Alex Ruben
How To Resolve the “Try Running Windows Network Diagnostics” Error When a Site Can’t Be Reached
If you’re hitting that annoying “This site can’t be reached” message while browsing, it’s not entirely your fault. Sometimes Windows just gets tripped up with DNS or network settings and refuses to cooperate. This stuff happened to me more than once, and honestly, it’s usually a mix of quick fixes and fiddling with some commands. Kind of weird, but here’s a rundown that’s worked over the years, no matter if it’s Windows 10 or 11.
Step 1: Access Troubleshoot Settings
First, gotta get into the network diagnostic tools. Here’s how:
- Hit the Start button or tap the Windows key.
- Type in Troubleshoot settings and click on that.
- Once there, go to Other troubleshooters.
Why? Because Windows’ built-in troubleshooter tries to auto-detect what’s wrong. Usually a quick way in, especially with DNS or network glitches.
Step 2: Run the Network Troubleshooter
Now, give Windows a shot at fixing it:
- Find the Network and Internet troubleshooter in the list.
- Click on Run — yeah, it’s that simple.
- Follow the prompts. Sometimes it’ll suggest resetting your adapter or flushing DNS. It’s doing its best to fix stuff quietly.
Expect it to do its thing and report fixes or issues. On some setups, it runs smooth, but on others, it kinda stalls — that’s Windows for you.
Step 3: Use Command Prompt for Advanced Fixing
If the troubleshooter didn’t cut it, time to crack open Command Prompt:
- Search for cmd, then right-click and select Run as administrator. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Type this to clear DNS cache:
ipconfig /flushdnsthen Enter. - Next, reset the network stack:
netsh winsock reset. Hit Enter again. - Oh, and reboot your PC. It’s like giving Windows a fresh start.
Why run these? Clearing DNS caches and resetting Winsock often fixes those DNS errors that cause the site not to load. It’s usually magic-ish, but not always. Sometimes you need more fiddling or a restart of your router, which leads to the next tip.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Things to check if the above didn’t help:
- Ensure your Ethernet cable is snug or Wi-Fi isn’t dropping. Basic, but sometimes overlooked.
- Reboot your modem/router before trying the troubleshooting again — sometimes it just needs a quick power cycle to clear out glitches.
- See if other devices connect okay. If they don’t, then there’s probably an issue with your network or ISP, not your PC.
When All Else Fails
Not sure why it works sometimes and not others, but syncing your network driver updates can help. You can do this via Device Manager:
devmgmt.mscFind your network device, right-click, choose Update driver. Or check your manufacturer’s site for the latest wireless or Ethernet drivers.
If that still doesn’t do it, maybe try reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network or resetting your network settings entirely: Settings > Network & Internet > Reset network. Just keep in mind, that’ll wipe your saved Wi-Fi passwords too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the troubleshooter doesn’t find any issues?
Sometimes Windows just refuses to admit there’s a problem. Best bet is to restart your router, then try the troubleshooter again or jump straight into resetting DNS and Winsock commands.
Can these steps be done on Windows 7 or 8?
Kind of. The menu paths are different, but the core ideas — flush DNS, reset network stack — still apply. Just look for network commands in Command Prompt on those OS versions.
What if the problem keeps coming back?
Then it’s probably a DNS issue that auto-resets, or your Internet Service Provider has some hiccup. Also, check your network driver or switch over to a different DNS provider (like Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) to see if that stabilizes things.
Summary
- Run Windows’ built-in network troubleshooter.
- Use Command Prompt to clear DNS and reset network stack.
- Reboot your router/modem if needed.
- Check network drivers and DNS settings.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Because honestly, these issues are a pain but usually fixable with a couple of tweaks. Fingers crossed this helps.