How to fix: One or more network protocols are missing on this computer.
The "One or more network protocols are missing on this computer" problem may have appeared while trying to troubleshoot Internet connectivity problems on a Windows 10, 8 or 7 based computer. Internet connection problems can appear suddenly and without any obvious reason and may be caused by several issues, e.g. after a virus attack, after Windows Update, improper or corrupted network settings, etc..
Problem description: On a Windows computer you cannot connect to the Internet and open websites, regardless the fact that you don't have any signs of network connection problems. In fact, the network status on your network card (Wireless or Ethernet) may show "Connected", but you cannot access any Internet websites. If you try to run the network diagnostics troubleshooter in order to diagnose and fix the Internet access problem, you will receive the following error: "One or more network protocols are missing on this computer" with the following details: "Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing."
In this tutorial you can find several solutions to fix the "One or more network protocols are missing on this computer" problem.
How to fix: One or more network protocols are missing on this computer. (Windows 10, 8 & 7 OS)
Before you continue to troubleshoot your Internet access problems, try the following:
1. Unplug the power cord from your Internet Router for at least 30sec. Plug the power cord again and restart you computer.
2. Perform a full Shutdown on your Windows 10 or 8 computer. To do that:
1. From Start menu, choose Power.
2. While holding down the SHIFT key (on your keyboard), click Shutdown.
3. Power On your computer and find out if your Internet connectivity problem is resolved.
3. Make sure that your computer is virus/malware free. To accomplish this task, follow the steps from this Quick Malware Scan and Removal Guide.
Method 1. Check Network Settings & Disable the TCP/IPv6 Protocol.
Method 2: Reset/Repair Winsock Registry entries.
Method 3. Uninstall and Reinstall Network Adapter.
Method 4. Disable or Uninstall your Antivirus/Security Suite.
Method 5. Restore your computer to a previous working state.
Method 1. Check Network Settings & Disable the TCP/IPv6 Protocol.
1. Press “Windows” + “R” keys to load the Run dialog box.
2 Type ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
3. Right click on the active network connection and choose Properties.
4. Uncheck the Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) checkbox.
5. Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Make sure that the "Obtain an IP address automatically" & "Obtain DNS server address automatically" options are selected.
5. Press OK to apply changes and exit Network Properties.
6. Restart your computer and then try to connect to the Internet.
Method 2: Reset/Repair Winsock Registry entries.
Winsock, is a technical specification that defines how Windows network software should access network services, especially TCP/IP. If Winsock is corrupted, then you are not able to access the Internet. In that case you must repair Winsock. To do that:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. To do that:
In Windows 7 & Vista go to:
-
Start > All Programs > Accessories
-
Right-click to “Command prompt” item and choose “Run as administrator”.
In Windows 10, 8 & 8.1:
2. In command prompt, type the following commands in order:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- netsh winsock reset
3. Close command prompt and Shutdown (NOT RESTART) your computer.
Method 3. Uninstall and Reinstall Network Adapter.
1. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to load the Run dialog box.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
3. Expand Network adapters.
4. Right-click on the Ethernet Adapter you 're using and select Uninstall.
5. Click OK to confirm the device uninstall.
6. Then right click at the computer name (on the top) and click Scan for hardware changes. *
* Note: Normally Windows should reinstall all the necessary drivers for your network adapter. If Windows don't reinstall the drivers automatically, then you must download and reinstall them manually from the manufacturer's website.
7. After driver installation, restart Windows if required and then check if your internet connectivity is restored.
Method 4. Disable or Uninstall your Antivirus/Security Suite.
In some cases I have seen that some antivirus programs, like Avast or AVG Antivirus, cause network connectivity problems after updating their engine or after a Windows Update. In these cases I prefer to uninstall and reinstall the security protection program.
So, if you use an antivirus or firewall program that protects you from Internet traffic, try to disable the Internet (Web) protection or totally uninstall the security program from your computer. Next, if your Internet connectivity problem is fixed, then re-install your security protection program again.
Method 5. Restore your computer to a previous working state.
One of the most popular methods to fix Windows problems, is to restore your computer to a previous working state, because many times a Windows or a Software update may cause problems on the Windows operation. To restore your system to a previous working state:
1. Press the Windows + R keys to load the Run dialog box.
2. Type the following command to open the System Restore utility and press Enter.
- rstrui
3. At the first screen press Next.
4. Select a previous restore point from the list* and choose Next.
* Note: To show all available restore points, check the “Show more restore points” checkbox.
5. At the last screen, review your choices and press Finish.
4. Wait until “System Restore” process is completed.
5. After system restart, check if you Internet connection problem is solved.
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
We're hiring
We're looking for part-time or full-time technical writers to join our team! It's about a remote position that qualified tech writers from anywhere in the world can apply. Click here for more details.
- How to Easy Update to Windows 11 23H2 on Unsupported Hardware. - November 29, 2023
- How to Record in a PowerPoint presentation Audio & Video. - November 27, 2023
- How to fix: Microsoft Edge won't open, hangs, unresponsive, etc.. - November 22, 2023