Can't enroll for extended security updates - it doesn't look like you're connected to the internet.

Question

Trying to enroll in ESU but error message says "it doesn't look like you are connected to the Internet". But, I am.

Answer 1

If you are receiving an error message stating that it doesn't look like you are connected to the internet while trying to enroll in Extended Security Updates (ESU), there are a few things you can check:

1. Internet Connectivity: Ensure that your device is indeed connected to the internet. You can try accessing a website or running a network diagnostic.
2. Activation URLs: Make sure that the necessary Microsoft Activation URLs are included in your allow list if you are behind a firewall or proxy. This can help facilitate the connection needed for the enrollment process.
3. Proxy Settings: If you are using a proxy server, verify that the settings are correctly configured to allow traffic to the Microsoft servers.
4. Firewall Settings: Check your firewall settings to ensure that they are not blocking the connection to the Microsoft Activation service.

If the device does not connect directly to the internet, consider using VAMT Proxy activation or Phone activation as alternatives.

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References:

• Troubleshoot issues in ESU
• Troubleshoot delivery of Extended Security Updates for Windows Server 2012

Answer 2

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

This issue occurs when there is a miscalibration with the network connection. Do you have third-party anti-virus? If yes, I recommend uninstalling it and checking it again. If the issue persists, make sure you do not have any proxy or VPN software, then follow the steps below:

These sets of commands will reset the internet connection and recalibrate the internet settings you have.

Press Windows Key + X

Click on the Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin)

Type the following commands, and hit Enter after each command:

netsh int tcp set heuristics disabled
netsh int tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled
netsh int tcp set global rss=enabled
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

If the same issue follows the steps below:

Do a clean boot:

A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs so that you can determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program.

• In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.
• On the Services tab of System Configuration, select Hide all Microsoft services, and then select Disable all.
• On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.
• Under Startup in Task Manager, for each startup item, select the item and then select Disable.
• Close Task Manager.
• On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK. When you restart the computer, it's in a clean boot environment.

Troubleshooting reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd

Answer 3

Hello, 

Please run Network Adapter troubleshooter from Settings app > Update & security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. See if it helps you.

If issue still persists, try to perform Network Reset:

1. Open Settings app, click Network & Internet > Status > Network reset link.
2. Now click on Reset button on next screen.
3. In confirmation prompt appearing next, click Yes.

Let us know if this helps!

Answer 4

Hello Glenn Farnham!

Welcome to the Q&A forum.

From what you wrote, you're having some issues enrolling in Extended Security Updates (ESU) because of an error saying: "it doesn't look like you're connected to the Internet" while it's connected.

At the moment, Microsoft hasn’t released any official fix regarding this behavior. However, here are some suggestions you can try:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Optional Updates to see if there are any Wi-Fi driver update available.
2. Go to Windows Settings > System > Shared experiences > Accounts. Check that all listed accounts are working correctly. If you notice duplicate or inactive Microsoft accounts, remove them to avoid conflicts.

Extra step: Turn on "Find my device" in Settings > Update & Security

If the issue still persists after following the suggested steps (including those shared earlier by Lester Bernard Reyes and Kapil Arya), it could simply be the result of many people trying to register at the same time. In that situation, please give it time a while to see if it's working back soon.

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