Programs aren't able to connect to internet, but my browsers are fine

Question

Hello, I just recently posted about this topic and I thought it was solved but the problem has arisen again. All of my programs are unable to connect to the internet, except for Google Chrome and Edge. My Spotify says offline, my Discord is not able to connect, and my Zoom just doesn't work -- which is particularly frustrating because I need to get into my classes. Does anyone have a solution?

Thank you!

Nathan

Answer 1

Hey Greg!

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, I just wanted to see if the solution would be permanent -- unfortunately it wasn't. ):

I made sure to do almost everything in the order that you provided, short from restoring from a previous update (and I'm hoping that is the culprit!) I opened the version update history, and I have a number of updates from the past two months, unfortunately I don't remember how long this problem has been a thing. Do you think that I should uninstall up until January and hope that fixes the problem? There is also a new update available currently but the title of it is "Security Intelligence Update for Windows Defender Antivirus", do you think that would my current predicament?

Thank you!

Nathan

Answer 2

Nathan, the easiest way to do this is to System Restore to a point before the problem started: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

If this resolves the problem then watch closely what Windows Updates install to try to pinpoint which one(s) cause the problem if it happens again (often it won't) so you can uninstall the Updates in Installed Update History, or System Restore again, then use the Hide Updates tool to check for an find those Updates to block them. This is illustrated here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

Keep me posted .

Answer 3

There wasn't any restore points for me to restore to, so I ended up just uninstalling the last four Windows updates that I had up until January. But this didn't seem to work. ):

I'm at a loss, I feel like I've tried literally everything. You don't happen to have any other solutions do you haha!

Answer 4

System Restore is your first line of defense if Windows ever malfunctions as it can run even from recovery media to get you back before a problem started. It should always be turned on C drive with plenty of disk space (5-15%) configured. Here's how to check and when necessary how to run System Restore: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

Try running the Windows Store App Troubleshooter from Windows Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

Update your drivers and BIOS/UEFI firmware from PC or motherboard maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Updating drivers from the Device Manager or Windows Update is rarely enough. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is keep the latest manufacturer's drivers installed from their Support Downloads web page.

If nothing else works then do a Repair Install, by installing Media Creation Tool, open tool and choose to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows while keeping files, programs and most settings in place, and is also the most stable method to advance to the latest version. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Answer 5

Hey Greg,

So I was finally able to get around to doing this, and ended up having to do the Media Creation Tool step. However, my apps will continue to appear as offline unless I reset my network. I am not sure what the problem is and what else I am even able to do.

Do you think it might be a problem with my motherboard, as it seems I have reinstalled Windows and that didn't seem to fix it? My motherboard is only a year old -- I have the Aorus B450 M if that helps. My ethernet cable is attached to it.

You wouldn't happen to have anymore solutions, would you?

Thank you,

Nathan