Recently, a number of Windows users have started complaining about running into the “Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing” error on their computers. The error message seems to show up randomly, blocking network access which makes it impossible to use your PC to the fullest of its abilities. So, how do you get rid of the “Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing” error?
In this post, we will tell you about the possible reasons behind the error and suggest a few uncomplicated fixes for getting rid of it. However, we better start at the beginning.
What Are Windows Sockets?
Windows Sockets is a programming interface that is in charge of incoming and outgoing network requests on devices with Windows operating systems.
Windows sockets (Winsocks for short) throw up the error message when the needed registry entries are corrupted or missing. Some users have tried fixing the error by updating their systems to the latest available Windows update. This has worked for some, but others are encountering the error messages to this day.
Troubleshooting issues can indicate “Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing” error. Unfortunately, the built-in Windows troubleshooter seems to be unable to fix these issues automatically. So, even if it does detect a problem, it can’t really provide an automatic solution that would rid you of the issue quickly and painlessly.
Worry no more because we’ll teach you how to fix the ‘Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing’ problem on Windows 10.
As there can be quite a few reasons behind the error, there could also be a number of solutions.
You should first try upgrading your Windows to see if this fixes the problem. If not, try the solutions listed below.
How to Fix the Missing Windows Sockets Registry entries error?
The good news is that if you want to get rid of the “Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing” error, it should not be that difficult to do. You may need to fix
corrupted entries and alter different elements of the system to get the problem resolved. While you may not be able to fix the issue instantly, there is a high chance that you will be able to solve the problem with one of the methods listed below.
There are several methods you can try here. These are:
- Running the Network Diagnostic Troubleshooter
- Resetting Windows Sockets
- Removing and reinstalling TCP/IP Protocol
- Updating adapter drivers
- Disabling your proxy
Let’s start at the beginning and go over each of the possible fixes one by one. If the first one doesn’t work, move on to the next one — and so on.
Fix One: Run the Network Diagnostic Troubleshooter
Sometimes the error can be fixed by using the Network Diagnostic Troubleshooter. Here’s how:
In the system tray, right-click the network connection icon.
Select Troubleshoot problems and follow the on-screen prompts.
If this doesn’t work, move on to fix number two.
Fix Two: Reset Windows Sockets
Here’s how to reset your Windows Sockets:
- Launch Command Prompt with administrative rights.
- In the next window, type the following:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
- Press Enter after each command to launch it.
Fix Three: Remove and Reinstall TCP/IP Protocol
If you want to remove and reinstall TCP/IP Protocol, here’s how to proceed:
- Click the Start button and type “run” (no quotes) and hit Enter.
- Then, type “regedit” (no quotes) and press Enter.
- Navigate to this key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Services.
- Right-click it and delete the entire Winsock key and the Winsock2.
- Now, log in as Admin and find Network and Sharing Center in the Control Panel.
- Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties.
- Under the “This Component Uses the Following Items” dialog box, click Install.
- Click protocol and Add.
- Click Have Disk.
- In the Copy Manufacture’s files from box section, type: C:\\windows\\inf.
- Click OK.
- Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then OK.
- Restart your PC.
If this option hasn’t worked, move on to the next fix,
Fix Four: Update Your Adapter Drivers
In order to update your adapter drivers, complete the following steps:
- Open the Device Manager.
- Scroll down to Network adapters and expand the menu.
- Find the first ethernet adapter — it is the one that needs to be reinstalled.
- Right-click and select Properties.
- Click Uninstall and Confirm.
- Restart your PC and try to connect.
Still getting the error message? Try the fifth fix.
Fix Five: Disable Your Proxy
If there is a proxy running on your PC, disabling may help you get rid of the error message. Here’s how to disable your proxy:
- Navigate to Internet Options and go to the Connections tab.
- Click LAN settings and check the Proxy server section.
- Ensure that Use a proxy server for your LAN is not checked.
- Click OK to save.
There you have it. We hope you now know how to repair missing Windows sockets registry entries. Which of the solutions listed above has been the most effective in your case? Please share in the comments below.
Another possible fix for repairing errors of this kind is using an automated tool like Registry Cleaner. Once installed, the program will clean, repair and optimize your Windows registry to help you get rid of errors (just like the “Windows sockets registry entries required for network connectivity are missing” error), eliminate crashes and restore smooth and stable operation of your system. The best thing about the tool is that it gives you full control of the situation: you will be able to review the registry entries the program finds to be corrupt and exclude any that you may want to keep on your computer.
