Fixing ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY 54 (0x36) Problems: A Complete Guide

Step 1: Re-enable Your Network Adapter

Begin fixing the ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY issue by re-enabling your network adapter.

1. Press Windows + S to launch Search, type Control Panel, and select the appropriate result.
2. Choose Network and Internet.
3. Access the Network and Sharing Center.
4. Select Change adapter settings on the left menu.’
5. Right-click the active network adapter and select Disable.
6. Right-click again on the same adapter and choose Enable.
7. Check if the ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY message persists.

Step 2: Reinstall Your Network Adapter Driver

Reinstalling the network adapter driver can resolve driver-related issues contributing to network errors.

1. Open Power User menu by pressing Windows + X, then select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Network adapters section, right-click the active adapter, and choose Uninstall device.
3. Check the box for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and click Uninstall.
4. Restart your PC to allow Windows to install a fresh driver automatically.

Step 3: Update Your Network Adapter Driver

Keeping your network adapter driver up to date can preempt many connectivity issues.

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Locate the Network adapters section, right-click the active adapter, and select Update driver.
3. Click on Search automatically for drivers and let Windows install the latest available version.
4. Restart your PC to apply the changes.

If Windows indicates that you already have the best drivers, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest version manually.

Step 4: Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can trigger various network issues, including ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY.

1. Press Windows + S, type Command Prompt, and run as administrator.
2. Accept the UAC prompt.
3. Run the following DISM commands one by one: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth, DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth, DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Execute sfc /scannow to repair potential issues with system files.
5. Restart your computer.

If slow performance and other errors persist, corrupted files were likely impacting your system, and the SFC and DISM scans should help restore them.

Step 5: Reset Network Settings

Sometimes resetting network settings can clear persistent errors.

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter for administrator privileges.
2. Confirm the UAC prompt.
3. Execute the following commands one at a time: ipconfig /release, ipconfig /flushdns, ipconfig /renew, netsh int ip reset, netsh winsock reset.
4. Restart your PC and check if the ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY has been cleared.

Step 6: Scan for Malware

Malware can disrupt network operations significantly, including causing program errors.

1. Open Search and type Windows Security, selecting the appropriate result.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Navigate to Scan options.
4. Select Full scan and then click on Scan now.
5. Be patient as the scan proceeds, which may take 15-45 minutes.

If malware is not detected, consider utilizing a reputable third-party antivirus for a deeper system check.

Step 7: Reinstall Windows

As a last resort method, reinstalling Windows can solve issues arising from persistent errors.

For guidance on reinstalling Windows 11, create a bootable USB drive and follow the on-screen setup instructions.

Keep in mind, this step should only be considered after all other troubleshooting avenues have failed.

What is the ERROR_NETWORK_BUSY error?

How can I prevent this error in the future?