Since the beginning of the year, my PC has developed a strange connectivity problem. Steam, the Epic Games Launcher, and Microsoft Edge work normally for roughly a minute after startup, then stop connecting to the internet. Other browsers and launchers, including Ubisoft Connect, Battle.net, and Minecraft Launcher, continue working without any problems. The issue happens over both Wi-Fi and a phone hotspot, so it does not appear to be caused by my network connection. I have also tried changing and flushing DNS settings, booting into Safe Mode, and checking the firewall. Restarting the computer used to fix the problem occasionally, but that no longer works. I previously used third-party antivirus, firewall, and VPN software, although those were installed after the issue began. What could these affected applications have in common, and how can I fix this without taking the PC to a repair shop?
2 Answers
If the usual network repairs and driver checks do nothing, a clean Windows reset or reinstall may be worth considering. Back up your files first and make sure you have installers and license information for anything important. This can remove hidden network filters or damaged system components that are difficult to identify manually.
Try resetting the Windows network stack from an administrator Command Prompt, then restart the computer once: ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /registerdns, ipconfig /release, ipconfig /renew, and netsh winsock reset. If that does not help, check whether particular websites fail too and look for leftover VPN, proxy, antivirus, or third-party firewall components that may still be filtering traffic.
I already ran all of those commands, but unfortunately the problem remained. I did use third-party antivirus, firewall, and VPN software, though I installed them after this issue first appeared.
A full wipe was going to be my last resort before using a repair shop, but I may try it sooner if I cannot find anything else.