The media disconnected error in Windows causes issues with the network and connectivity of the device. Sure, the name stated might deceive you into believing that the error is with the media component of your system. However, it refers to the network state of your PC. The error can be observed after running the ipconfig command in the command prompt.
Usually, when you are struggling with connectivity issues or observe that the network source you are using keeps disconnecting out of nowhere, you run the ipconfig command. It helps you find out the status of all the network devices. The Media Disconnected status of the Network State highlights the point of error that needs to be resolved.
If you have encountered a similar error on your PC, do not worry; we are here to help. Check out the working fixes listed below and try them on your PC to resolve the disconnected media error in Windows.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
These fixes will also work on Windows 11, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7.
5 Ways to Fix Network State Media Disconnected Error in Windows 10
Fix 1 – Check If the Network Adapter is Enabled
The first instance that causes the media disconnected error in Windows is if the network adapter is, by any chance, disabled. Check its status and ensure to turn it back ON. Here’s how you do it –
Step 1 – Press Windows + R to open the run search.
Step 2 – Use the command devmgmt.msc in the run to open Device Manager
Step 3 – In the opened Device Manager Window, look for the network adapters.
Step 4 – Select your network adapter and right-click on it to check the network adapter status. If it says Enable device, you know where the problem was. Click on enable to resolve the network state media disconnected error.
Step 5 – However, the device is enabled if you see Disable device. In this case, you can now click on Disable device and re-enable it so that it breaks the loop of error and restarts.
All in all, you have to ensure that your PC’s network adapter is working properly and is properly enabled.
Fix 2 – Reset WINSOCK & IP Stack
WINSOCK and IP stack are two crucial elements of your network configuration. Resetting them can help you reset the entire network properly, strengthening your network. Here are the steps to reset them –
Step 1 – Go to the Start Menu and search for Command Prompt.
Step 2 – In the found options, click on Run as administrator to start the Command Prompt utility with administrator privileges.
Step 3 – In the opened command prompt window, use the following command individually, i.e., press enter after each command –
netsh winsock reset catalog,
netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log
netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log
Step 4 – Once you successfully run all three commands, type exit in the command prompt to end the process.
Step 5 – Restart your computer to ensure the reset is completely successful.
This reset can help your network adapter overcome all the probable issues causing your device to fail and give the media disconnected error prompt on running the ipconfig command.
Fix 3 – Use Windows Network Troubleshooter
Sometimes the issue doesn’t necessarily lie in the network’s configuration. Sometimes the media disconnected error also occurs when the entire network mechanism is not properly running with Windows. The easiest way to resolve this issue is to run the network troubleshooter in your OS to check for errors.
Step 1 – Press Windows + I to open the System Settings on your Windows 11 PC.
Step 2 – In the Settings window, click the Troubleshoot option and enter it.
If running Windows 10, press Windows + I > select Update and Security and use the Troubleshoot option.
Step 3 – You may find an option called Other Troubleshooters. Click on it.
Step 4 – You may find Network & Internet troubleshooters in other troubleshooters.
Step 5 – Click on Run to initiate the process. Follow the steps on the screen to ensure no compatibility issues with the network adapter causing media disconnected network status on your PC.
The network issues should be resolved once you have done the above steps. In case it’s not, do not worry, as we still have a few fixes up our sleeves. Continue reading!
Fix 4 – Update Network Sharing Settings
The next thing to try to fix network issues on your Windows PC is to check and update the current network sharing settings on your PC. If the network sharing settings on your PC are turned ON, turn it off, as the impact of other PCs often causes media disconnected errors on your system.
Step 1 – Press Windows+R to open the run search
Step 2 – Type control in the run search box and hit enter to open the control panel.
Step 3 – Find Network & Sharing center in the control panel menu.
Step 4 – In Network & Sharing, find Change Adapter settings in the left-hand panel of your screen.
Step 5 – Click on it to find the connected network.
Step 6 – Right click on it to open its properties. Open the Sharing tab in the opened properties.
Step 7 – Uncheck the allow other devices to connect… option in the sharing tab. Click on OK to save and exit.
This will limit the network sharing capabilities, allowing you to eliminate issues like media disconnected network status on your PC.
Fix 5 – Ensure Network Adapter Drivers are Up to Date
Last but not least, if you still haven’t been able to resolve the issue, then your PC has an outdated network adapter driver that is causing the issue. Like any other device connected to your PC, the network adapter also has a dedicated driver that requires a proper update. When it’s not updated, issues like media disconnection come up out of nowhere.
Usually, users avoid updating crucial devices manually, as one wrong driver can fry up their device. To update the driver easily and reliably, you can use the Advanced Driver Updater. Here’s how it works –
Step 1 – Download and install the Advanced Driver Updater from the link below.
Step 2 – Run the application to find the Start Scan Now button. This allows you to scan your PC for outdated drivers.
Step 3 – The scan will go through all the installed drivers and compare them to the tool’s latest driver packages in its vast database.
Step 4 – The outdated drivers that it finds in the scan are instantly shown on your screen. Check carefully, as your network adapter driver will be there too!
Step 5 – Click on Update All and let the tool take care of fetching and installing the updates while you sit back and relax.
These 5 fixes can help you instantly resolve Windows’s network state media disconnected error. Use them accordingly, and you may find better results. That’ll be all for this post. Hope you find this helpful. Don’t forget to download and install Advanced Driver Updater on your PC to update your drivers.
Thanks for reading! Good Luck.
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