Able to connect internet with browser, apps cannot connect to internet.

Question

My problems started when I tried to log into discord, it gave me an update failed -> retrying update loop. I figured it was just a bug and then reinstalled discord through google. After downloading the installer with NO issues, I then couldn't launch the installer, giving me another failed screen. Another weird thing, discord on web works fine, I'm able to chat and call through it.

Apps like google and Spotify have no issues getting internet, and I can search and download things perfectly fine, but when it comes to apps like steam and discord, I can't connect to the cloud or update.

After trying multiple things I then resorted to chatgpt to fix my issues. It told me to do the usual dnsflush and ip stuff in command prompt, which didn't help. It then led me to install windows 11 again, but that failed and gave this (0x8007042B - 0x2000D) error code.

When using google I'm getting great upload and download speeds, I'm using wi-fi, but never had issues before. Thanks for taking the time to read I'm really lost here.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing a connectivity issue with specific applications while your web browser is functioning normally. Here are a few potential solutions you can try:

1. Check Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall is not blocking the applications. You may need to create inbound and outbound rules for Discord and Steam in the Windows Firewall settings.
2. Network Isolation for UWP Apps: If the applications are Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, they might not be permitted to receive loopback traffic. You can check the permissions and capabilities of these apps to ensure they are set correctly.
3. DNS and IP Configuration: Since you mentioned trying DNS flush and IP configuration commands, ensure that you have reset your network settings completely. You can do this by running the following commands in Command Prompt (as Administrator):
   • netsh int ip reset
   • netsh winsock reset
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • ipconfig /flushdns
4. Check for Updates: Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date, as updates can resolve underlying issues that affect connectivity.
5. Reinstall Applications: If the apps are still not working, try uninstalling and then reinstalling them. Make sure to download the latest versions directly from their official websites.
6. Check Network Environment: If you are using a VPN or proxy, try disabling it to see if that resolves the connectivity issues with the applications.
7. Event Viewer Logs: Check the Event Viewer for any logs that might indicate what is causing the applications to fail to connect.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider checking your router settings or contacting your Internet Service Provider for further assistance.

---

References:

• Connection issues when signing in after updating to Office 2016 build 16.0.7967 on Windows 10
• Windows Update issues troubleshooting

Answer 2

Hi Ryan, I can imagine how frustrating this must be your internet works perfectly in browsers but apps like Discord and Steam fail and even Windows Update refuses to connect.

Reset the system proxy with netsh winhttp reset proxy and turn off any proxy in Windows settings then enable TLS 1.2 in Internet Options and set WinHTTP defaults. Restart update services clean reinstall Discord adjust Steam region/firewall and check your hosts file for blocked endpoints.

After resetting the WinHTTP proxy and enabling TLS 1.2 did Windows Update or any of the apps like Discord or Steam start connecting or are they still failing?

Best regards

Lucky