers are basically the software that facilitate communication between your operating system and the hardware, like Ethernet cards or wireless adapters. When these drivers are outdated, missing, or corrupted, network performance can be seriously impacted, leading to errors. By removing the current driver and then allowing the system to install a fresh copy upon reboot, you address any issues that may have been caused by corruption or incompatibility in the driver software. This can resolve underlying problems and restore your computer’s ability to communicate properly with network protocols, ultimately fixing connectivity issues.
7. Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus
Third-party antivirus programs often come with their own layered network drivers and firewall settings that may accidentally disrupt normal internet connectivity by blocking necessary communication ports or changing network configurations. By uninstalling non-essential antivirus programs, you eliminate any such conflicts, potentially restoring smooth network operation and resolving the error message concerning missing network protocols. If the issue continues, you may need to consider disabling Windows Defender.
8. Change Wireless Mode to 802.11g
The 802.11g standard operates at a 2.4GHz frequency, which is compatible with most wireless devices. By enforcing this mode, you streamline the communication protocol, potentially bypassing interference and compatibility issues that could arise with mixed-mode settings. This focused approach often helps in stabilizing your network connection, thereby resolving the protocol error and improving your device’s ability to communicate effectively over Wi-Fi.
